America's Got Talent - Ten of the Top 20 Perform (Episode 314)

Paul Salos doing it "his way". (Image courtesy of NBC)Well, it's almost over. Tonight, we find out the remaining five acts moving on to the top 20 and we'll also be treated to performances from ten acts looking to move on to next week's top ten. Jer-ry's ready, the judges are ready, the audience is equipped with their awful signs, so let's get this show on the road! Piers wants to let America know that Jer-ry became a grandfather this past weekend (and doesn't look a day younger.) Congrats, Grandpa Jer-ry! After the usual, showbiz cliche-ridden banter and mandatory highlight reel, we learn the fate of last week's competitors.

The first two acts called front and center are Nuttin But Stringz and Indiggo. Who didn't think Indiggo was heading home after last week's awful performance? America just might have taste. Next up are Flambeaux and Cindy Brady sound-a-like Kaitlyn Maher. Flambeaux knows he's screwed and he is. Next up is my girl, Tina Turner impersonator Dorae Saunders and Elton John-esque singer Eli Mattson. And, yeah, Dorae is back to being a "private dancer." Damn. The Dallas Desperados Dancers look positively despondent as they shuffle to the front of the stage because they're up against "one chin cleft away from Bruce Campbell" singer Donald Braswell. After the break, we find out that Donald Braswell has triumphed not only over a potentially career-ending accident but also a bunch of mediocre dancers to join the top 20. Last up are the Tapping Dads and former Chippendales dancer Bryan Cheatam. Since they came in fifth and sixth, it's up to the judges to decide their fate. Piers says it's a tricky decision between the "cruise ship crooner" and "Fred Astaire's worst nightmare" but picks Bryan. Sharon says that "without a shadow of a doubt" her vote is for the Tapping Dads. It's down to Hoff. He says the Dads aren't the best dancers in the world, but are dancing for their daughters and have a lot of heart and finds them "wildly entertaining." He thinks they could sustain a show in Vegas. Hoff then tells Bryan he's got a "great career ahead of him" (the kiss of death). He says they've both got a long way to go and chooses the Tapping Dads to move on to the top 20. I'm four for five this week (although I knew in my heart that Kaitlyn would beat out Ms. Dorae.)

It's been 30 long minutes, and it's finally time to see what the acts who have made it to the top 20 have done to "up their game." First up tonight is percussion group The Cadence. They've gone from a mere five drums to over 90. The boys know they have to impress Sharon the most, who wants more "animal instinct" and "conviction" from them. They know they have to get America excited to see them play. Sharon says that their act is now "one-dimensional" and it's "not enough" to make it to Vegas. Hoff was also surprised that they've made it this far. The boys have been rehearsing "morning, noon and night" and say that they're going to play a song that the audience will love and claim they're "stepping out of their comfort zone" tonight, doing "something we've never done before." Cute tall boy promises they're going to "bring out the animal instinct" tonight. Their song is the Kinks' (or Van Halen's, depending on how old you are) "You Really Got Me." They're cute and energetic and have added a lot of movement to their act, but I still don't see them as "animals" (every time I write that, I think of Animal from "The Muppet Show.") They do some flips and some of the boys even play drums while perched on the shoulders of their bandmates. The crowd goes wild. Piers said they were raw at their audition and needed to bring some music in, which they did. He also admitted that they were "animals" tonight. He admired that they listened to what the judges had to say and applied the constructive criticism without being arrogant and said that for the first time, he saw an act that could play in Vegas. Sharon said they've come a long way and taken a "lot of schtick" from her (isn't "schtick" another word for "jokes"? What is she doing, having them pull her finger or something?) She is confident they're coming back next week, but wants "more attitude" from them (she's demanding, isn't she?) Hoff has been their biggest critic and doubted they could stand out from Blue Man Group and said tonight they proved him wrong. Well, that's a promising start.

