America's Got Talent 2014 - Live Blog and Recap - Quarter Finals 1 (VIDEO)

Welcome to the live blog and recap of America's Got Talent 2014, "Quarter Finals 1"! The first performers from our Season 9 Top 48 perform for your votes! The acts competing tonight are:

Miguel Dakota
Flight Crew Jump Rope
Julia Goodwin
Jasmine Flowers
Emily West
Dan Naturman
The Willis Clan
Sean and Luke
Baila Conmigo
JD Anderson
Valo & Bobby
David and Leeman

Which of your favorites will advance? Keep it locked right here, as I'll be updating with my live, running commentary while Rickey adds videos of each performance throughout the night! Let's get this show on the road!

Credit: NBC

RECAP

-We open on a video hyping the return to New York City, set to "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel, and for some reason, this got me really excited. Like, I can't explain why this little video was so effective, but it was. It certainly helps that the crowd is losing its collective minds before the judges even come onstage. It's a shiny new stage lined with that glorious staple of Radio City Music Hall, The Rockettes. After introductions, Nick Cannon notes that there are tons of ways to vote, including through Google. Howard Stern talks about the pressure of being on live television for these acts, prompting Nick to warn that, as in the audition round, four Xs will bring a performance to an end. Onto our first performers...

SEAN AND LUKE open the show!

-Tapdancers Sean and Luke are up first. They talk about how they've known each other since they were three years old, and girls thought they were cute even then. We see them get mobbed by a fan while walking through New York City, and they brag about getting 2000 Twitter followers in one day. They're bringing new moves to try and win over all of the doubters, particularly Howard, who rejected them in their audition.

-Their dance routine is set to "Classic" by MKTO, and...you know what? I dig it! It's really energetic and it had me tapping my foot all the way through. When a dance routine is so infectious it not only makes you want to do it, but is also so deceptively complex that you actually think you can, it's a routine worth praising. I like these guys.

-Heidi thinks they did a great job and "put on a great show," saying they talk classic tapdance and make it modern. Howard, meanwhile, is still not convinced, saying, "It was nice. But nice is not memorable. ... It needed something more." He says it's going to be too competitive a night for something like what they just did. Mel B, however, feels this was a great way to open the show, saying Sean and Luke are great at what they do. She stresses not to overlook just how hard this is, despite how easy Sean and Luke make it look. Howie agrees, saying he doesn't agree with Howard at all. He encourages America to vote for the duo.

-In their post-performance interview, Sean and Luke thank everyone and talk about what a great moment this was for them. They seemed way more humble and likable here than in their pre-performance package, to such an extent that I kind of want to see them advance. But it's early in the show, so I imagine my opinion is going to be all over the map as the night rolls on.

VIDEO: Sean and Luke perform a tap dance routine set to "Classic" by MKTO

VALO & BOBBY are up next!

-Valo & Bobby are a husband and wife duo from Bulgaria who are doing this in order to give a better future to their four-year-old son. These two are kind of adorable, really, which contrasts with the dangerous nature of their aerial acrobatics routine. Seriously, I was worried through their entire audition. I just have an insane amount of respect for the amount of skill it takes to do what they do, even as I find myself thinking it's an act that's more effective live than it is on television.

-I was squeezing my butt cheeks this entire audition, man. TERRIFIED! Valo may be an Olympic power lifter, but I was practically having a panic attack watching him hoist Bobby up on that pole, balanced ON HIS HEAD, while Bobby zoomed around on a motorcycle inside a ring overhead. I literally can't think of a way to actually describe this. Forget everything I said about this only translating when you're live in the building. This was an insanely suspenseful act, and very exciting. And I say that as someone whose heart really can't take seeing acts like this.

-Howie talks about being in such suspense that he felt unable to breathe. He adds that it may not translate all that well to television, but states that these two deserve to go through. Howard agrees, and says that Valo & Bobby know how to fill a stage, and bring the intensity. Heidi is similarly impressed, talking about the skill necessary for such an act. Mel B, however, says it was "awful," but in a good way. The suspense for her was so "awfully terrifying" that she could hardly breathe, and she spent half the act worrying that something would go horribly wrong.

VIDEO: Valo & Bobby perform death-defying balancing act

-Back from break, as I find myself once again recognizing the disquieting similarities between the theme song for The X Factor and Got Talent franchises. You need more musical variety, Cowell!

JULIA GOODWIN is up next!

-Julia is the singer who wowed with her take on "New York State of Mind," and she's actually one of my favorites among the singers this year. After a bit of background on her relationship with her father, Julia talks about how her first audition led to her believing in herself more. "This is the biggest thing that's ever happened to me," she adds, while also noting how nervous she is about this live performance. Her father, who's been with her every step of the way, talks about how proud he is of her.

-Julia sings a melodically unique rendition of "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls, and I know it wasn't perfect, but I LOVED this. The arrangement was just absolutely gorgeous, and while her vocal may have underwhelmed, this is still something I would download right now. And that may be the uncommon opinion, but I would seriously love to see her advance.

