S09.E03: Auditions, Week 3

[Guest]

Hopefuls perform for the judges.

[Ohwell]

The singing baby is the best talent so far.

 

Edit:  Also the male acrobat, although it'll be interesting to see how he can vary his act. 

Edited June 11, 2014 by Ohwell

[LadyMustang65]

I loved the "bar" magician.  Wow! 

[Taeolas]

The Bar magician was good; real good patter in general, and a good variety of tricks, even if some are basic. Still the fact that he did it bare armed was very impressive too. One of my favs so far. 

[friendperidot]

I rather liked the red head comedienne, I laughed, the baby singer was good & since I understand anxiety & depression, I liked the girl singer and I liked the Chinese lotus dancers from Atlanta, very pretty.

[A Boston Gal]

Yup, the bar magician was great, along with the Lotus Dancers and Singing Baby. Did we ever get a good explanation for the baby costume? Besides just trying to get the casting people's attention, I mean?

 

I'm sorry, call me cold and unfeeling, but I cared neither for Sob Story One nor Sob Story Two, the Tales of the Agoraphobic/OCD Young Woman and Rejected by Dad Young Man. It didn't help that neither of their voices was extraordinary. Fine singers both, just not "million dollar acts." (TM Howard Stern)

 

 A personal note to Smoothdini (or whatever his stage name is): Please, Mr. S, use your real name; it'll make you look lots more professional. And you're too good to be burdened with a one-trick pony moniker. Besides, Houdini did escapes, not close magic. Anyway, just go by your real name, ok?  Love and kisses,  Cranky Old Aunt Boston Gal

Edited June 11, 2014 by A Boston Gal

[Taeolas]

Some thoughts on the other acts:

 

The opening act, the jugglers, were good. Good patter, and they made the most of climbing over Nick to get in position. 

 

The camouflage dancers, great fakeout with the box. Routine might need a little bit of tightening up, but I am curious to see what they can do.

 

The comedienne, nice act, was fun, and she seemed to roll right into the act. Jokes were relatively fresh too (I think I've heard them before but she had good delivery).

 

Asian fan dancers, loved them and looking forward to seeing what they do next. The other dance groups seemed to be mainly what we've seen before; good fodder for the middle rounds but nothing really jumped out as memorable like the Fan group or the Camo group.

 

The Man Band, rightfully buzzed, but a hoot that they got more time because Mel unplugged the buzzers. Laughed about seeing all the stage producers coming out to tell them they're buzzed and to figure out what's going on. 

 

Hand balancer was good; should be good enough to make it another round or two I think.

 

The girl singer was OK; but it's America's Got Talent, not America's Got a Sob Story. (Hard to tell the difference sometimes granted). I did appreciate Howie going up to congratulate her, and she is good; probably good enough for a few rounds. 

 

Baby singer was decent as well; and another good fakeout IMO. Curious to see what he might do next. The costume would make him memorable.

 

As I already said, the Bar magician was great; I hope he goes far. The other magician acts looked OK at least. I liked the Head-cups trick, with the assistant swap at the end. Basic trick, but good comedy. (I noticed a little wiggle in one of the buckets at the end, probably when the assistants swapped)

 

The Not-Ole Dogs got about as much time as they deserved. I think we'd remember his dog's names because we'dd hear them so much as he frustratedly tried to get them to do a trick.

 

Did the Cats get a go through? Seemed like she had a good act with 'untrainable' animals.

 

The Pig is good for a few rounds. Clean, cute, and different enough to be memorable, and his trainer has good patter too. Probably not many rounds after this; his act is too slow to do more than that, but still fun to see.

 

Between William Tell and the Strong Man, we might have a "Seniors Got Talent" show building up. Unlike arrow acts of the past, he does seem to have a good act, faking out what he's targeting, and his age is certainly a factor as well. I'm curious to see what the next round will bring for him.

 

All in all, a fun episode, and the camera work wasn't *that* bad. Main issue was cutting a lot of acts (especially a lot of the dance acts) short.  

 

Yup, the bar magician was great, along with the Lotus Dancers and Singing Baby. Did we ever get a good explanation for the baby costume? Besides just trying to get the casting people's attention, I mean?

 

 

 

The Baby Costume actually isn't a bad idea, at least the first few times people do it. It makes you memorable in multiple ways, especially if oyu have an act that can back it up. Remember, at the Vegas stage, the Judges will be looking at ALL the acts they've put through, and trying to figure out which ones get the cut, which ones get cut, and which ones are on the bubble. If you have something unique to make you pop from a picture, you might have a better chance to get through. Singing Baby is going to pop from among the other pictures of singers right away, and stick in the mind enough that he might get an auto-pass to New York.