Queen Emily has gone from singing in front of a small audience at her local church to entertaining the country. She tearfully confesses that she never thought she would have made it this far and says she's gone from cooking for her kids to "living her dream" and it feels so good. Last time, she "gave it everything" and knows she has work, think and perform harder tonight and chose a song that she's wanted to sing "for a long time." I never really liked Mariah Carey, so I never really liked the song "Hero", but I like it coming from the Queen (although I honestly enjoyed her song last time around, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", a little bit more.) Piers said it was a "big, brave song" and wasn't sure at first if she was going to be able to pull it off. He says listening to her is like "being on a rocket when you exit the earth's atmosphere" (huh?) because "there's always a moment when you perform when suddenly it all goes bonkers" and concluded, "when you wail, you wail." I think that was a complement. Sharon told Emily that she paced the song beautifully and can't wait to hear her "sing a whole song" in the finals. Hoff is so glad they're "on the ride" to stardom with her, because she's "going straight to the top." Jer-ry says it's been over 230 years, but America had finally learned to love a queen again (I beg to differ, what about RuPaul and Boy George?)  

The modern-day Partridge Family, The Wright Kids, think the adoraton from the AGT audience is way better than the tips and ice cream they used to perform for in their Rocky Mountain, Virginia hometown. The youngest member of the group said that Mom and Dad were so proud of them and gave them "hugs and kisses." How sweet. The middle kid said that they started playing bluegrass (which I'd really like to hear them play) but succeeded with a pop number last time. Now they're doing something "really diferent", which is a "big challenge" for them. I don't know if "Rockin' Robin" is a whole lot different than "Daydream Believer", but the kids are talented. And at least you can hear their instruments better tonight. The girl looked really nervous, frozen in place on stage with an expressionless look on her face. What she lacks in stage presence her little brothers make up for in personality. I don't usually like kid acts, but the little one with the bass violin cracks me up, especially when he twirled his bass around mid-song. Again, the little one made me smile when he lugged the instrument that is bigger than he is to the center of the stage. Piers said their singing was "miles better" than their last performance. He thinks that each time he sees them he thinks they won't be good enough but said they're the best act he's seen so far tonight. Sharon agreed with Piers and thought they keep surprising them, and they owned the stage (she also loved their "attitude.") Hoff also agrees and said they took the stage like pros, something that "can't be taught." Hoff tells them if they "brought it on again" like they did tonight that they could make it to the top.

After almost being eliminated last week, the quartet that mixes "classic song with cool style" - The James Gang - is back, hoping to redeem themselves. They admitted that their last performance was "not the best day at the office." They feel a lot of pressure because the judges saved them and this time has to be perfect. They are going back their roots, "to what The James Gang is about" tonight, vowing not to return to performing in the subways and streets of the Big Apple. They sing and dance to the old song "Hit the Road, Jack." I love that they have a unique concept and sing old school jazz and blues, but their act looks slightly amateurish this week. One of the guys ambled around the stage for the whole song, pulling a deck of cards out of his mouth for the big finale. Hmmm. Piers gave them props for going "back to basics" but thought the vocals were off. He knows they've "got it in them," but said they have to be better to keep going. Sharon calls them "class, smooth and great musical theater" and says they've gone "backwards, not forwards" since the first time they took the stage. Hoff says it's a tough call because they've got amazing talent but haven't matched the excitement of their first performance - and he also knows they've got it in them. I think these guys are heading back to Broadway after tonight.

Singing G.I. Daniel Jens is up next. He says he's been asked to re-enlist since his last performance and isn't sure if he should hold out for his dreams or go back to the comfort of his day job. Tonight America holds his destiny in their hands. Can you say "guilt trip"? He awkwardly descends a flight of stairs while singing Lonestar's "I'm Already There." With all of the male singers still in the competition, he is definitely the weakest. Piers gives him the first buzzer of the night. Piers says he's liked Daniel from the start and doesn't want to patronize him. He honestly admits that as a singer, he's not in the league of Neal and Donald. He advises Daniel that he should probably go back to serve his country rather than sing. Sharon was irate after hearing that and told Daniel it was a big step for him to take the stage without his guitar (his shield) and said he's by far not the best singer, but he's got oodles of personality. Piers reminded her that "it's not a popularity competition" and he and Sharon get into it. She says he's served his country and "belongs here" (so do all of the soldiers in Iraq. Ok, let me climb down from my soapbox.) Hoff says that there's "something to be said about heart" and confessed that Daniel "moved" him emotionally - "and that's talent." He may squeeze by on a sympathy vote tonight, but I don't see him in the finals.

