America's Got Talent: Season 5 - FINALE

And now, my final America's Got Talent blog post for season 5:

America's Got Talent Season 5: FINALE
Airdate: Wednesday, September 15, 2010 [8-10pm]

• Prince Poppycock performed "Last Dance" and "No More Tears" with Donna Summer
• The Beatles' "Love" by Cirque du Soleil
• Michael Grimm performed "Me and Bobby McGee" with Jewel
• Fighting Gravity performed while Lionel Richie sung "Dancing on the Ceiling"
• Video: Nick Cannon highlights
• Sponjetta (auditioner) and Nick Cannon perform her song, "Studio," later joined by T-Pain
• Video: Bad auditions
• Audition All-Stars perform "I Gotta Feeling"
• Here are the season 6 audition stops (which start in October):
• Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Seattle, Atlanta & Houston
• Jackie Evancho performed "Time to Say Goodbye" with Sarah Brightman
• Video: Judges highlights; when the video was over, Piers and Howie were replaced by Future Funk at the judges table and they hit their X's.
• David Copperfield performed
• Goo Goo Dolls performed "Slide"
• Video: The week leading up to the final performance episode
• 4th Place: Prince Poppycock
• 3rd Place: Fighting Gravity
• Usher performed "DJ Got Us Falling in Love"
• Video: Journey of the Final 2
• Runner-Up: Jackie Evancho
• WINNER: MICHAEL GRIMM!

I think it's safe to say that pretty much everyone was wrong in their predictions. Almost everyone online said that either Jackie Evancho or Fighting Gravity would win. Even though I am upset at the results here, I still have to say that Michael Grimm is one of the most talented singers to come on this show, and I very well may buy his CD if he comes out with one.

My Prediction Totals for the Season: 31/38 = 82% (if only making predictions was this easy on American Idol).

Here are all the times I have selected a performance as my favorite for the entire season:

• Jackie Evancho: 4
• Fighting Gravity: 3
• Michael Grasso: 3
• Anna and Patryk: 3
• Prince Poppycock: 2
• Michael Grimm: 2
• Murray: 1
• Harmonica Pierre: 1
• Alice Tan Ridley: 1

To close out this the fifth season of NBC's hit summer show (and the #1 show of the summer), America's Got Talent, here are my closing thoughts:

There have been many times this season when I have been frustrated by this show (during the beginning and middle of the season when the judges would make some ridiculous decisions and we the viewers wanted to just slap them up the heads for not focusing on talent). But once we got down to the final 10, we had a pretty solid group of finalists and without a doubt the strongest set of finalists this show has ever seen.

Coming off of last season when the non-talented Kevin Skinner won (who the judges were gushing over, and the majority of voters went deaf and just followed what the judges wanted), I came into season 5 with cautious optimism, with the ope that this year we would get back on track after that one slip-up. Because I believe that with the exception of Kevin Skinner, the right person has won every single year (Bianca Ryan, Terry Fator, Neil E. Boyd). When it came down to this year's final 4, I was so sure that either Jackie Evancho or Fighting Gravity would win. Alas, that did not happen. With both last year and this year, I am seeing some parallels to American Idol here. The winners from last year's American Idol and America's Got Talent (Kris Allen and Kevin Skinner, respectively) were the least talented winners those shows have ever seen. And this year's winners on both shows (Lee Dewyze for AI and Michael Grimm for AGT) were definitely big steps up from the previous year, but were not the most talented from the year. They were both very likable and definitely had a lot of talent, but Crystal Bowersox should have won over Lee, and either Jackie Evancho or Fighting Gravity should have won over Michael. But when it comes down to it, the future is when we will see if America did in fact get it wrong (from album sales, etc).

Sorry for going off on that little rant here. I just had to get that out. But regardless, I have nothing against Michael Grimm, and I do hope he able to put out a CD, because I'm sure he has a great recording voice. And I know Jackie will do just fine. And I'm confident that Fighting Gravity will get their own show in Las Vegas (Prince Poppycock is also perfect for Vegas as well).

Well...Season 5 of America's Got Talent is now over, which means that another summer is almost at its end as new and returning shows premiere in the fall season. At times, this summer's AGT seemed to drag on and on without an end in sight. Now that it is over, it's time to gear up for the fall season (some shows have begun already). I had fun doing commentary for AGT this year, and I hope I am able to do it next summer as well. The next time my commentary returns to the blog will be in the first couple months of the new year when American Idol returns, and again next summer for season 6 of AGT. And now, for the final time this year: see ya then...