 

The Camo Dancers will probably have a similarly memorable Pop too, especially since their opener implied there were just 2 of them to start.

 

Now if everyone started doing that, it'll lose all its effectiveness, but for the first few people that pull it off successfully, it could be a big leg up.

 

And add me to the "Completely unmoved" category for the Sob story acts. Thankfully there were only the two last night at least (that I even vaguely remember).

Edited June 11, 2014 by Taeolas

[marketdoctor]

I liked that Smoovdini borrowed an old magic tradition--Houdini borrowed his name from Robert Houdin, as an effort to be "better than Houdin."  And Houdini did non-escape magic (he even wrote a classic book about it--"Houdini on Magic"); he was just better at escaping than he was at other kinds of magic, so he went with what the audience wanted.

 

No matter what happens next, could someone get the archer on a "flash forward" scene on Arrow?  It'd be stunt-casting, but the guy is good enough (and seems to be the right personality) to deserve it.

 

I liked that there were fewer bad acts (enough to keep us guessing) but mostly a focus on "talent" and not "no-talent."   The Mel B unplugged the buzzers was funny, though; it'd be a good setup for if/when they bring back Prince Poppycock--Mel B. could offer him her cel-phone, and when he doesn't need it, say "I'll just charge it up then while you perform." 

 

I liked that Howie Mandel hugged the singer with anxiety--knowing how hard it is for him to touch people.  She might want to look into a sensory deprivation box; I've heard some people with severe anxiety find them comforting.  On a sillier note, I kept thinking the scene from Watchmen that used that same song would have been better with her version (and that is intended as a compliment, if you were wondering). 

 

The camo dancers were a nice twist, and a really clever opening.  It's not usually a bit that works twice, so I wonder what they'll do next.

[tominboston]

I never thought I would write this sort of thing, but the trained pig was incredibly cute, especially when he "kissed" Heidi. Loved the wagging tail, like a happy dog. I look forward to seeing him one more time, although I suspect that one more appearance is about as much as the act will be able to pull off. The bar magician was pretty amazing given that he pulled off the tricks with short sleeves and in close proximity to the judges. I know there's an explanation for everything he did but I prefer to be mystified. Anxiety Girl was a fine singer and I wish her luck, but jeez, enough with the sob stories on this show. This is a talent competition but NBC throws in these soap operas. Sometimes I wonder if the producers want the winner to be a good-looking but homeless cancer survivor orphan who is recovering from addiction and a chronic skin rash, or something like that.

[Taeolas]

This is a talent competition but NBC throws in these soap operas. Sometimes I wonder if the producers want the winner to be a good-looking but homeless cancer survivor orphan who is recovering from addiction and a chronic skin rash, or something like that.

 

You left off handicapped military vet (preferably female). I'm pretty sure that's their ideal act.

[BeatrixK]

One thing I will say about Justin Rhodes:  The camera doesn't do that guy justice.  He plays weekly at the Hard Rock casino in Tampa, and - in person - he brings the pretty to an alarming degree.

 

I have to admit, the female comedienne comparing men and women to dogs and cats cracked me up harder than it should have.

[LoneHaranguer]

 

All in all, a fun episode, and the camera work wasn't *that* bad.

Except maybe the Asian dancers. Some of the direction made no sense at all. When they're making those big patterns with their fans, why would you focus in on just a few of the dancers in the middle?

[Lava VaVoom]

 

You left off handicapped military vet (preferably female).

MINORITY handicapped military vet (preferably female).  ("Minority" of your choice.)

[marketdoctor]

They like putting the sob stories up for voting, so you have another reason to tune in...or in my case, seeif there's a new Lily Adams cel phone ad, or see what's on the weather radar, or open a book.

[peggy06]

Missed most of the second hour, and I guess I missed the best acts. Of what I saw, I liked the lotus dancers and the redheaded comedian.

 

Arrow shooter creeped me out. He might be good, but the whole act is smarmy, from his patter to his tricks. What else is he going to do anyway? This is prime-time network TV.

 

I can't see the pig lasting more than one more round. Only did 3 tricks, all 3 of which were pretty simple. An animal act has to be faster-paced and more exciting than that.

 

I liked the singer in red who sang "Think." They only showed part of her performance, but what I heard sounded good.

