Staff Writer
Throughout the summer, Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Mel B have been looking for the next best thing in America!
But with so many acts, the judges had the tough job of cutting the massive group from 100 acts to 88 performers.
Here’s how the judges divided the contestants into three groups: the first groups were automatically sent through to the live shows, the second were eliminated and sent home, and the last group would be competing for the remaining spots.
After bickering back and forth, the quartet announced that they wanted to see several acts one more time before they made their final decision.
As the acts were getting ready to face the judges, the show revealed that several potential frontrunners – including opera singer Branden James, 11-year-old singer Anna Christine, impressionist Angela Hoover, dance troupes Catapult Entertainment, and the Struck Boyz and the American Military Spouse Choir – were among the acts to receive a spot at the Radio City Live Shows.
The final acts have 30 spots to fight for. The danger acts were the first to face the judges. Chicago standout David Ferman spent all of his Bar Mitzvah money on creating on a high voltage ring that contained 26,500,000 volts of electricity. While he gave Heidi a scare, the King of All Media said that David lacked showmanship.
Brad Beyers grossed everyone out when he put a 350,450 degrees Fahrenheit flame out of his mouth, put a hook up his nose and carried Nick and his wife on a wagon. While Howie said that Brad put him on the edge of his seat, Mel B was grossed out. Meanwhile, Alexandr Magala delivered a stunning sword-swallowing danger drop act that had Howard declaring him “Crazy” and Heidi: “Nutty.”
New Orleans standout Sam Johnson certainly stepped it up a notch! He dedicated his act to improving his son’s future and poured gasoline onto his body and lite his hat on fire. Unfortunately, he burnt himself in the process. Mel B called it “ridiculous” and Howard asked, “How many danger acts they can be put through?” Johnson was not the only one to mess up; Chicago standout Red Panda dropped a plate during her act but managed to recover after successfully balancing five bowls on her head.
Howard’s favorite category, the Musical Groups, was next to take the stage. Despite getting a new member at the last minute, Tenor trio Forte delivered an outstanding cover of “The Prayer” that would have impressed Jonathan of Jonathan and Charlotte and it would have received a standing ovation.
However, the biggest competition of the band rounds belonged to the battle between Boca Raton’s Brandon and Savannah and the American Hitmen.
Brandon and Savannah performed an intriguing cover of Of Monsters & Men’s “Little Talks” which I thought was better than the original. Meanwhile, the Military Veterans delivered an incredible cover of “the House of Rising Sun” that would have made the Zeppelin guys proud.
The children’s variety acts were next. 2Unique brought the house down with a cover of Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the USA,” while Lil Demon breakdanced to Pitbull’s “Don’t Stop the Party.” However, the biggest battle of the night was ballroom sibling battle round two (or Mini-Schwimmers versus the Mini-Houghs). While D’Angelo and Amanda shined with a perfect routine to “Moves Like Jagger,” an accidental drop made by Ruby and Jonas confused the judges and D’Angelo’s sister broke down only to receive a hug from Mel B.
The Comedians were the next group to face the judges. While there were some comedians that floundered with the judges, others like Taylor Williamson and John Wing, Jr. were able to shine and connect with them. Dance acts were also among the acts to feel the heat. Art Spark and Hype divided the judges, while soloists Dancin’ Dylan and Kid the Wiz battled each other in their solo rounds.
For the first time in the series’ history, the Acrobats had their own category! While the first few acts failed to impress the judges and the audience, two acts delivered on the Planet Hollywood stage. Timber Brown showed off his Texas heritage while showing acrobatic tricks on a high bar and the KriStef Brothers showed off terrific strength acts. Howie questioned the duo in putting comedy into the act, and the duo said that they wanted to entertain the crowd – Howard agreed with their decision.
All the female singers dealt with stress of the Vegas Round. DeAnna DellaCioppa, who auditioned in New Orleans, faced technical difficulties, while Skilyr Hicks delivered a shaky vocal performance. However, two girls, Selena Gordon and Cami Bradley, stepped up to the plate and delivered outstanding covers of “A Broken Wing” and “Summertime.” DeAnna took the stage one final time and closed the show with a high octave vocal that divided the judges.
Tomorrow night, more acts compete to impress the judges! Plus, the results…are….REVEALED!
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