S12.E24: Live Finale Results

[halopub]

Is a one time lump sum a option for the winner? I hadn't heard that before.

 

14 hours ago, rollacoaster said:

I don't understand what Shania is wearing. Or anything happening onstage around her.

ESPN and the USTA spent two weeks promoting her album during the US Open - the new music and dancer randomness does grow on a person.

 

14 hours ago, HowdyTV said:

Maybe it is my ear, but this season, singers sounded flat and tonight is no exception. And if not flat, then singing so softly, they can't be heard.  

 

I blame the sound mixers for this perpetual issue. I don't know if the singers sound great in the theater but their performances should be calibrated for TV, where they aren't drowned out by the backup singers, musicians or cheesy backing tracks. The singers who choose simpler arrangements, like Mandy, can actually be heard.

This issue is not limited to AGT - Simon used to talk about how differently Idol performances came across after he watched them back on tape.

[anthonyd46]

https://www.yahoo.com/news/america-got-talent-fans-react-031100168.html

 

I am not sure what planet these people live on. The top 5 was all non save acts that included 4 golden buzzers and the only non golden buzzer finished 5th. What was so shocking? 

[anthonyd46]

26 minutes ago, halopub said:

I blame the sound mixers for this perpetual issue. I don't know if the singers sound great in the theater but their performances should be calibrated for TV, where they aren't drowned out by the backup singers, musicians or cheesy backing tracks. The singers who choose simpler arrangements, like Mandy, can actually be heard.

This issue is not limited to AGT - Simon used to talk about how differently Idol performances came across after he watched them back on tape.

As someone that has been to multiple live shows of this I can back this up. Some of the acts look completely different in person. Usually alot of those acts like Diavolo type in person don't look as impressive as they do on the TV. As far as the singers it depends. There's actually two stages (at least in both NYC locations there was) its just camera manipluation. 

There was an act in season of 9 Livy, Matt, and Sammy and in the quarter finals they were on this other stage which was basically a black platform that was in the back of the theatre. I remember when I was there not only could I barely see them, I could barely hear them as well. The judges completely trashed them too, because they probably had a similar experience. Also some singers if they have like extensive backgrounds etc they pre-tape before the show. So thats why the simplier arrangement singers I think are heard better its because alot of those complicated ones are pre-taped versus live and they have time to edit whatever they want. Those cheesy background tracks might be added in later etc. I remember Loop Rawlins being a pre-tape and I couldn't see a damn thing in person when he was performing, but when watchign the pre-tape on the tv it looked completely different. 

Edited September 21, 2017 by anthonyd46

[Robodude]

Once they get to the final 2, it was 100% clear that Darci was going to win.  There's no chance they would have underage girl singers win 2 years in a row. 

That said, I echo those who praised Simon for going directly over to Angelica once the winner was announced to talk to her while everyone was congratulating Darci.  He's a smart producer and that showed him to also be a decent human being.

I've noticed that Darci's jaw is built for her act.  There's something....different...about how it's set that I think allows her to sing like she does without her face changing.  It is an awesome talent for sure...but will it change as she grows?  All i can say is that she absolutely held her own with Fator on stage.  She had a week to work on that act and she didn't skip a beat with her patter and back/forth with Terry.

Lastly...  my wife and I always talk about "Is this act really Vegas-Show worthy?"  We would absolutely pay to see a show that had both Diavolo and Light Balance....doing bits back to back like we saw last night.

Even Darci, in the end, is a one trick pony (singing ventriloquism), Sara/Hero have serious limitations beyond a 3 min bit and none of the singers were worthy of more than a side show act in a casino bar.

[saber5055]

Things I learned: MelB is incredibly ... well, not smart. Howie's bulldog is disgusting, peeing on everything. You CAN tell a dog "NO" and they learn from it. Plus that gross pee dog made me have a dream about dog pee, so thanks a lot. I also learned singing a duet can make one singer shine (Kechi) and another sound not-so-good (Angelica). And amateurs singing with a professional make the pro sound REALLY good. I was pleased to see Sara and Hero in Top Five. Shocked to see Angelica in final two as I was sure it would be Light Balance standing with Darci. Thank the gods Darci won. While I liked Angelica okay during the season, her final tape segment of her "I want to see my name in lights, I want to be famous, I'm going to be a STAR! It's ALL ABOUT ME ME ME!" made me dislike her and, lightning strike me, I was fine with her bawling her eyes out all alone at the very end. Welcome to Hollywood, Angelica, it's a cruel world out there.