[daughtersofanarchy]

Loved when the golfing pig picked up the hole and put it over the ball.  Really funny.  And agree, his wagging tail was a show all in itself.

 

Bar magician was impressive.  When he held out his bare arm and produced card after card it was very well done.

 

I was sure Baby Man was going to do comedy and enjoyed his fakeout.  He sounded good, but wonder if he will just play it straight from now on.

 

Handstand Man was my favorite.  He is so graceful, with unbelievable control and strength.  Mesmerizing.

 

Let me get in line behind those who were totally unmoved by the two sob stories.  For me, one of them didn't even ring true.  Oh, how I wish we didn't have to be subjected to this stuff.

[Kromm]

I'm STILL not sold on Heidi as a judge, but I've really come to appreciate Mel.  If there was ever any doubt she was the best Spice Girl, this show ended that.

 

Hee, on Big Baby Singer.  As long as this is the only time... I don't mind it.  I really appreciate those Sons of Serendep guys too.

Except maybe the Asian dancers. Some of the direction made no sense at all. When they're making those big patterns with their fans, why would you focus in on just a few of the dancers in the middle?

The show editing is SO much better this season, in a way it actually makes the instances of bad camerawork MORE noticeable.

Edited June 12, 2014 by Kromm

[Kromm]

I loved the "bar" magician.  Wow! 

I think I may want Smoothdini to win this.  He won't, but I'll regret that he won't.

Edited June 12, 2014 by Kromm

[helenamonster]

I thought this was the strongest audition episode by far. Seriously, I liked almost every act. Smoothini, Smoothdini, what the hell ever...damn, that man is awesome. I'm a little nervous that he won't be able to translate his "bar" magic to a bigger act for the live rounds (which he'll pretty much have to), but I'll hold out hope that he can because I really enjoyed him.

 

The Asian dancers were spectacular, and head and shoulders above all the other dance acts they showed. Even the first one with the black and white body suits. Yeah, it was cool and unexpected that all those people showed up and I had no idea where they were all coming from, but the choreography was nothing spectacular and they can't do that fakeout twice. The Asian girls, though...there was a similar act last year and I was so mad America didn't vote them through past their first (and only) live show. The precision that's required for that type of dance is phenomenal, I can't even imagine how long it took them to perfect those 90 seconds.

 

I liked the comedienne. She kind of looked like Kathy Griffin (who I go hot and cold on), and she was just very funny and had a lot of energy. I'm looking forward to what other material she has.

 

The archer guy was cool too. Not sure how many rounds he can wring out of his act but he does have talent.

 

That pig was too darn cute. The act won't last long but that's ok. I'm a sucker for animals. I also hope those cats made it through too...I can't imagine my cat doing any sort of trick beyond getting fatter the more we cut down on the portion sizes of her meals.

 

I am so anti-singer on this show. I don't care how good they are. And I definitely don't give a flippity flying fuck about their backstories. I've had my issues with anxiety as well so I felt really bad for that girl, and I realize the judges would look like total assholes if they didn't send her through, especially because she wasn't bad. But come on. And the last guy was a hottie but I just can't work up sympathy about him and his issues with his dad. I've noticed that the show generally has sob stories for their singers and rarely other kinds of acts, and you know that's because people wouldn't be interested otherwise.

 

On a final note, that one guy in the seashell bikini (whose top and bottom did not even match) was clearly just a Lady Gaga fan who has danced around to "Venus" a million times in his room and thought that that would translate to a spot on this show. As a hardcore Lady Gaga fan who has actually seen other fans of hers with enormous amounts of talent, I was frustrated. I mean, I give him props for actually trying to do a solid reference by wearing an outfit similar to the one that she wears when she performs that song, but no. Just no. I know it's the randomest thing to be frustrated with but there you go.

 

 

I'm STILL not sold on Heidi as a judge, but I've really come to appreciate Mel.  If there was ever any doubt she was the best Spice Girl, this show ended that.

 

Mel B was my fave Spice Girl! ...after Geri left the group.

 

But seriously, I think she's doing a great job as a judge. I think she gives good comments (she could be a little more critical; all of them could) but even her praises are very specific, not always "wow, that was so good" etc. And I always like how she says, "Good luck and enjoy yourself." She's a good sport, and I appreciate that in a judge. I'd like to think that we as a society are over the Simon Cowell "mandatory mean Brit" judge.

[Lonesome Rhodes]

Piggy would be a perfect act for Universal Studios' Animal Planet show.  That show needs new blood.  Great one-time act.

