As I mentioned in my last post, I had the chance Friday to interview all 10 members of the America’s Got Talent finals. It was quite the experience to talk with such a broad range of people.

The bad news is that I had some technical difficulties recording the actual interviews that I got to do (dang technology). The good news is that I think I captured much of what was said and will be doing a blog post about each act covering what they said in my interviews. Watch for those over the next 2 days. Plus, tomorrow Marianya will be doing a 10 minute interview with some more of the acts. In it, we’re planning to focus on more details about the people and less about the competition. We should have audio of that one.

A few quick comments about the experience. It’s really interesting to go from interviewing Michael Grasso and then to interview Anna and Patryk. One is an experience magician who’s traveled all over mastering his craft and has an amazing knowledge of magic, the magic industry and a ton of great stories before arriving at America’s Got Talent. The other is 2 young kids who are just starting to make stories and have experiences with the ballroom dance world.

Yet, they both have talent and both are on the show with a chance at 1 million dollars. I’ll also just say that all of them were incredibly gracious with me. All of them seemed grateful to be a finalists and many of them were still in a bit of denial that they were actually a finalist.

I’ll be posting more details for each of the top 10 America’s Got Talent finalists over the next 2 days. So, check back regularly to learn more about each act. Next time, I think I’m going to have to make the trip to LA to get some video of the finalists.

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Tomorrow I’m going to get the chance to interview many (and probably ALL) of the America’s Got Talent 2010 top 10. As always, I like to ask the readers of this site to let me know any questions they’d like to ask the acts during my interviews. It’s always more fun when you provide the question. I know this is short notice, but I thought I’d give you the chance.

You can either leave a comment on this post, or if you prefer to send it to me in private, just submit it on our Contact Us page.

Here’s the list of the AGT 2010 Top 10 in case you’re not following that closely:
Anna and Patryk – New Hyde Park/Maspeth, New York (Dancers)
Christina & Ali – Idaho Falls, Idaho (Singers)
Fighting Gravity – Blacksburg, Virginia (Dance Group)
Jackie Evancho, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Singer)
Jeremy Vanschoonhoven – Talent, Oregon (Stunt Bike Rider)
Michael Grasso – Cape May, New Jersey (Magician)
Michael Grimm – Waveland, MS (Musician/Singer)
Prince Poppycock – Los Angeles, California (Opera Singer)
Taylor Mathews – Alexandria, Louisiana (Musician/Singer)
Studio One Young Beast Society – Orlando, Florida (Dance Crew)

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My take on the America’s Got Talent 2010 Finalists:

Anna and Patryk – These two are just delightful. Plus, their execution was perfect in their semi final performance. Not necessarily technically, but it was the perfect mix of a slow dance opening with a nice high energy ending. It’s going to be difficult for them to replicate that again. Plus, it’s just silly when the judges on America’s Got Talent say that the dancing was flawless. They have no idea if it was flawless or not. I’m sure I know more about ballroom dancing than they do and I wouldn’t be ready to call it flawless. Either way, these two are going to provide for a great show that will be full of energy and excitement. However, I think Howie is right that they aren’t quite a Vegas show on their own. Anna is the cutest little thing though. I lover her reactions to it all.

Christina & Ali – If you’ve ready much of this blog, you know their my sentimental favorites. I won’t rehash all my thoughts, but you can go read my 2 posts about Christina and Ali and the other AGT contestants comments on Christina and Ali. I expect they’ll deliver a similar performance as they’ve done before and have a chance (albeit a slim one) at making the top 4. Song choice will REALLY matter for them.

Fighting Gravity – I’m always a little torn when it comes to Fighting Gravity. Mostly because their talent is something they took from other acts (there’s a ton of this stuff on YouTube). Sure, it’s a great concept, but it seems like I could get a group of friends together and do their act. It would take some work and some practice to do it well, but the talent isn’t as impressive if I could do it with a little bit of effort. This said, it seems like America really loves what they do and so I bet they’ll be heading right into the top 4.