And now, the inexplicably popular dancing balloons, the Zooperstars! (exclamation point theirs.) They were worried they wouldn't make it last time after the duck (actually, it's a goose) fell off the stage. The horse said they got a second chance and weren't going to waste it. They took a "good hard look at themselves" and realized that they're not perfect (I wholeheartedly agree with that statement) and "will be better." This time they start their act in glittery tuxes "singing" the Motown classic "I Can't Get Next to You" and, my sole ally on the judges' panel, Piers, quickly buzzes them. One of the characters is slowly lowered from the stage, but the cables "break" and he crashes to the ground. The sound effects were off, and for a brief moment, I actually think that there was an accident on stage. Just our luck, it was just part of the act, and pandemonium then ensued as the big balloons danced to "Everybody Dance Now." I caught myself staring slack-jawed at the television - I can't believe this is what passes for "talent" in this country. I weep for our children. What a disaster. The goose character tries to walk on a makeshift balance beam and takes the mandatory hit to the nuts/fall. Yikes. Piers doesn't know what they're still doing in the compeition and said the "time had come for them". He pulled off the best line of the night - "America needs to look into its soul and ask itself one question - Are they really prepared to let the winner of the world's number one talent show be a bunch of competely juvenille cretins?" Sharon doesn't know who she's rooting for (because they have no personalities and are never seen outside of their plastic costumes) and confessed that they don't make her laugh anymore. She wants to burst them with a big needle. After me, Sharon. The monkey balloon moons Sharon and she retorted with "My ass is bigger than yours." I can't wait until Sharon hosts "Charm School" with the "Rock of Love" gals (for real.) She is one classy broad.  Hoff says the kids really love them but that they were "all over the place" tonight but thinks they've reached the "end of the road." From your lips to America's ears, Hoff.

I guess NBC is so coinfident about the musical abilities of insurance salesman Neal E. Boyd, as he didn't land the coveted last spot of the evening. Neal still turns on the waterworks and has a great sob story. He said his victories would have been sweeter if his Mom had been in the audience, but that she couldn't afford the airfare. Well, Neal's hometown raised the money to buy his mother a plane ticket so she could finally see him sing in person. His song tonight is about "how special mothers are" and is a chance for him to say "thank you" to his Mom. Even though I feel slightly manipluated, Neal still has an angelic voice. It's also a good move to sing a pop song (which I don't recognize), as opposed his usual opera selection, showing he's got more to offer to a Vegas crowd. Sharon was teary-eyed at the end of his performance - even more than Neal's beloved Mama. Piers says he wanted to address Neal's Mom and said that they were blown away from the first time they've seen him and thinks a major star is developing. He goes on to tell Mama Boyd that all her sacrifice and support was worth it and that her son has a "brilliant" chance of winning the whole shebang. Sharon said he looked "hot" tonight and "sang like a superstar (she also loved his song choice.) Hoff wrote down some thoughts before Neal took the stage ("Can I has cheeseburger?" "What horrible song can I cover next?"), worried that an opera singer wasn't right for a Vegas crowd, but after Neal's performance tonight, he had no doubts. He added that he was proud that his own mother (Mama Hoff!) was also here to witness Neal's (probably Vegas-bound) talent.