-Howard talks about how much poise Julia has, although he notes that the nerves got to her tonight. Heidi, however, loved it and wants Julia to advance. Mel B, meanwhile, isn't sure about Julia, since she likes her but didn't think it was the best performance. As Mel B notes, they're going to be eliminated half the field, so she just isn't sure if Julia gave enough. Howie, for his part, notes that it felt like a Broadway performance, which isn't necessarily a bad thing in itself, except it doesn't really fit with the "million dollar act" they're looking for. "It was the right performance, but the wrong building."

-Julia notes she's simply thankful for the opportunity, and you know, Howard is spot-on about how poised she is for a 15-year-old. I'm rooting for her, even though I don't think she has the best chance. But I'll definitely be watching this performance back again.

VIDEO: Julia Goodwin sings "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls

BAILA CONMIGO is up next!

-This salsa dance troupe was created by its matriarch, who took a risk despite having no financial safety net in the event of the dance academy's failure. They have been working at this for a very long time, and while they appear somewhat nervous about the live show ahead, they're convinced that they can do this. I certainly dig the confidence, and it's one of those dark horse acts that I think is worth giving a shot.

-This was a fantastic performance. I'm not entirely sure how to recap dance other than to say it was highly energetic, and they moved so fast and with such rhythm that it was almost a visual overload. Not that I'm complaining, because I kind of wanted to get up and join in, even though I can't dance to save my life. And I'm a Puerto Rican who grew up on salsa music, to boot! (Well, salsa and a whole lot of other different off-shoot styles) This was tremendous, especially those little kids! They were on POINT.

-Heidi loved the group, as did Mel B, who gave them a standing ovation and declared her hopes that America votes for them since they're her favorite. Howie joins in the chorus of praise, joking that this is what can be accomplished when you give children two shots of espresso before sending them onstage. Howard adds his praise for the little kids, noting just how well they were used in the act. He even points out the tears of joy they're sharing, which makes them all the more endearing as an act.

-Nick interviews the little girl of the group after the performance, asking if she can teach him some of her moves sometime, to which she adorably responds, "Any time you want." Oh man, I'm so conflicted already! Too much talent!

VIDEO: Baila Conmigo performs a salsa routine

DAVID AND LEEMAN are up next!

-David and Leeman are a comedy magic act that has loads of personality, as one is a psychology teacher and the other is a barista. In essence, they're a really quirky pair, but then that's kind of the point of the act. And hey, they're actually really good at what they do, so I'm stoked to see what kind of trick they have in store for tonight. The magic acts are always the most interesting to me.

-This was a long and elaborate trick, as they tear up pages from books written by each of the judges, and then mix the pieces on the table...and, yeah, I wouldn't really be doing it justice by trying to explain this. Needless to say, it takes the better part of forever for them to get to the big reveal, and Mel B accidentally hits her buzzer in the process. Which is kind of reflective of the audience's reaction, as they completely lose most of the crowd during the trick. You can take longer to get to a reveal when it's your own show, especially since you know people specifically paid to see you and your elaborate tricks. But with a mostly captive audience like this, that wants to see more vibrant, lively acts, a long trick is like a kiss of death. But I will say that once they got to the reveal, the crowd was 100% behind it, getting even Howard to give them a standing ovation.

-Howie loved their shenanigans, while Mel B wanted to simply know how the guys do what they do. Howard praises the guys for always being likable and having unique tricks. He expected it to be a disaster, especially as it continued to go on too long, but says they brought it all together in the end. However, he warns them against losing the audience, both live and at home. Heidi feels their presentation was a bit muddy, and says she actually liked them much better last time, as much as she hates to say it.

VIDEO: David and Leeman perform a complicated magic trick

-Back from break with Nick promising a performance from Enrique Iglesias tomorrow night; but the real news here is that I somehow missed that Nick is pretty much wearing Dorothy's slippers from The Wizard of Oz.

THE WILLIS CLAN is up next!

-The kids talk about how their parents planned on having twelve kids, and they've gone on to have this massive, talented clan. They discuss how nervous they are about the upcoming live performance, and stress just how hard they've been practicing. We even get to see them rehearsing, and honestly, this is one of my favorite acts of the competition, so I'm hoping they can really bring it home. I'd be really disappointed if they stumbled here.

-They perform "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis and the News, and...it's okay. I don't know what's missing, since their harmonies are on-point, and they're all in-sync and everything. But it just sounds...off. The girl is a good singer, but I don't remember her voice sounding so guttural. It was kind of a boring performance, and I chalk it up mostly to song choice. I like the song in its original version, but I have no idea why you'd perform the song from Back to the Future on a nationally-televised talent show.