 

Loved the fan dancers but I doubt their choreo will get them past the next round.  It was a beautiful thing, no doubt.  Each and every girl performed really well en pointe.

 

With all the techies who swarm over any talent table/desk, I was completely floored that Mel B. was able to hook her phone up and not one crewperson saw her doing it.   It's almost as shocking that Mel B did not ask one of them for assistance in charging her phone.

 

Smartest thing Smoothini did was to go to the jidge's desk for his close hand magic.  It works so much better in smaller space.

[silversage]

I worry about the sob story people when they have to get voted off. They are encouraged so much upfront thinking they'll go far. Then they get voted off, wished good luck and leave. I doubt there is a follow up of their situation to make sure they are OK.

[A Boston Gal]

 

I am so anti-singer on this show. I don't care how good they are. And I definitely don't give a flippity flying fuck about their backstories. I've had my issues with anxiety as well so I felt really bad for that girl, and I realize the judges would look like total assholes if they didn't send her through, especially because she wasn't bad. But come on. And the last guy was a hottie but I just can't work up sympathy about him and his issues with his dad. I've noticed that the show generally has sob stories for their singers and rarely other kinds of acts, and you know that's because people wouldn't be interested otherwise.

 

 Amen, Helenamonster!!

[helenamonster]

Lol I forgot to mention Mel B and her phone, that was pretty funny (and a nice follow-up to the montage they did last year where she was always on her phone). Although I wish in the "Coming Up" segments they had only shown the buzzers not working and then revealed that it was because of Mel's phone later. I think it would have been funnier.

 

I also forgot about the hand-balancer. Wow, talk about grace, strength, and agility. I don't know who I'd rather see go through, him or the guy from the first week. Also, according to this week's promo, there's going to be yet another one. I'm guessing they'll put all three of them in the "we need to see this one more time" pile during the Vegas round and then pick whichever one does best for the live rounds.

 

 

I worry about the sob story people when they have to get voted off. They are encouraged so much upfront thinking they'll go far. Then they get voted off, wished good luck and leave. I doubt there is a follow up of their situation to make sure they are OK.

 

Tbh, it's not really AGT's responsibility to make sure that they're okay once they are voted off the show and/or their contracts end. I've counted three sob story people so far, all solo singers: kid who got adopted, the agoraphobe, and grown-ass man with daddy issues. They can't all win, and chances are none of them will.

 

I don't mean to sound harsh, because I realize some people do really have it rough. I mean, it was a really big deal for that girl to be on that stage after being terrified of leaving her own room. But this isn't America's Got Sob Stories That You Should Feel Sorry For and Give Your Vote To. It's America's Got Talent, and the most talented person should win. End of.

[aurora296]

Hi everyone! Newbie here from TWOP. My first post...

 

I had this episode on mym DVR and finally sat down to watch it. All I want to add is that I felt like anxious girl's story was BS.

I can truly sympathize with people like myself who've been diagnosed with depression and I know all too well how crippling anxiety can be.

That said, everytime she held her hand up to her mouth as if to choke back sobs, she seemed to recover very quickly and I never saw a trace of a tear.

I just wonder, since people see how a good sob story can get you votes, where someone could make up something. How could you say no to the practically suicidal girl? Singing is her only reason for waking up in the morning.

Plus, her singing was fine, but I doubt she'll go far.

I enjoyed, the magician (I refuse to call him Smoothdini), the hand balancing guy from the Ukraine, the guy quartet group with the harp and the guy singing "Somewhere Only We Know", I forgot their name and the dancers with the fans.

[Amethyst]

I started watching too late, so I missed the comedienne, but I saw the singer and the guy with the pig.  The arrow guy was good, but it felt kind of one note, and a little skeevy.    

 

I'm with y'all, they need to stop trotting out these sob stories.  The moment I saw the "Anna's story" hashtag on the screen, I knew it was going to be some drawn out tale about how she lost her arm saving kittens or something, and how inspirational it was and blah blah.  Besides being a cheap way to garner emotion on the show, it's a lousy way to gain the audience's favor and get votes from the judges.  If they're talented enough, it'll show.  No need for the maudlin crap.  

 

I know firsthand how crippling anxiety issues can be, but I can't see her going far because her voice was just OK.

[helenamonster]

Furthermore, if I was a contestant on this show, I would want to think that people were voting for me because they thought I was talented. I'm surprised any of these contestants are willing to get by on pity votes. It actually makes me dislike them more. Again, I feel bad for Anna, but she's kind of exploiting her problems as if she feels she's entitled to get through because she's faced struggles in her life. It's actually kind of insulting to the millions of other people who suffer from anxieties and/or depression that don't use their conditions to get ahead in life.

