Turf is the one to watch in this group

Tonight we see the second of four groups of 12. As we saw last week, this show is for performances, and next will be eliminations. Last week we saw an interesting mix of contestants, including comedians, Edom the vocalist, magic, etc. It’s interesting to me that they’re not pitting musicians vs. musicians on the same show, and that they’re eliminating before not everyone has gone. But who am I? Tonight we get hit with another random group of whom only 4 acts will go through. First team up for the second round of 12 tonight is Lion Dance Me. These guys are considered to be in the ‘danger’ category. I guess the jumping they do on those pegs in the lion costumes is a bit dangerous, especially as we see someone fall in the rehearsal. The lion costumes are so awesome and they have such good control of them that they really come to life on stage. This performance looks much the same to me, I almost want more than just jumping on the pegs. Can there be more obstacles or a bridge or something? Howard says “Congratulations for not falling, I know how difficult it is what you do…” He also mentions that week after week, it’s the same thing. He suggests they try something new and exciting… maybe no lion costumes!? But Howard….  Sharon seconds that also, saying maybe they should bring in more martial arts. Howie is also on the same page. He says he didn’t love it, and thinks it’s the same as it’s always been and they might be in trouble tonight! Daaaaang Howie.. layin down the LAW.

Turf is up, and it seems kind of early in the game to be showing him. He’s gotten a really mixed rap on the show so far. I think he pulls on the heartstrings of America as someone who has really worked hard and is deserving of this spot. His performance tonight is more danc-ey than usual which is cool, as it’s mostly a lot of pop locking. He’s really working the whole stage too. One thing I think would be cool would be to see him transform the routine from a shocking crazy contortionist show to more of an artistic performance, kind of like we saw with the dancer from the Cirque du Soleil troupe. Sharon backs him, says he has guts and talent, and she loves the way he used the stage. Howie also recognizes that he wants it more than any other contestant this year and is in awe of him and the way he pushes himself and the sacrifice he clearly makes. Howard says he should keep the other contestants in mind, especially the dance team “Unity in Motion”… Keep your head in the game now!

The All Ways Band is up next doing Lady Gaga!! The lead singer sounds kind of feminine which is a cool effect… let’s face it these guys definitely rock. They’re very rockstar up there with their shiny pants and studded jackets, but how far can a cover band really go? They don’t even really seem to show a theme, like covering a specific type of song. It’s just… hey were a rock band. They’ve got all the bases covered except for the … original songs. Nick kicks it first to Howie to respond, and he also says he wishes they would keep it rock, not do pop songs. He also thinks the rock band shouldn’t share their name with a panty-liner. Howard also picks up on this saying the ‘All Ways’ band can’t have it all ways… they need to pick a direction. He also calls them out on “where’s the harmonizing?” Sharon loves their enthusiasm on stage, but agrees that the song was a bad choice. “Don’t be a bar band, make it your own.”

Up next is husband and wife team Hawley Magic. They better bring it big tonight as they’ve had some shaky moments in the past. They have a really dramatic set and it’s kind of a sword in the stone theme. He puts a sword in the mirror ball and then seems to put the lady over the tip of it! It seems like a really cool looking illusion, very dramatic. Howard agrees, he thinks they did good, and also says their biggest magic act will be getting out of their parents’ basement. Sharon notes that their looks on stage and dramatic hair whips are very old school, they’re both young and good looking, and Howie agrees that they need to update their presentation.

One of my favorite groups, The Lisa Clark Dancers are up next!! I was unsure if they even got through, and I love that they’re from Suisun City, CA! Small town folks y’all! They always bring some weird looking movies and interesting combinations of dance. Tonight they have some cute sparkly tuxedo numbers on and their moves are just as eye catching. It’s definitely kind of weird styles of dance fused together, but they are totally unforgettable. UNFORTUNATELY before the End Howie has already given them an X!! Geeeeez Howie… he says he was waiting for them to step it up, but it seems like a kids’ recital, not a million dollar act. Sharon also says they do different types of dance, but she feels the music is way too old and the dance is too cutesy. She didn’t feel like the dancing was not taken to another level, wasn’t edgy, too safe. Howard says the dance acts are all phenomenal and they don’t match up to the other dance acts on the show. He says they won’t go through though, but they should be proud of their efforts. Awww they just got SHUT DOWN!

Next is the Aurora Light Painters! This unique team of light-dance-performance is one of a kind. I kind of don’t fully understand what they do, so I definitely don’t know what to expect from them. Tonight’s concept is “Monsters Under the Bed” they say. I totally get the story they are telling with the lights this time, but it just seems weird and nearly non-understandable. The audience has a weird lack of applause, almost to say “what just happened.” I’m right there with them… silence comes over the whole crowd… even Howie says he thinks they’ve ‘peaked.’ He doesn’t see a million dollar act, more like an etch a sketch in the dark light show. Howard gave an X mid way through and he recognizes that there is something, but the story isn’t there. Sharon was also underwhelmed with their act… “all too small” and not sexy or sophisticated enough. They at least seem really appreciative for as far as they have come on AGT.