The "small town singer with a big voice" (and "an even bigger dream" - can we jam any more cliches in this show?) Jessica Price feels her confidence is growing inside of her and she's "changing." Hoff acknowledged the change an asserts that with Jessica, a star is emerging. Jessica says that the song she chose to sing tonight is "challenging" and she's very nervous. She says singing in Vegas is what she's "always wanted to do." Sharon's buzzer accidentally went off before the girl even opened her mouth. The joys of live TV! Jessica breezes through a slightly snooze-inducing version of Colbie Caillat's "Bubbly"  Again, much like Daniel Jens, there are so many more talented singers than Jessica this season. I don't know if her attractiveness and "aw shucks" demeanor can get her into the top 10. Piers honestly buzzed her after she nervously giggled in the middle of the song. Piers says he buzzed her because he thought her performace was a bit "cheesy", like watching a toothpaste commercial (I don't get the connection), and said she wasn't giving them "enough." He wasn't moved. Sharon thought is was a "sweet and sassy" song but still has a "long way to come" with her confidence. She suggests "taking all her clothes off and letting it go", which gets a loud, enthusiastic reaction from the males in the audience (she didn't mean it literally.) Hoff agreed with Piers. He admitted he can't take his eyes off her beacuse she makes him watch her (I'm going to go out on a limb here, could it be that she's attractive?) Hoff wants to make him look at her for her song. He insists she will get voted back. I don't think so with this week's line-up.    

Take an interior designer, a dance teacher, a college student and a bunch of high school kids and you've got our next performers, Extreme Dance FX. They are ecstatic to be in the top 20 but are feeling the pressure. The hardest thing for them is having to juggle school and rehearsals. Sharon says the pressure is really on for them to deliver something spectacular. And, just like every other act, they're taking a "big risk" with their performance tonight. The troupe takes the stage jumping rope and clogging to "Let's Get It Started." What is it with this show and the clogging, anyway? I thought they were good enough, but the clogging looked kind of awkward (and kind of repetitive.) Piers called the tall lead dancer out and said their act was "all about her" saying she's what every dance group needs and "has more hunger in her than in any other contestant" and complements her on motivating the rest of the squad. Sharon says she can take them to Vegas because they're a "sexier version of 'Riverdance'." Hoff agrees with Piers and says they're cute and sweet but wants to hear their "feet hit the floor." He tells them to "bring it with an attitude" and "stomp on our faces." I wouldn't go that far, Hoff.  

Vegas' latest superstar is returning to the stage that made him famous, last season's winner, Terry Fator with "special news." The news is that this season's winning act will be performing at the MGM Grand in Vegas on October 17 and "there's going to be some surprises." One word - Hoff! There's even a second surprise, Terry will be performing tomorrow night. At least we're guaranteed a few minutes of talent on the next episode. 

Last but not least, it's time for my sentimental favorite, Frank Sinatra impersonator Paul Salos. The 72-year-old crooner is doing a Sinatra song that's very meaningful to him because its all about flying. He was a mission pilot for the Civil Air Patrol for over 40 years and tonight's tune will bring his two passions together. So, yeah, he's singing "Come Fly with Me." And, as always, he knocks it out of the park. The stewardess outfit-clad dancers aren't even necessary. The judges, however, disagree. Piers says its a crucial stage of the competition for him and felt it was a weaker performance from the others they've seen from him and wasn't feeling as excited about him. Paul said he wasn't hearing the music through the monitiors, but said he wasn't trying to make excuses. Sharon said despite his technical difficulties, he performed well, but she'd love to see him unplugged - just him and a piano. Hoff missed his "chemistry" tonight. Damn! Come on America, you let me down this week by allowing the lispy kid to move on, make me proud and put Paul in the top 10!

Gee, it's harder to call it this week. I think it's going to be The Cadence, Queen Emily, The Wright Kids, and of course Neal E. Boyd. The fifth spot could belong to Daniel Jens, Extreme Dance FX or Paul Salos. Since it's all about Vegas, I'll put my money on the "Scooby Doobie Doo Kid" to take the last spot. I'm going to go vote right now! The remaining acts perform tomorrow...see you then.