Jackie Evancho – Jackie seems like basically a lock for the top 4. She’s the Bianca Ryan of this season. A little girl with a big voice and people loved it. I was a little disappointed by her singing of one of my favorite songs last night. I preferred when she went for the ethereal sound of her first song. However, she is a sensation to be able to have her little body produce that sound. Plus, she’s just so cute and her comments make you laugh. A hard combination if you’re competing against her. Just don’t call her an opera singer. It’s not really even close to Opera.

Jeremy VanSchoonhoven – I watched Jeremy’s video back again last night and it was just as exciting and terrifying and dangerous as it was the first time. I do downgrade him a touch since I know there are a lot of bike riders that rock hop (I think that’s what they call it). However, despite there being others that do it, go grab a bike and just try to hold the bike up in a standstill the way he does. It’s crazy hard to do what he’s doing. I’ll be interested to see what he can do in the next round. Against the other top 10 acts, I think he’ll have trouble making the top 4.

Michael Grasso – Michael Grasso has kind of become a sentimental favorite of mine since he was kicked off the show in Las Vegas. I’ll set aside any thought that it was planned to bring him back from the start and just be grateful that they brought him back. He’s definitely the best all around magician they’ve ever had on America’s Got Talent. I’ve seen a trick or two on the show that were better than his tricks, but as a package his tricks have been really great. Although, I will admit that I hate magic on TV. Camera tricks aren’t magic in my book. Either way, he’s a Vegas talent in my book! If his trick just wows and shocks, he could make the top 4.

Michael Grimm – I’ve had a bad taste in my mouth when it comes to Michael Grimm ever since I saw these videos of Michael performing some pretty big venues in Las Vegas. Not that I have a problem with acts having had previous success, but I hate when they give (or try to give) the impression that they haven’t done anything. Sure, the producers cut things certain ways, but Michael’s been selling stories the whole time. I guess I’ve just never seen a WOW performance from him either. He’s talented and has a unique style, but I’ve never loved his performance so much that I had to go watch it over and over again. I guess I compare him to Eli Mattson or Cas Haley (go look them up on YouTube) and Michael pales in comparison to what those two did on America’s Got Talent. Michael does seem like a cool guy and so I give him props for that. Despite my personal bias, I think Michael Grimm has a great shot at making the top 4.

Prince Poppycock – I don’t know what to say about Prince Poppycock. I sat by him and his friend in the hall when he was sick in Las Vegas. You could tell he was worried about his throat and didn’t know what was going to happen. Plus, can you imagine sitting in that costume all day for a couple days in a row. He deserves a special medal just for that. No doubt he’s an exceptional performer and America seems to love it. He’s not quite the lock that Jackie Evancho is, but I bet he makes the top 4.

Studio One Young Beast Society – They’re a respectable dance troop. I still can’t help but think of all the other great dance troops on a show like America’s Best Dance Crew. These guys are on that level, but I think we’ve seen the best of what they have to offer. America’s got a lot of dance outlets, so I’ll be surprised if they vote Studio One Young Beast Society into the top 4.

Taylor Mathews – I get scared for Taylor each time. He’s just so nervous and that makes me nervous. If he could relax and just perform, he could do very well. Although, I guess his nervousness is part of his charm. Song choice will be VERY important for him. Something popular that fits his voice well will really be key. I think America’s Got Talent has an older voting population than most shows where the tweens do all the voting. If Taylor makes it to the top 4, then I’ll be wrong in this assumption.

There you go. That’s my analysis of the America’s Got Talent 2010 finalists and which ones will make it to the America’s Got Talent 2010 Top 4. What do you think?

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Now that we know the America’s Got Talent top 10 finalists, it’s time to vote for which of the top 10 finalists are going to win America’s Got Talent Season 5. Although, it does feel a little bit odd to call them finalists, but the show is still going to go from the top 10 to the top 4 who will then perform in the finale of America’s Got Talent.

Either way, I think with 10 acts left we’re going to get a pretty good idea of who will be the America’s Got Talent 2010 winner. So, vote for who you think will win America’s Got Talent season 5. Be sure to vote so we can predict the winner. You’ve been great at predicting the America’s Got Talent Winner in the past, so let’s do it again.

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It’s usually pretty easy to predict many of the people who will be going on to the next round. America’s Got Talent isn’t the best at providing surprises. For some reason, certain acts just click better with America than others and it’s often quite obvious.