Danielle Stallings is next, and maybe you’re like me, going… “who??” This is someone they have definitely been hiding from us! I feel like I’ve seen a couple of clips of her peppered throughout, but I don’t think I’ve seen any of her auditions! She does have a really great voice, but I think maybe she needs vocal lessons? She’s clearly young and I think her voice needs maturity, plus she sounds very nervous! Despite that though, she is good and I bet there is a ton of potential, I just don’t know if what she’s currently bringing is up to snuff. Howard first says she was incredibly memorable and should be proud. Sharon agrees that she has a huge voice but also has a sincerity and vulnerability. Howie reads some tweets, saying she is tremendous, and she is a highlight of the night! I’m glad when they give kids respectful feedback instead of tearing them down. She’s so well spoken on stage too, double plus!

Next up, husband and wife acrobat team Donovan and Rebecca! This team is such an interesting duo to me. They wear some weird outfits too, hopefully tonight they nailed that down and get stylin… but no, it’s more weird tiny sparkly pieces. This time they are using the aerial ribbons and a lot of spinning, hanging choreography, oh and she is apparently a ballerina, in toe shoes. These two do some truly amazing hanging/balancing and are very strong. I hate the music they’ve chosen, but their final stunt is so amazing I think it made up for the disconnectedness of the rest of the routine. Sharon says they’re always doing something different, seemless! Howie agrees that they’re passionate and it really comes through in how they interact. Howard comments on how YOKED they are and says they should definitely go through. He’s a fan!

The oldest contestant on the show is up next: Big Barry! I won’t keep any secrets, I’m not a Big Barry fan. I think he has no talent.. I get that his schtick is that he’s tiny and a character, but this is America’s Got Talent, not some circus side show. I also think it’s offensive to some of the other acts that haven’t gotten through, or are up there risking life and limb to put on a show, while this guy sounds like he’s killing a cat. WELLP… despite Howie’s love for him, it’s time for America to decide. Tonight Howard wastes no time in throwing out an early X. LOL… this guy is soooo horrible. Sharon is close behind with her X.. good for her. Here comes a parade of women in dresses as he whines the words to “Im Feelin Good”… this whole performance is basically gross and uncomfortable. The audience is a combination of boos and cheers. WOW. What to say? Howard will cut to the chase, proving my point exactly, saying he’s upset about all the people who had more talent and could have gotten through instead of this guy. They’re really getting into it too, and Howard does not back down or shut up. Sharon says he strains and sings like he’s on the toilet. Instead of commenting further on him, she notes that the women were beautiful. They throw it to America to keep the peace at the judges’ table.

Finally someone funny is up… Tom Cotter the standup comic. This guy kind of looks like an awkward Will Ferrell knockoff… lol! His jokes are funny, but i’m not howling. He had god momentum through the routine, but some of the earlier comedians seemed more memorable to me. Howard however, LOVED HIM! He says he’s the man to beat, phenomenal! Sharon is also saying his timing is perfect and his material is original. Howie says he is a professional up there, and is totally deserving of being voted through. Wrapped that one up quick!

Next comes the Tom Cruise wannabe: Ben Blaque. And that can’t  be his real name. This guy is a marksman who has a fancy assistant with him on stage. There is a huge buildup to tonight’s routine… “Someone could get killed?!” One thing I will say about his act, including his assistant is that it’s all very dramatic. The whisping around on stage, the heavy music. But wait… what’s this…? 4 crossbows at once? Dang this assistant is either stupid, or very well paid. And i’ll ask it one more time… why is he wearing the vest? Sharon thinks it’s very exciting, great to watch, and entertaining. Howard backs them saying that Big Barry gets in the way of real talent like this, Ben’s a great act, and has a very dangerous performance.

Wrapping up the show is Tim Hockenberry who has been very popular on the show so far. You know my whole deal… why aren’t these singers on X Factor, or The Voice.. or a singing show? Either way, he’s been really popular on this show so far and tonight it sounds like he’s twisted a Katy Perry “Part of Me” into a piano melody. Gotta give it to him, this is pretty unique.  Wow… totally unexpected and cool! Howie applauds him for being unique and original. Sharon agrees and loves the emotion that he sings with. Howard is on the bandwagon too… but he says that tonight he fell short a little! Howard is calling tonight’s song a misstep and the other judges are outloud disagreeing with him. WOW … turmoil amongst the judges tonight. Most of all Tim is happy to be here, happy to be sober. Good for him!

So, overall for tonight the judges were divided on many of these contestants. I think tonight’s acts seemed obvious, the ones who were good were great and the others were rather forgettable. I think we’ll see Turf, Tim Hockenberry, Ben Blaque, and Tom Cotter go through.