[saber5055]

I just saw Darci interviewed on the news. She is donating a portion of her winnings to her church, and is going to buy her mom FINALLY! a dish washer.

[helenamonster]

12 hours ago, CelticBlackCat said:

I'm so happy Darci won.  I was getting really worried when it was her and Angelica left.  My logical side told me with Darci's popularity, she must be the winner, but my cynical side thought may be the universe is out of order.  Darci will have a nice life financially with the annuity over 40 years.  I wish her the best!

I was thinking she'd take the lump sum and use a portion to pay for college. I'm sure her parents would like that anyway, saves them $200,000.

The right person definitely won, and I'm so happy for Darci. I agree though that it was torture to have the top two be two young girls who were obviously completely overwhelmed. Besides most child acts being mediocre at best (Darci is an exception), one of the reasons I advocate for an age limit on this show is that I don't like seeing little kids have breakdowns on live tv. It's too much.

I agree with whoever said that Preacher seeing himself paired up with Darci and knowing it was game over was the funniest he's been all season.

Kind of proud of myself for predicting the top five, even if I didn't get the order right. But based on their last performances, there weren't really any surprises. Sara and Hero I think were at their weakest on Tuesday, so I can understand how they finished fifth. But as Sara said, it's incredible that they even got into the top five, and I'm so grateful that this show brought them into my life. I'm definitely going to keep following what they do, they're incredible. I also loved the pre-taped bit of her training the judges dogs. So jealous of Heidi that she has not one but two German shepherds! She's living my dream life. I don't have the proper lifestyle for a dog right now and even if I did, my apartment building doesn't allow dogs heavier than forty pounds. But they were gorgeous, I'm green with envy.

I predicted Mandy in fourth. She might have been able to edge out Light Balance if she'd switched her semifinals and finals performance, but otherwise I think it was about right. Also, Marlee Matlin! She's a badass, I loved seeing her.

Even though they've been consistently amazing, I'm still a little blown away that Light Balance ended up in third. America usually doesn't go for these big group acts because they're harder to relate to on a personal level than acts with just one or two people. But good for them,  they're pretty much guaranteed a Las Vegas residency somewhere.

Also loved seeing Kelly Clarkson, the OG of these competitions. And the fact that she was performing on the same stage that she won on back in 2002. I'm 100% here for her continued professional success.

[saber5055]

I wish I had known that was Derek Hough performing with Light Balance, I would have paid more attention. As it was, it looked like more of the same old same 'ole so I pretty much didn't watch. Everyone said how LB kept stepping it up, but it always looked like the same thing to me. Not that it wasn't good, mind you. Jeff Dunham needs to wear a turtleneck when Walter "talks." And Terry Fator RULES.

It's interesting that Preacher got ZERO votes to win in Drogo's poll.

[anthonyd46]

2 hours ago, Robodude said:

 

Lastly...  my wife and I always talk about "Is this act really Vegas-Show worthy?"  We would absolutely pay to see a show that had both Diavolo and Light Balance....doing bits back to back like we saw last night.

Even Darci, in the end, is a one trick pony (singing ventriloquism), Sara/Hero have serious limitations beyond a 3 min bit and none of the singers were worthy of more than a side show act in a casino bar.

This is what makes no sense. What does this show want to be? Battle of the social media power houses? Or what should be a vegas act? The last two years its defntely battle of the social media power houses. 

[CelticBlackCat]

3 hours ago, saber5055 said:

Things I learned: MelB is incredibly ... well, not smart. Howie's bulldog is disgusting, peeing on everything. You CAN tell a dog "NO" and they learn from it. Plus that gross pee dog made me have a dream about dog pee, so thanks a lot. I also learned singing a duet can make one singer shine (Kechi) and another sound not-so-good (Angelica). And amateurs singing with a professional make the pro sound REALLY good. I was pleased to see Sara and Hero in Top Five. Shocked to see Angelica in final two as I was sure it would be Light Balance standing with Darci. Thank the gods Darci won. While I liked Angelica okay during the season, her final tape segment of her "I want to see my name in lights, I want to be famous, I'm going to be a STAR! It's ALL ABOUT ME ME ME!" made me dislike her and, lightning strike me, I was fine with her bawling her eyes out all alone at the very end. Welcome to Hollywood, Angelica, it's a cruel world out there.