Although, there’s certainly other ways to tell too. For example, here’s the top 5 from the America’s Got Talent poll Marianya posted:
Fighting Gravity: Blacklight Performers
Jackie Evancho: Youth Singer
Michael Grasso: Magician/Illusionist
Jeremy VanSchoonhoven: Bicyclist
Studio One Young Beast Society: Dance Group

Also, I find it interesting which acts NBC’s PR person decides to send me. Here’s who they sent this time:
Jackie Evancho
Fighting Gravity
Jeremy Vanschoonhoven
Alice Tan Ridley
Michael Grasso

I think that list is a pretty good indication of the top 5. Amazingly only 2 singers. Watch for Alice Tan Ridley to not make it to the finals if the judges make the choice. The show already has enough singers in the finals. Although, I’m sure AGT would love to have Precious on the show.

I’m personally a little surprised to not see Michael & Ashleigh up higher. I thought they were quite entertaining and thought America would like them more. Besides the scare when they dropped her, it was by far their best performance. It was a mistake for them to say that they weren’t a couple. It would have been better to let people imagine they were. On a side note, Ashleigh is incredibly beautiful!

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You can choose up to five acts.

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It seems like my post about Christina and Ali has brought out some people who disagree (which is totally fine). Although, I was pretty excited when X from Airpocalypse stopped by Pure America’s Got Talent and left the following comment about Christina and Ali:

Jason L. Cheung a.k.a Air Guitar X:
I feel I must comment here. I had the honor of competing (with? against?) Christina and Ali in Week 1 of the Top 48. I am a proud member of Airpocalypse, and I am compelled to confirm that Christina and Ali are two of the nicest people that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I’ve heard that Courage is Grace under Pressure, and I hope that should I ever have to confront the challenges that these two young ladies face on a daily basis, I hope I can have a fraction of the Courage that they have.

Am I bummed that I am not in the competition still? Hell yes. Am I bummed that they are in what could have been my place?

Nope. Not at all.

Yes, there are acts that I think we should have gone ahead of. However, this is not one of them. Best of luck to them. If you pray, (to whoever), pray for them. And if you don’t, you must recognize the fact that you are watching one of the most inspirational things that you may ever see.

~X

First, it’s nice to hear from someone who has had first hand interaction with Christina and Ali. Second, this says a lot about Airpocalypse and the type of people they are.

UPDATE: Here are some comments submitted by Jamison (from Blue Sky Canopy)

Although our my act never made it to air-time, in Vegas I was in the ‘duos’ category with Christina and Ali, so after spending all that time with both sisters and their parents, I also feel the need to comment here.

For Christina and Ali, this isn’t about winning. They carry a message with them greater than anyone else on the show – and instead of telling it, they’re SHOWING it. Follow your dreams, no matter what.

Not to say they’re the only courageous people on America’s Got Talent – many others have come from hard backgrounds/lives, but after knowing them personally, I can tell you with complete honesty: They deserve everything good in this world.

Sympathy votes? No. I believe people over-think the title of the show too much. It’s not solely about who the most talented person/act is. It’s about who people like personally. Remember, they’re looking for a Vegas “show”, not “just singing.” Professional performers need to be personable with their audiences, like-able, relate-able, and inspiring. So, whether it’s their amazing talent, courage, inspiring story, beauty, humbleness, or grace, people will continue to vote for Christina and Ali because THEY DESERVE IT.

What they portray on the show is NOT some produced persona the show made up for them – what you see/hear is who they REALLY are. They are angels. I spoke most with Ali (she was closer to my age), and every time, I would feel a warming light radiating from her smile, eyes, and sincerity.

Christina and Ali, and Michael Grimm, are the most genuine acts I met during my experience with the show. They deserve it all, and I hope they get it. God bless them.

-Jamison

UPDATE 2: Here’s the comments from Iron Horse about Ali and Christina:

I’m 100% behind Jason on this one! We spent time talking with them and their parents in Vegas and Hollywood and the whole time they were always cheerful and full of good things to say about every act.