America's Got Talent: Season 5 - Top 4

Last week's results show recap:

• Michael Grasso & Prince Poppycock are up first:
• Prince Poppycock - Advancing to Top 4 [Prediction: 1/1]
• Michael Grasso - Eliminated
• Cast of Broadway's American Idiot performed two songs, I believe, concluding with "American Idiot"
• Michael Grimm & Taylor Matthews are up next:
• Michael Grimm - Advancing to Top 4 [1/2]
• Taylor Matthews - Eliminated
• Sarah McLachlan performed "Forgiveness"
• Jeremy VanSchoonhoven and Christina & Ali are up next:
• Jeremy VanSchoonhoven - Eliminated
• Christina & Ali - Eliminated
• Jackie Evancho & Anna and Patryk are up next:
• Jackie Evancho - Advancing to Top 4 [2/3]
• Anna and Patryk - Eliminated
• Fighting Gravity & Studio One Young Beast Society are the final two acts:
• Fighting Gravity - Advancing to Top 4 [3/4]
• Studio One Young Beast Society - Eliminated

America's Got Talent Season 5: Top 4
Airdate: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 [9-10pm]

1. Prince Poppycock [Opera Singer; performed "Nessun Dorma"]: This isn't the first time an opera singer has done this song on this show (and it is a personal favorite of Sharon's). But I agree with Piers that he wasn't on top of his game this time. The performance was more subdued and did not draw me in as much. While I love the song, the way he brought it alive on stage did not match the greatness of the song. Does he have a shot at winning?: No, not anymore.
2. Michael Grimm [Singer; performed "When A Man Loves A Woman"]: After his misstep of a performance last week, he stepped it back up and delivered another solid set that fits his vocals perfectly. I don't think there was anything wrong with this performance. Now, having said that (and even though we haven't seen the final two acts yet), when you put him up against Jackie Evancho and Fighting Gravity, he doesn't have a shot at winning.
3. Jackie Evancho [Opera Singer; performed "Ave Maria"]: For her final performance, she pulled out a well-known song (and strategically, the perfect song for her to sing in the finals) and delivered a flawless performance (though I thought she might have struggled only slightly when going into the lower register). If we were only voting on these final three acts, she would win in a landslide. But we still have Fighting Gravity, who is the favorite coming into this final performance episode.
• Some of the eliminated variety acts from this year came back as filler and performed one right after the other, then all together at the end: Harmonica Pierre, Michael Lipari & Ashleigh Dejon, Michael Grasso, Haspop, Anna and Patryk, and Studio One Young Beast Society.
4. Fighting Gravity [Variety Act]: They brought the continuity of what we have seen from them before, along with some new elements that I loved watching. This performance may not have been grander than their previous performances, but it definitely was on par with their previous sets. Now that all the acts have performed, I will say that it is between Jackie Evancho and Fighting Gravity for the win. Even if Fighting Gravity does lose, I predict that they will be the most successful act from this season.

Favorite Performances: Jackie Evancho, Fighting Gravity

My Votes: Fighting Gravity [10 votes by phone / 10 votes online]

Winner Prediction: Fighting Gravity

My Season 5 Vote Tracker:

Fighting Gravity: 60 votes

Michael Grasso: 30 votes

Harmonica Pierre: 20 votes

Jackie Evancho: 20 votes

Anna and Patryk: 20 votes

Prince Poppycock: 20 votes

Michael Grimm: 10 votes

Alice Tan Ridley: 10 votes

Murray: 10 votes

Total: 200 votes cast from me for the entire season

While I believe it is easy to pick which acts are truly in the running to win, I don't think that only one act has the absolute edge over the other. As I already mentioned, I believe it will come down to Jackie Evancho and Fighting Gravity. Prince Poppycock blew his chance after that final performance. And even though Michael Grimm is the best singer this year (outside of Jackie Evancho), I don't think he ever really had a shot at winning, no matter how well he would have done. I am still going with Fighting Gravity as the act I predict will win. What also helped them was having the pimp spot (performing last and being fresh in voters' minds). FG has been the most consistent for the entire season. And their act is obviously perfect for Vegas. But at the same time we can't discount Jackie, because she has constantly blown us away with her unbelievable voice. Either way, I will be fine with either of those two acts winning, though I will be happiest if FG wins.

Tonight, we have a two-hour finale from 8-10pm. Filling up that long time will be guest performances by a whole host of well-known singers, performers and entertainers, including the Goo Goo Dolls, David Copperfield, Usher, Sarah Brightman, Jewel and Cirque du Soleil. Between all the fun, two acts will be eliminated, leaving us with the final 2, one of which will be announced as the winner of America's Got Talent at the end of the night. See ya then...