I didn't like her to begin with and this just made me dislike her even more.  I thought the same thing.  It's her parents allowing her to be thrown into the shark tank, and they allow her narrative to be all about her lifelong dream of being a star (gag me) and seeing her name in lights.  She came across as being a self-absorbed brat to me and I just don't care.  Someone really should have pulled her off the stage pronto when Darci was declared the winner!

[elocs]

4 hours ago, halopub said:

Is a one time lump sum a option for the winner? I hadn't heard that before.

A one time payment is around $450,000--before taxes.  Also, a million dollar first prize when the series started would be about $1.25 million now.

4 hours ago, halopub said:

 

 

 

 

[elocs]

Remember Jackie Evancho, the runner up in the 2010 America's Got Talent?  It is estimated that today she is worth $2.5 million dollars.  Even those who do not win AGT can have very good and profitable careers.

[elocs]

3 hours ago, Robodude said:

Once they get to the final 2, it was 100% clear that Darci was going to win.  There's no chance they would have underage girl singers win 2 years in a row. 

That said, I echo those who praised Simon for going directly over to Angelica once the winner was announced to talk to her while everyone was congratulating Darci.  He's a smart producer and that showed him to also be a decent human being.

I've noticed that Darci's jaw is built for her act.  There's something....different...about how it's set that I think allows her to sing like she does without her face changing.  It is an awesome talent for sure...but will it change as she grows?  All i can say is that she absolutely held her own with Fator on stage.  She had a week to work on that act and she didn't skip a beat with her patter and back/forth with Terry.

Lastly...  my wife and I always talk about "Is this act really Vegas-Show worthy?"  We would absolutely pay to see a show that had both Diavolo and Light Balance....doing bits back to back like we saw last night.

Even Darci, in the end, is a one trick pony (singing ventriloquism), Sara/Hero have serious limitations beyond a 3 min bit and none of the singers were worthy of more than a side show act in a casino bar.

"There's no chance they would have underage girl singers win 2 years in a row. "

How would they "not have"?  Because that would imply the voting is a sham.

"Even Darci, in the end, is a one trick pony (singing ventriloquism)"

Is Terry Fator a one trick pony?  Jackie Evancho who was just a classical singer when she was runner up in 2010, is she a one trick pony as well?  Because it's estimated her net worth today is $2.5 million.  Even Grace Vanderwaal, the winner from last year is doing fine and she did well when she performed in Vegas.

[saber5055]

Didn't the show last night say Terry Fator is the No. 1 act in Vegas and is worth a bazillion trillion dollars? Plus all the judges -- except MelB -- said there were no "losers" in the finale, which is true. If someone is truly talented, they can make a go of show business, regardless of where they end up on AGT, AI, The Voice, et. al. History has proven that fact. (Only MelB called those who did not take first prize "losers." Gah, Mel.) Anyway, if a One Trick Pony can be the top-grossing act in Vegas, call me a One Trick Pony. Please.

[ProAc]

Dunham and Fator are multimillion dollar performers. Dunham has been at the top of the pay scale for comedians for quite awhile. Darci could very well end up with a career like theirs.

[Ohwell]

Preacher knew he wasn't going to win but when he said that AGT had changed his life, I got the impression that he was already getting some offers.  I wish him well and even though he wasn't that funny at times,  I do think he has comic qualities that would be good for a pretty decent career.  I loved his reaction when he was standing next to Darci. 

[halopub]

6 hours ago, Robodude said:

Even Darci, in the end, is a one trick pony (singing ventriloquism)

It'll be interesting to see what direction she decides to go in after this. The tween has already been a competitive gymnast, done the pageant circuit and studied singing. I wouldn't be surprised if Darci found something else to be passionate about in her teen years to compliment or supplant her ventriloquism.