 

If you have a talent, let that speak for itself. You'll get far enough. You might not win, but you'll get exposure and possibly other opportunities. Don't fucking stand there and tell me your personal problems and expect me to put you through over someone more talented who has had a perfectly normal life with the usual amounts of ups and downs.

[Kromm]

I thought this was the strongest audition episode by far. Seriously, I liked almost every act. Smoothini, Smoothdini, what the hell ever...

As long as it's not JB Smoove (feh!  yuk!), I'm okay with whatever he's choosing to call himself.

Furthermore, if I was a contestant on this show, I would want to think that people were voting for me because they thought I was talented. 

That might resonate with some of them, but with others they honestly won't care.  For many getting known is worth the price of admission for being pitied.  Because being known = bookings = money = ultimately climbing more out of whatever sob story you have.

[Lonesome Rhodes]

Something Heidi and mel B each said resonated with me.  They each were profoundly struck by the comedienne giving them "belly laughs" and how rare that is.

 

I so agree.  The contestant was aight.  But, the larger point about comedy is what really hit home.  So much of it has evolved into being "smart" as opposed to just being funny.  I watched the Don Rickles roast last week and guffawed a couple of times watching the old TV and club clips.   I remembered doing so with some frequency back in the day.  Funny was funny.  Nowadays, we are moved to nodding our heads with ironies being spoken of, but it is rare, indeed, when a joke hits the gut.

 

I'm sick of ironic.  I'm sick of observational humor.  Give me silly.

 

The lady jidges were thunderstruck that they had such a reaction to a comedienne.  'Tis a pity. 

Edited June 13, 2014 by Lonesome Rhodes

[Kromm]

Yeah, but I don't really trust Heidi's sense of humor.  Mel's yes, but not Heidi's.

[DrLar]

I still hate the camera director, like every time he/she manages to ruin some acts...

 

Would have forgive him/her if the right angle was shown when Heidi was leaning down to kiss that pig..

[LoneHaranguer]

 

But this isn't America's Got Sob Stories That You Should Feel Sorry For and Give Your Vote To. It's America's Got Talent, and the most talented person should win.

It's not all sob stories; some of it is just gimmicky filler. There's no reason to feel sorry for the singer/keyboard player whose father had never seen him perform. He could have gone up to visit any time, maybe for his dad's birthday. It was insurance against getting buzzed, but I don't think the producers would have gone along if the guy sucked.

[Indy]

Smoothdini, or however he spells that, might be my favorite act so far this year.  He was so slick.  I love close-up magic much better than the big flashy showy stuff.  The big magic I know is just tricks, props, and misdirection, but smooth awesome close-up magic like Smoothdini does make me believe Hogwarts exists.  I can't come up with any idea how he does that stuff so fast and cleanly, except that he is really magical.  

 

I loved the comedienne this episode.  Her delivery and pace was perfect, plus she was really funny.  90 seconds can be so hard for comedy but she really nailed it.

 

The Asian dancers were lovely.  Even with AGT camera work, they were beautiful to watch.  I hope they go far.  

 

The illusiony dance group, with the suits that matched the box, were cool but I think they were more smoke and mirrors than substance.  They were fine dancers but I think if they were in black leos and pink tights with a blue box to work with, you'd see a lot of out-of sync technique.  But it's a cool gimmick and gimmicks are what get you on the show (see: singer in giant baby costume)

 

We pretty much fast-forward through all singers at our house.  They get about 5 seconds of listen and if they're not superb, we hit the fast-forward button.  I have no patience for singers on this show.  There are too many other reality options for singers.  

 

Mel unplugging the buzzer was hilarious.  Especially because it was during an act that not only one of them wanted to buzz, but all of them.  They were desperately trying to make the the awful stop and none of them could. 

[LoneHaranguer]

 

I love close-up magic much better than the big flashy showy stuff.  The big magic I know is just tricks, props, and misdirection, but smooth awesome close-up magic like Smoothdini does make me believe Hogwarts exists.

The problem with the big magic is that it often relies on the OMG factor to sneak by something that isn't executed very well or isn't really much of a trick to begin with. I still remember when David Copperfield "made the Statue of Liberty disappear". There was enough light from the city reflecting off of the curtain that you could see the cloth flapping in the breeze. OTOH, some of Smoothini's tricks defied explanation.