[Note: This is obviously my final commentary blog post on an America's Got Talent performance episode for the season. The next time I post on here will be to recap the finale.]

America's Got Talent: Season 5 - Top 10

First, here's the recap for last week's results show:

• Debra Romer, Michael Grasso, Murray & Nathaniel Kenyon are up first:
• Michael Grasso - Advancing top Top 10 [Prediction: 1/1]
• Debra Romer - Eliminated
• Murray - Eliminated
• Nathaniel Kenyon - Eliminated
• Le Reve performed
• Fighting Gravity & Jeremy VanSchoonhoven are up next:
• Fighting Gravity - Advancing to Top 10 [2/2]
• Jeremy VanSchoonhoven - Advancing to Top 10 [3/3]
• Jerry Springer promotes the AGT Tour
• Haspop, Jackie Evancho & Maestro Alexander Bui are up next:
• Jackie Evancho - Advancing to Top 10 [4/4]
• Haspop - Eliminated
• Maestro Alexander Bui - Eliminated
• Studio One Young Beast Society, Michael Lipari & Ashleigh Dejon, & Alice Tan Ridley are the final three acts:
• Michael Lipari & Ashleigh Dejon - Eliminated
• Judge's Choice:
• Piers - Studio One Young Beast Society
• Sharon - Studio One Young Beast Society
• Howie - N/A
• Studio One Young Beast Society - Advancing to Top 10 [4/5]
• Alice Tan Ridley - Eliminated
• My Predictions: I got four out of five predictions correct this week.

America's Got Talent Season 5: Top 10

Airdate: Tuesday, September 7, 2010 [9-11pm]

1. Studio One Young Beast Society [Dancers]: There always seems to be one segment of their routine where they really step it up and impress, and tonight was no different. As for the rest, it was consistent with what we have seen from them. But going first will most likely hurt their chances.
2. Christina & Ali [Singers; performed "Love You I Do"]: I knew it wasn't going to be good right from the start, with the older one's opening solo - very off-key. I don't think they should have picked an up-tempo song because it limits their already weak vocals even more. With only four advancing (and with a lot more stronger acts than them), they don't stand a chance.
3. Jeremy VanSchoonhoven [Bike Tricks]: The only reason he was voted through last week was because of his injuries. This time he has nothing to fall back on (I don't mean that literally) to get through. When the front wheel of his first bike fell off (on purpose), I didn't get the point of it; it just made it seem like his bike had problems. And when he went to the second bike, I didn't get the point of his "sidekicks" (one of which was holding the first bike over her head for the rest of the time). While there were some impressive tricks, overall he didn't do anything that was Top 4 material.
4. Taylor Matthews [Singer; performed Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World"]: I still don't get how he is still in the competition; he has a weak voice like Christina & Ali, but doesn't have a story like the girls do to warrant an excuse to stay in. And to sing my favorite song of all time, Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World," it makes it even worse, but his weak voice didn't do the song justice. The more laid-back reggae arrangement of the song was interesting, but it all comes back to his voice; he needs to go.
5. Anna and Patryk [Ballroom Dancers]: That was so unfortunate that Anna fell down the stairs at the start, but she picked right back up, which was great to see. Every single week, I have praised them. But I didn't think the performance was as good this time; there were times when it seemed sloppy. I don't know if it was because of the type of dance or the fall that threw them off. But her fall will get them sympathy votes, so they still might have a shot.
• Enrique Iglesias lip-synced to an auto-tuned "I Like It"
6. Fighting Gravity [Black Light Act]: This may be the first time that I was a little disappointed by their performance. And I think it was the moon landing story that made it so, because the moves they set with the story were a tad dull. But they are still extremely talented and need to and deserve to be in the Top 4 and win.
7. Michael Grimm [Singer; performed "Let's Stay Together"]: I don't know if it was the song or what, but his voice was just okay during the first half of the performance, which was really disappointing. But he got back on track in the second half and showed us the Michael Grimm we love to hear.
8. Michael Grasso [Magician]: Every time it seems like he appears somewhere else. And when I sensed that he was going to do that once again, I was worried that it was going to seem repetitive. But he upped the ante with this appearance by adding a new twist of switching places with one of the assistants on stage instead of the woman in the box, which he led us to believe was going to happen. Extremely impressive! I may have to do some research, but I don't know if a magician has ever had this great a chance at getting to the final performance episode.
9. Prince Poppycock [Opera Singer; performed "Star-Spangled Banner" / "Yankee Doodle Dandy" / "Stars & Stripes Forever"]: Usually when there is this huge patriotic angle to a performance, it becomes cheesy. And I think it was a little cheesy. The songs he chose limited his vocals at times. But there were still some great moments. And I loved that it seemed like he got a little dig in at gay marriage opponents - "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. Of course, some are just a little more equal than others."
10. Jackie Evancho [Singer; performed "Pie Jesu"]: Last week, I didn't feel the same way I did during her initial performance. But I'm feeling that same awe again now. Based on this performance alone, she should at least be in the Top 2.