 

3 hours ago, elocs said:

A one time payment is around $450,000--before taxes.  Also, a million dollar first prize when the series started would be about $1.25 million now.

Thanks - I checked the most recent participant rules and I saw that disclaimer about the present cash value of the annuity. 

[Marsupial]

Quote

I'm so grateful that this show brought them into my life. I'm definitely going to keep following what they do, they're incredible.

You should check out her You Tube channel, the Super Collies, there are a ton of wonderful videos of her and the dogs. Apparently she and Hero are members of Stunt Dog Promotions, one of several career jumps she got after appearing on the David Letterman show. They also have a dog food sponsor, I forget the name. Their appearance on AGT will only open up more doors, and I am so happy for her and her pups.

Similarly, I wish a good career in TV or stand-up for Preacher, who I found appealing and enjoyable even when he wasn't being technically "funny." His delivery and charm outstrip his jokes, but maybe with some maturity in his career (and life) the jokes will catch up.

My Tuesday nights are going to be so empty now! Good thing "This is Us" is coming back! 

[Magic]

16 hours ago, Taeolas said:

That all said, you could pretty much tell she was getting the Winners edit by having BOTH Jeff and Terry show up as her 'coaches'/support. 

hehe.  And I thought Evie and Chance clearly got the bottom five edit by having to share James Arthur.

But overall a good final.  Always love to see Kelly Clarkson.  And there were a lot of fun bits like Sara training the judge's dogs.  Howie was funny, for once, in that piece. There were a handful of fun bits with Tyra in them.  Including when she was quizzing the judges with AGT facts.  Lots of funny bits in that skit.  I have never seen so much confetti.  Glad I don't have to clean that up.  Congratulations to Darci.  I hope her family keeps her grounded and she goes on to a great career as a show person.  While not my favorite acts of all time this season, this season was the best all around season, I can remember so guess I'll be watching next season too.

[SillyOldClothCat]

My husband and I were sure Shania Twain was lip-synching her whole appearance on this episode of AGT, and she clearly didn't remember all of the lyrics. That's pretty depressing considering all the other amazing live talent we heard. Way to phone it in, Shania!

[helenamonster]

18 hours ago, saber5055 said:

Didn't the show last night say Terry Fator is the No. 1 act in Vegas and is worth a bazillion trillion dollars? Plus all the judges -- except MelB -- said there were no "losers" in the finale, which is true. If someone is truly talented, they can make a go of show business, regardless of where they end up on AGT, AI, The Voice, et. al. History has proven that fact. (Only MelB called those who did not take first prize "losers." Gah, Mel.) Anyway, if a One Trick Pony can be the top-grossing act in Vegas, call me a One Trick Pony. Please.

I also liked Kelly Clarkson's point to Angelica and Kechi (and, presumably, to the other finalists) that while winning would be great, they also had the exact same amount of TV exposure as whoever would end up winning, which meant that tons of people who could help them further their career had seen them and would likely be reaching out.

13 hours ago, Marsupial said:

You should check out her You Tube channel, the Super Collies, there are a ton of wonderful videos of her and the dogs. Apparently she and Hero are members of Stunt Dog Promotions, one of several career jumps she got after appearing on the David Letterman show. They also have a dog food sponsor, I forget the name. Their appearance on AGT will only open up more doors, and I am so happy for her and her pups.

Similarly, I wish a good career in TV or stand-up for Preacher, who I found appealing and enjoyable even when he wasn't being technically "funny." His delivery and charm outstrip his jokes, but maybe with some maturity in his career (and life) the jokes will catch up.

My Tuesday nights are going to be so empty now! Good thing "This is Us" is coming back! 

Yes, I've already been on their channel the past couple of days (I watch it while I eat lunch lol) and I love it. The first video is her getting Hero so you can really see their journey from the very beginning.

And hah, I was just thinking how my Tuesday nights will be filled in by the new Menendez brothers show with Edie Falco. Oh, the dramatic swing from summer to fall tv.

[anthonyd46]

3 hours ago, helenamonster said:

 

Yes, I've already been on their channel the past couple of days (I watch it while I eat lunch lol) and I love it. The first video is her getting Hero so you can really see their journey from the very beginning.