I think it takes talent to be able to sing like they do with the breathing problems that they have. My brother and I both have had pneumonia for the past couple weeks and I know first hand how hard it is to sing with fluid in your lungs… not saying I know what it feels like to have CF, but I know what it feels like to not be able to breath properly and try to sing at the same time. Christina and Ali are not only brave enough to devote their lives to something doctors have told them they’ll never be able to do properly, but they are extremely brave to do it in front of millions of Americans on live television.

They may not be the most talented singers in the world… Many may not even feel they deserve to be this far in the competition… it’s not my place to say. But give them credit for what they are doing.

Just my two cents…

-Carl
Iron Horse

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Tyson recently commented about the second semi final show being stacked on our previous America’s Got Talent semi final rankings post:

The second semifinal is stacked. Your top five acts are all in the second semifinal. Eight of your top 12 compete in the second semifinal.

Here’s the list of acts in the second semi final:
* Alice Tan Ridley, Singer
* Debra Romer, Singer/Musician
* Fighting Gravity, Blacklight Performers
* Haspop, Popping Dancer
* Jackie Evancho, Singer
* Jeremy VanSchoonhoven, Extreme Cyclist
* Maestro Alexander Bui, Pianist
* Michael Grasso, Magician/Illusionist
* Michael Lipari & Ashleigh Dejon, Aerialists
* Murray, Magician/Illusionist
* Nathaniel Kenyon, Singer/Musician
* Studio One Young Beast Society, Dance Troupe

What do you guys think about those in the second semi final?

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I’m sure many of you remember Jessica Price (one of my favorite acts ever on America’s Got Talent). Well, I guess she’s singing in a band (I think I posted some videos of her band before) and they have a chance to open for Kiss in Michigan. Here’s the email I got about the opportunity:

Hi. Remember Jessica Price? Well her band is in a competition to open for KISS in Detroit, Michigan. However, they need some more votes. The top five bands get an audition for the gig so if you could please go to eventful.com/kiss and under Detroit Metro Area vote for Jessica Price band, they would really appreciate it. Voting ends Saturday!

Thank you very much,
Patricia

Let’s support Jessica and vote for her band.

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If you’ve been reading Pure America’s Got Talent this season, then you know I’ve already displayed my bias for Christina and Ali front and center. I don’t shy away from the fact that I have biases. I embrace them and enjoy the beauty of loving something or someone.

However, it’s not surprising that a lot of people are saying that Christina and Ali don’t deserve to be in the finals. They usually have the obvious argument that they aren’t great singers and that they shouldn’t win based on their sob story. First of all, I’m not sure why someone shouldn’t win for a sob story. However, let’s set that aside for a minute and consider their talent.

In order to illustrate how talented I think Christina and Ali are, check out this INCREDIBLE video of pianist Liu Wei on “China’s Got Talent.” I won’t ruin the video, but you REALLY MUST watch this video (and you might want some tissues close by). It’s pretty incredible (Thanks Marianya for pointing it out to me).

It’s hard to imagine anyone saying that Liu Wei is not very talented. Some could easily make the argument that if he was compared to other pianists he really isn’t very good. It was a pretty simple piece of music, he missed some notes and the rhythm was all over the place. I’m literally laughing as I type this since no one would say this (and they shouldn’t). Why? Because it’s an amazing talent that he can play piano with his feet.

How is this any different than the talent Christina and Ali display? They’re lungs are literally being destroyed. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a lung condition which makes it hard to breathe and yet they’re able to go on stage and belt out their songs. That’s overcoming a lot.

Maybe people don’t respect the talent as much in Christina and Ali’s case because it’s an internal disease which people can’t see. They can’t really know how much of the lungs have problems. They can’t see the amount of lung problems they have. However, would Liu Wei’s talent be any less amazing if he only lost half of his arms?

Plus, America can’t try and do what Christina and Ali are doing. America can’t attempt to sing with mucus built up on their lungs like Christina and Ali have to do. America could try and play the piano with their feet and so they can be more amazed by the talent of Liu Wei. Just because you can’t try it yourself, does it make it any less talented?

I don’t blame America. Most people don’t know much about CF and so how can they judge the talent of girls singing with CF? I don’t claim to be an expert in CF myself. However, I’ve sung next to someone with CF. That’s why beyond loving Christina and Ali’s goodness and kindness (which they have in abundance) I love them for their talent too.

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