Favorite Performances: Michael Grasso / Jackie Evancho

My Votes: Fighting Gravity [10 votes by phone] / Michael Grasso [10 votes online]

Predictions to Advance: Fighting Gravity / Michael Grasso / Prince Poppycock / Jackie Evancho

My Season 5 Vote Tracker:

Fighting Gravity: 40 votes

Michael Grasso: 30 votes

Harmonica Pierre: 20 votes [Eliminated]

Jackie Evancho: 20 votes

Anna and Patryk: 20 votes

Prince Poppycock: 20 votes

Michael Grimm: 10 votes

Alice Tan Ridley: 10 votes

Murray: 10 votes

Total: 180 votes cast so far

Even though I personally did not think Fighting Gravity and Prince Poppycock were at the top of their game, I believe that those two acts plus Jackie Evancho are guaranteed to be in the Top 4. This really is a hard round to go through, because with only ten acts remaining and only four spots in the next round, many are great at this point and so we have to say goodbye to some really good acts. After those three acts, the final spot could go to one of these three acts: Anna and Patryk, Michael Grimm or Michael Grasso. But with the attachment that viewers have on all of these contestants, any of the remaining acts could advance. But with the three I just mentioned: Anna and Patryk could make it through based on Anna's fall garnering them the sympathy vote; Michael Grimm could advance because he does have the best singing voice left outside of Jackie Evancho; and Michael Grasso could stay in because he may be the best magician this show has seen and continuously tops himself. But I am ultimately going with Michael Grasso for that final spot because, as I just said, he continuously tops himself, surprises us the viewers each and every time, and could create an outstanding Vegas act right now.

Tonight, four acts from the Top 10 will advance into the Top 4, the final performance episode of the season. Plus, we will see guest performances by the cast of Broadway's American Idiot, based on Green Day's album of the same name, and singer Sarah McLachlan. See ya then...

America's Got Talent: Season 5 - Semifinals Part 2

Last week's results show recap:

• ArcAttack, Dan Sperry, Future Funk & Kristina Young are up first:
• ArcAttack - Eliminated
• Dan Sperry - Eliminated
• Future Funk - Eliminated
• Kristina Young - Eliminated
• Recycled Percussion performs "Barracuda" - Their Vegas show starts on August 30 at the MGM Grand
• Jimmy Fallon does celebrity impressions, changing to a new one every ten seconds.
• AscenDance and Anna & Patryk are up next:
• Anna and Patryk - Advancing to Top 10 [Prediction: 1/1]
• AscenDance - Eliminated
• Kylie Minogue performs "Get Outta My Way"
• Michael Grimm, Prince Poppycock, & Taylor Mathews are up next:
• Michael Grimm - Advancing to Top 10 [2/2]
• Prince Poppycock - Advancing to Top 10 [3/3]
• Taylor Mathews - Advancing to Top 10 [3/4]
• Antonio Restivo, Christina & Ali, & Connor Doran are the final three acts:
• Antonio Restivo - Eliminated
• Judge's Choice:
• Piers - Christina & Ali
• Howie - Connor Doran
• Sharon - Christina & Ali
• Christina & Ali - Advancing to Top 10 [4/5]
• Connor Doran - Eliminated
• My Predictions: I got four out of five predictions correct

America's Got Talent Season 5: Semifinals Part 2

Airdate: Tuesday, August 31, 2010 [9-11pm]