 

This what I don't get about this show. Apparently Sara has performed all over the united states, been on David Letterman etc and the story they give us is basically like she came off the streets to audition. Its such a misrepresentation for a sob story. Obviously they cant say shes already establishes somewhat, been on tv before etc, but why? Thats because they keep giving us this false advertisement that these are amateurs trying to make it big which is just so untrue. The show needs to make up its fine are we supposed to be watching amateurs going for a vegas act or are we watching battle of the lesser known social media acts with minimal popularity that are trying to increase their brand? Why call it Sarah & Hero and not just the Super Collies from the beginning? I think at the beginning social media wasnt as apparent, but as it was now so the ameteur thing worked, but I feel like they need to go away from acting like all these acts are amateurs that have never been on a stage before. 

[bluepiano]

1 hour ago, anthonyd46 said:

This what I don't get about this show. Apparently Sara has performed all over the united states, been on David Letterman etc and the story they give us is basically like she came off the streets to audition. Its such a misrepresentation for a sob story. Obviously they cant say shes already establishes somewhat, been on tv before etc, but why? Thats because they keep giving us this false advertisement that these are amateurs trying to make it big which is just so untrue. The show needs to make up its fine are we supposed to be watching amateurs going for a vegas act or are we watching battle of the lesser known social media acts with minimal popularity that are trying to increase their brand? Why call it Sarah & Hero and not just the Super Collies from the beginning? I think at the beginning social media wasnt as apparent, but as it was now so the ameteur thing worked, but I feel like they need to go away from acting like all these acts are amateurs that have never been on a stage before. 

There's been much discussion on the forum about this, and multiple examples of deception have been cited, including the singer who had recorded a couple of big label albums in Nashville who was presented as a simple country boy who sang on his front porch, and the opera singing "cab driver" who'd performed on stages all over the world. Even with Darci Lynn, who I loved and rooted for, they were less than honest, as you would not know from solely watching AGT that this "shy little girl" had appeared on other TV talent contest shows, including one in the UK.

The AGT producers are heavily invested in pushing the myth that that all the contestants are unknowns or amateurs that only YOU, the audience, have the power to turn into stars. It's a lot more difficult to do that with some of the variety acts, who are obviously skilled and experience professionals. But you can easily hide the background of other types of performers, especially singers. Maybe that's why Simon likes singers so much. (Although The Voice, to its credit, is generally honest about which contestants have had past recording contracts or toured as back-up singers to big name artists. Because the theme of that show is about giving people a second chance, and not just "discovering" unknowns.

Knowing the games that AGT plays I'm usually pretty cynical, but I have to admit that I was "taken in" by Sarah and Hero and believed the whole "lives in her car, rejected by her family story." But I did note that she started out looking kind of a waif, and by the end of the season was quite glammed up and looking very pretty. If she'd started out looking that way I don't think she'd have gotten such heavy audience sympathy, so there was a manipulation factor.

[saber5055]

That's one reason I liked Johnny Whatshisname, whose backstory was he had a recording contract as Little Johnny, then got fired (anyone know why?) and went back to obscurity until AGT. But, I don't care what the person has done before or is doing now. If I like the act, I vote for it. I LOVE Bello Knock, I've seen him numerous times, and his YouTube stunts are jaw-dropping. I wish he could have gotten farther. I was offended by judges (Simon) treating him like he was some goomba from nowhere instead of Ringling's headliner and mouthpiece for many years. I'm sure Sarah has spent a few nights in her car (I have when traveling w/my dogs), but I always wondered where she put those three big border collies since a clip showed Hero riding loose and not in a safe crate. Crowded! Conclusion: I'd rather see professional-type acts with imaginary backstories than two hours of Mirror Image. (I know two twin bros who would disagree with that.)

It's also possible that Sarah being voted off at her audition and Simon saving her was also a big AGT fake out. Who knows. (Simon knows!)

[halopub]

8 hours ago, SillyOldClothCat said:

My husband and I were sure Shania Twain was lip-synching her whole appearance on this episode of AGT, and she clearly didn't remember all of the lyrics. That's pretty depressing considering all the other amazing live talent we heard. Way to phone it in, Shania!

