AGT5 ep. 9 Chicago
The last new site for the preliminary rounds of America's Got Talent 5 were in Chicago. Does Chicago have talent? Maybe not as much as in Talent Oregon, but let's find out how much.
THE GOOD Acts
Strikers All Stars 8 males ages 22-26 - hip-hop dance group formed at Florida A&M University, showing excellent synchronization plus several tumbling moves. Sharon said "Wow". Howie said dynamic and energetic and crowd-pleasing. Piers said "you've got the whole thing(look., sex appeal)".
Gentlemen of NUCO, classical musicians 7 males ages 21-22 - there are 2 violinists, 1 cellist, 1 string bass, 1 drummer, and 1 glockenspiel. They are very good and entertaining.
NU Covenant, Gospel Choir 4 males ages 18-23 - singing a gospel version of Shout with high energy. Sharon said "it makes me want to go to church." Piers responds "sharon, if you do that to pray for the forgiveness of your sins, you will be in there several weeks." Sharon has the last word with "I'd be in there all day."
Naishon Jones male age 18 - it looks like hip-hop dancing to me.
Carlos Aponte, male Opera Singer age 24 from Puerto Rico - my expectations were low as NBC introduced him to Macarena music. However, this was a misdirect, as Carlos opened up with a huge operatic voice singing "Il mare calmo della sera". He was spectacular and in my opinion is the #1 contender for the $1,000,000. Sharon said "you don't need the microphone to sing." Piers gives him praise and Carlos says that he doesn't understand the phrase but he does understand that it's a very favorable comment.
Polina Volchek, Hula Hoop Act female age 24 - she is a rhythmic gymnast with hoops and ribbons her props, demonstrating lots of talent. Howie said "you are like Hooters on steroids," meaning it as a big compliment.
John Beatty, the Strongman male age 43 - he comes onstage carrying a huge 290 pound ball of concrete. Next he takes a metal frying pan and bends it into a conical shape. Piers claims this is not talent, but Howie challenged Piers to unroll it. Not a chance by Piers, but John had no trouble unrolling it. Piers was impressed enough to change his vote from no to yes after admitting it's a little harder than it looks. John also used his hand to act as a hammer for driving a nail through a license plate and two thick wooden slabs. He bent a nail while holding the stone.
Debra Romer, female age 21 - a singer/guitarist with a very nice low alto voice. She sang a song that caused Howie to question if she owned her performance and was afraid. Piers disagreed strongly, focusing instead on her innocence. Sharon said that she has to "own it" with her head up and smiling.
The Not Ready for Prime Time Acts
Zach Carty, Sneezing Act Male age 20 - Howie says this act does not involve any talent. Zach's act is to delight, astound and disgust the audience. His act is to count the number of times he can sneeze with his eyes open. Howie, taking time off from directing the audience to look the other way, pushed Sharon's buzzer to get Zach off the stage.
The Spellbinder, male age 50 - a magician who claims to be an illusionist; he claims it will be cool, wild and spellbinding and has a Barry White voice. However, his act is about a dancing handkerchief, nothing more. Nick queries "How do you make a tissue dance? Put a little boogie in it."
Tom Zemke, age 54 - singer/dancer who is really awful. it takes him a while to clear the stage.
Laura Ernst, female age 25 - she come onstage inside a zorb and rolls around the stage with 4 red balls added. There doesn't seem much talent involved.
Buddy Holly Cheesehead, male age 4 - singer/guitar who is a bad singer doing a song about cheese.