1. Alice Tan Ridley [Singer; performed "I Have Nothing"]: It is hard to tell how she might stack up against the rest of the acts tonight, but she started the show off on a high note. Her voice continues to be extremely strong as always. And this big song allowed her to show that off.
2. Haspop [Dancer]: He came into to semifinals as one of the strongest dancers. He did have some basic moves, which I do criticize dancers here for, but he made up for it with the relationship between those moves and the music. At the end of the night, though, I wonder if he will be remembered. But he is fun to watch.
3. Maestro Alexander Bui [Pianist]: If I remember correctly, the judges last time wanted him to do a more current song if he made it through (or at least Sharon said that), and he didn't. But no matter, he is extremely talented. I don't know how he can move his fingers that fast.
4. Michael Lipari & Ashleigh Dejon [Acrobatics]: It wasn't as grand as last time, which was a bit of a letdown. Because of that, I'm not sure if I will remember the performance. But they are still really talented, no doubt. And the music (Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love") and cloud background meshed well with their moves.
5. Michael Grasso [Magician]: He is one of my favorite magicians on the show. At first, it seemed like just your regular disappearing act. But I was blown away to see that he and the woman had switched places somewhere along the way and we didn't know. And to see him appear behind the judges was impressive (and I loved Sharon's reaction). Best act so far tonight.
6. Debra Romer [Singer; performed "To Make You Feel My Love"]: It is hard to say anything bad about her because of her back-story (and the emotional song). But when it comes down to it, her voice is not very strong and for that reason, she should not advance.
7. Studio One Young Beast Society [Dancers]: I am not usually a fan of dancers on this show, so it was a big deal for me in the quarterfinals to say they were one of my favorite dance groups on the show. And there were definitely times during this performance that I was impressed, which may get them to advance.
8. Jeremy VanSchoonhoven [Bike Tricks]: After seeing in in the intro video that he got injured in rehearsals on the final jump, I was rooting for him to do well. As he was about to attempt that final jump in the actual performance, my heart was pounding, hoping he would make it, and he did! On the bad side, he and his bike did fall early on one of the simpler bits. I'm surprised Piers didn't buzz him on that. But after his rehearsal injuries, I believe that everyone is supporting him. So while I wouldn't normally want a bike trick act to advance, he may have the support that very well could take him to the Top 10.
9. Nathaniel Kenyon [Singer; performed "You and Me"]: He may have stronger vocals than Debra Romer, but he still doesn't have the strongest when compared to the other singers on the show. And I don't think he has done or can do enough to make it farther.
10. Murray [Magician]: In the intro video, Murray said that there is probably only room for one magician in the Top 10. He is probably right, and if so, he won't be the one making it. Michael Grasso was solid from start to finish. Murray, on the other hand, talked too much, leading it to be too long of a set up. The vanishing train was in a way anticlimactic, because it was obvious he was going to vanish it. And he didn't bring anything new to the trick; we have seen this done hundreds of times it seems.
11. Jackie Evancho [Opera Singer; performed "Time to Say Goodbye"]: Once again, I have never seen someone as young as her with that much talent. I don't really have anything bad to say, just a couple of notes: Did anyone notice the way she was moving her fingers? It seemed like she did that to help her remember the notes to hit. Also, was it just me or did she cut her final high note off early? To me, I thought that she might have lost her breath and had to stop the note. But it wasn't that noticeable, and didn't detract from the performance.
12. Fighting Gravity [Black Light Act]: Coming into this round, I knew they needed to step it up and not get repetitive. And they definitely brought new elements to the stage and kept it fresh and a unique experience for us. I want to see an entire show of them!

Favorite Performances: Michael Grasso / Fighting Gravity / Jackie Evancho

My Votes: Michael Grasso [10 votes by phone] / Fighting Gravity [10 votes online]

Predictions to Advance: Alice Tan Ridley / Michael Grasso / Jeremy VanSchoonhoven / Jackie Evancho / Fighting Gravity

My Season 5 Vote Tracker:

Fighting Gravity: 30 votes

Harmonica Pierre: 20 votes [Eliminated]

Jackie Evancho: 20 votes

Anna and Patryk: 20 votes

Prince Poppycock: 20 votes

Michael Grasso: 20 votes

Michael Grimm: 10 votes

Alice Tan Ridley: 10 votes

Murray: 10 votes

Total: 160 votes cast so far

There are two acts that are guaranteed to advance into the Top 10: Jackie Evancho and Fighting Gravity. After that, I would say that Michael Grasso has a pretty solid chance of making it (Murray, the other magician, paled in comparison to Grasso, so he won't make it). After that, the remaining two spots could be a combination of any of these acts: Alice Tan Ridley, Studio One Young Beast Society, Jeremy VanSchoonhoven, and Nathaniel Kenyon. I believe that Alice will make it as well, but performing first could go against her. And as far as that final spot is concerned, again it is one of the acts I just mentioned. I narrowed it down to Studio and Jeremy. I ultimately am going with Jeremy because he will get the sympathy vote from his rehearsal injuries.

If you want to audition for season 6 of America's Got Talent, the first three audition cities were announced during last night's show. Those first three cities are Denver, Los Angeles and Chicago, and will take place in October.

Tonight, five of this week's final semifinals group will advance into the Top 10. The guest performers for tonight's results show will be the cast of Le Reve and singer Jason Derulo. See ya then...