The harmonies with Mandy certainly weren't lip synched. Keep in mind that Shania's in her 50s now and she's had medical and anxiety issues that led to her losing her voice not long ago. It'd be tough for her to project as much as she used to over that disproportionately loud backing track. (Shouldn't a theatre named Dolby have excellent acoustics?) It's been years but didn't that old Behind the Music episode talk about how her voice is affected by her chronic anxiety?

Briefly, since I'm getting a bit off topic here, I suspect Sara's TV story was relatively true to life:

• Sara has documented a few of the 6,000 mile road trips on her youtube account - the road warrior part of her making a living seems real enough. Hopefully she gets to sleep in hotel beds with the dogs more than bunking in the car.
• While they're great for bragging, a Stupid Pet trick and a clip on Ellen do not equal financial windfalls. Or recognition by the general public. Hopefully that trick training app brings in some cash.
• On one of the official Instagram accounts she photographed two dog crates - that clip of Hero in the window was probably just for AGT.

[theatremouse]

3 hours ago, halopub said:

(Shouldn't a theatre named Dolby have excellent acoustics?)

I am not a sound engineer, but my understanding is you can have great acoustics for a live performance, or for television, not both. And even for live, you'd set up the space differently for a symphony vs an opera. Concert halls usually have those huge hanging things for the acoustics that can be moved and adjusted. Which is I suppose a longwinded way of saying, the sound may have been better in person.

[anthonyd46]

17 hours ago, halopub said:

The harmonies with Mandy certainly weren't lip synched. Keep in mind that Shania's in her 50s now and she's had medical and anxiety issues that led to her losing her voice not long ago. It'd be tough for her to project as much as she used to over that disproportionately loud backing track. (Shouldn't a theatre named Dolby have excellent acoustics?) It's been years but didn't that old Behind the Music episode talk about how her voice is affected by her chronic anxiety?

Briefly, since I'm getting a bit off topic here, I suspect Sara's TV story was relatively true to life:

• Sara has documented a few of the 6,000 mile road trips on her youtube account - the road warrior part of her making a living seems real enough. Hopefully she gets to sleep in hotel beds with the dogs more than bunking in the car.
• While they're great for bragging, a Stupid Pet trick and a clip on Ellen do not equal financial windfalls. Or recognition by the general public. Hopefully that trick training app brings in some cash.
• On one of the official Instagram accounts she photographed two dog crates - that clip of Hero in the window was probably just for AGT.

I'm not saying parts of the stories aren't true, but they made it like it was her and hero only and she was on her last dollar driving around in her car. The story was stretched quite a bit and she has three dogs not one. Like I said it should have just been called the super collies, not Sara and her dog on their last dime and then all of a sudden the other two dogs showed up. 

[bluepiano]

On ‎9‎/‎22‎/‎2017 at 3:29 PM, saber5055 said:

It's also possible that Sarah being voted off at her audition and Simon saving her was also a big AGT fake out. Who knows. (Simon knows!)

I suspect you're right. I don't believe anything I see on this show. Producer manipulation is everywhere. I also think it's likely that every Golden Buzzer is pre-selected. Probably with the regular judges but definitely with the guest judges. They're not going to leave something that important to the whim of a guest judge.

Nearly all the Golden Buzzers going to singing moppets was a ratings ploy, as the producers seem to think (rightly or wrongly) that American can't get enough of kid acts, especially kid singers. Were it not for the special talent of Darci Lynn, we probably would've had two little girl singers in a row winning AGT. (I guess you could put Darci Lynn in that category too, but I think of her as more of a ventriloquism act). For me, it doesn't bode well for the show's future.

I know that a number of other people on this forum agree with me that AGT should have an age minimum (at least 16) and then spin off a separate "AGT Junior" show. But I've given up hope that will ever happen. And I'm starting to wonder if AGT will ever again have an adult winner, since the kid performers are marked on such a curve. When that little girl who came in second sang a duet with Kechi, it showed her up for what she is. There is no way that her voice could be judged against that of a grown-up. On top of which, these little kids singing song about adult emotions they can't possibly have experienced always bugs me, and can actually be a bit creepy.

There is no way that singing child bot should've finished two spots about Mandy Harvey. (And I'm only judging Mandy as a singer, not considering her back story).

Edited September 24, 2017 by bluepiano

[saber5055]

I suspect the Golden Buzzers mostly (almost always) go to singers since judges tell acts to "STEP IT UP!" at their next performance, but singers can't really "step it up." They can sing a different song, but they're still singing, not being shot out of a cannon or being buried alive or balancing on top of multiple chairs. So American won't get tired of tired singers, they get saved until the very end while they are still "sort of" interesting. And I agree there s/b an age limit, like 16 at least. Enough with the tiny kids, as "amazing" (not) as they are.

[anthonyd46]

1 hour ago, bluepiano said:

I know that a number of other people on this forum agree with me that AGT should have an age minimum (at least 16) and then spin off a separate "AGT Junior" show. But I've given up hope that will ever happen. And I'm starting to wonder if AGT will ever again have an adult winner, since the kid performers are marked on such a curve. When that little girl who came in second sang a duet with Kechi, it showed her up for what she is. There is no way that her voice could be judged against that of a grown-up. On top of which, these little kids singing song about adult emotions they can't possibly have experienced always bugs me, and can actually be a bit creepy.

There is no way that singing child bot should've finished two spots about Mandy Harvey. (And I'm only judging Mandy as a singer, not considering her back story).

Like I said is this a search for the next vegas show or a social media popularity contest? I think this show has gone away from its roots. The last 2 years have turned into a social media popularity contest. I think Darci is amazing for her age etc, but if we are looking at Vegas show material Light Balance should have blown everyone else away. I was just watching some clips from two years ago when they were still in NYC and its just so different. It seems like once it went to Hollywood they tried to make it more of a show, more theatrics in the songs, more background singers, etc. Not that they weren't there before but you can see alot more of this in the last two years than the radio city years.

[CelticBlackCat]

This was my first time watching AGT, and I didn't even start the season from the beginning.  I have been blissfully unaware of Grace Vanderwaal although I, of course, have heard of Kelly Clarkson and Shania Twain, because they became big acts.  I would like to know what the end game is really supposed to be as well.  All I could figure is that it was a Talent show featuring America's offerings.  Some of the acts are foreign.  That's all right with me because America is about embracing all nationalities.  I don't know if the acid test is:  Are You Vegas Worthy/Ready?  Do you have an original talent like no other or a twist on a regular talent category?

It seems ridiculous to have the kid acts going up against adults.  There should be a children's talent show separately with AGT having an age limit, such as 16.  That way I can avoid watching the AGT Tiny Tots version and not have to hate on little kids because they get on my nerves.

I'm sure that the judges' comments and actions/reactions are scripted to subliminally gear people's (the voters) preferences in the judges' pre-conceived directions.  There is a lot of packaging of the contestants with their clips and sob stories.  It's more of a popularity contest than talent contest and is driven by social media, because who else goes online or uses their smart phone to cast votes but social media mavericks?

[helenamonster]

It's hard for me to fault the show for leaning heavily on social media because all TV shows, reality and scripted, do so nowadays. It helps to boost the ratings and get eyes on advertisements which is all the show really cares about. An act going viral or having the most views/followers is more an indication that it is the most popular act and will likely win, and would have probably still won in the pre-social media days, now there's just less suspense because we can see their stats in real time.

I do agree though that this show can't decide what it wants to be anymore. Are we looking for a Vegas act or a million dollar act (both things could be found in one act but not necessarily)? It also doesn't help that the way the prizes are framed are really stretching it: the million dollars, as we've discussed, is not actually a million dollars (the lump sum is less than half that and the value of the annuity will decrease over time) and "headlining a show in Vegas" means for two nights that also feature other AGT finalists, you just get top billing. I try to ignore all the noise and hype around the show and just appreciate it for what it is: a talent show on a grander scale that gives exposure to a lot of different kinds of acts who then go on to do other things thanks to the exposure. I just think of the winner as earning bragging rights and having something pretty awesome to add to the top of their resume.

[Robodude]

On ‎9‎/‎21‎/‎2017 at 2:01 PM, elocs said:

Even Grace Vanderwaal, the winner from last year is doing fine and she did well when she performed in Vegas.

Yea....i see Grace .....nowhere these days.

[Taeolas]

19 hours ago, anthonyd46 said:

Like I said is this a search for the next vegas show or a social media popularity contest? I think this show has gone away from its roots. The last 2 years have turned into a social media popularity contest. I think Darci is amazing for her age etc, but if we are looking at Vegas show material Light Balance should have blown everyone else away. I was just watching some clips from two years ago when they were still in NYC and its just so different. It seems like once it went to Hollywood they tried to make it more of a show, more theatrics in the songs, more background singers, etc. Not that they weren't there before but you can see alot more of this in the last two years than the radio city years.

 

Really it's neither. It's a show to give entertainment acts a chance to perform for a TV audience that may not otherwise have a chance for a major breakthru. Even the Vegas show is literally just a show (or only 2 shows) at a Vegas Casino, as the headliner with the other Top 10 acts or so. And as noted, the million dollar prize is a 40-year payout or a 400k lump sum; big money for some acts, small change for others. 

 

AGT is just there for 2 things: 

1. A venue for the judges and hosts to do something to stay in the limelight and to pull a paycheck. 

2. A venue for acts to get (free) publicity, and if they are lucky, a chance to show off multiple times. If they are unlucky, they get stuck in a "While we were away" montage (to borrow a term from Ninja Warrior).

The actual "competition" and the Live shows/America votes, is just a way to pretend the public is involved and to keep eyes on the show. Otherwise, it would just be another Talent/Vaudeville show on TV. 

[piequinn35]

When will they say $1M prize tax free on any competition show? Never?

[K2DangerGirl]

Quote

I love seeing Kelly there. She sounded good and I think she has lost weight or else she is dressing better! She looked good.

Yeah, it seems like she finally has a stylist who doesn't hate her.

[CelticBlackCat]

4 hours ago, piequinn35 said:

When will they say $1M prize tax free on any competition show? Never?

Never is right.  It would be illegal to give away money "tax free."  You bet the IRS is all over whoever wins the "Million Dollars Prize."  It would depend on someone's tax liability whether it is in one lump sum or in installments, but the prize money put forth by the grantor would have to be way above just a million dollars for the recipient to net a million dollars.  It's already a lot of clams given away for "free" and AGT doesn't need to be wrapped up in red tape and paperwork for the rest of time taking care of each season's winner.

 

Remember Richard Hatch from Survivor's first season?  Tax evasion and a prison sentence for not reporting his income.

[piequinn35]

Yeah I know in the US, prize winnings are taxable, in Canada, they are tax-free, can the producers pay the tax though and let the winner have $1M. Still no >:D 

[CelticBlackCat]

4 hours ago, piequinn35 said:

Yeah I know in the US, prize winnings are taxable, in Canada, they are tax-free, can the producers pay the tax though and let the winner have $1M. Still no >:D 

America's Got Talent is in America, not Canada.  U.S. laws apply.  Like I said, it would not be a slam dunk one-time tax payment if the winner elects to have the annuity for the next 40 years.

[saber5055]

Money winners on all tv game shows have to pay tax on that money. I always figure it's about (ABOUT) half of the total. So if someone wins $10,000, I mentally think they are getting $5,000. Worse is when someone wins a car, say on Wheel. They won some cash, then a $40,000 car ... which they have to pay tax on, usually more than the cash won on the show. Most winners end up having to refuse the car, they would go broke just paying the taxes on it. So yeah, it makes for good teevee but pretty rotten real life.

[Jeanne222]

Any thoughts on Tara Bank's?

[Parker]

On ‎9‎/‎20‎/‎2017 at 10:16 PM, ProAc said:

Busy stuffing the ballot boxes. No way she got the second most votes. 

Not so.  Huge following and lots of view on youtube.

[anthonyd46]

On 9/28/2017 at 10:50 PM, Parker said:

Not so.  Huge following and lots of view on youtube.

If you look at the picture I posted a page back Darci and Angelica were miles ahead in views from everyone else. Darci had over 2 million, Angelica a million, Preacher 500k and no one else over 300k.

Edited October 3, 2017 by anthonyd46