-Howard felt it was the kind of performance you go to a bathroom break on, which he doesn't like saying since he enjoyed the act previously. Howie reverses his criticism of Julia and applies it to the Willis Clan, saying he felt it was the right act but in the wrong city. He feels they could be huge if they had their own theater in, say, Branson, MO. Heidi thinks this family could be headed straight for the Grand Ole Opry. She really enjoyed the act. Mel B, however, says that Radio City Music Hall swallowed them up. With 12 or 13 of them onstage, it just didn't sound big enough. And you know what? I agree. I think that might have been what was missing, for me.

-One of the sons says he hopes the whole family will get to come back and perform again for America, but I'm not sure what their chances will look like after that.

VIDEO: The Willis Clan performs "The Power of Love"

FLIGHT CREW JUMP ROPE is up next!

-The group talks a bit about what goes into their routine, adding that this is one of their more complicated routines. It certainly looks that way from the auditions, anyway. Then again, everything would look complicated to me, since these are people jumping rope while also bouncing off trampolines and platforms. Should be interesting to see what they can do, especially since I feel like there's only so many places you can go with an act like this.

-This routine was very good, especially since it required so much damn precision. The trampoline platform stunts looked like they could have -- and should have -- gone wrong about a thousand times. The neon lighting was also a great touch in the beginning, as it gave them a distinctive visual flair. They even get bonus points from me for using a Tegan and Sara song ("Closer"). Loved this performance, and I'm kind of stunned that it all went off without a hitch.

-As if reading my mind, Howard talks about how amazing it is that the performance went off without a hitch, considering just how many different things could have gone wrong with an act requiring such precision. Heidi loved the performance and loves their big smiles, while Mel B says the performance was "off the chain." She adds that she didn't want it to end, and even wants to try it herself. For his part, Howie loves that the group stepped it up for the live shows, adding new moves and riskier stunts in addition to the aesthetic change with the neon lighting. Howie also makes a great point in noting that what makes Flight Crew Jump Rope so effective is that they're taking something simple -- something from childhood playgrounds, really -- and making it spectacular.

-Seriously though, how did I not notice Nick's silly-ass shoes before now? I'm so easily distracted by bright red things, I worry I might be a cat of some sort.

VIDEO: Flight Crew Jump Rope performs a routine set to "Closer" by Tegan and Sara

JASMINE FLOWERS is up next!

-This ballet group consists of 25 teenage girls, and they wonder how their mentor manages it all, given that he's been teaching them for years on end. The group notes that this is a way for them all to reach back to their roots, as it adds in Eastern influences with a Western flair. Their technique really does look impeccable, even from these brief rehearsal clips. I'm kind of excited to see what they bring...

-The girls are all dressed like (correct me if I'm wrong, I know nothing of flowers) Japanese Cherry Blossoms, and it makes for a unique visual aesthetic. The performance is lovely to watch, although I don't feel this is a million dollar act. And I'm not sure I understood the inclusion of seizure-inducing strobe lighting towards the end, since I think the dancing was good enough to make its inclusion unnecessary. Still, I have an abiding appreciation for the amount of skill, coordination, and choreography necessary to make something like this work.

-Heidi thinks they're like a kaleidoscope come to life, and that's a wonderful way to describe them. It's ultimately a positive critique -- at least, far more positive than Mel B's, who noted that they're an acquired taste. Howie liked the act and notes he's less of a Jasmine Flower and more of a Jew-Man Flower (a joke the crowd didn't seem to love all that much). Howard respects what they do, and even appreciates it, but he feels it didn't really get over with the crowd here, and isn't certain it will get over with the crowd at home. As much as I hate to say it, I'm inclined to agree with him there.

VIDEO: Jasmine Flowers performs a unique dance routine

EMILY WEST is up next!

-Emily grew up the youngest of four, and has been singing since she was little. She recalls graduating high school early and heading to Nashville to try and make it in music. She was signed, but inevitably dropped from her label, leaving her crushed. Following that rejection, she had trouble getting back into performing, since her confidence was shaken. However, she notes that while losing her record deal felt like the end of the world at the time, she's now singing at Radio City Music Hall.

-She sings "Chandelier" by Sia, and this is my favorite performance of the night so far. I loved her rendition more than the original, in fact, as her voice is more full-bodied and rich than Sia's (whose voice is incredible, don't get me wrong). The arrangement is also far more melodic and moving than the original. Simply put, this moved me. And it moved the judges too, who give her a standing ovation.

-Mel B calls that one of her favorite songs of all-time, and notes how impressed she is that Emily took a great current song, and made it sound like a classic song from old Hollywood. Howie says that he's a big Sia fan, and that this was a performance of that caliber. "This was the best act of the night so far," he adds. Howard says Emily is why he joined this show in the first place, saying she's the best singer he's heard in the three years he's been on the panel. Heidi, meanwhile, feels Emily is a star.

-Emily thanks the judges for their wonderful comments, noting that her performance took a village. I love her and hope she goes far, because this was absolutely sensational.

VIDEO: Emily West performs "Chandelier" by Sia

JD ANDERSON is up next!

-JD talks about being a huge child, weighing 12 lbs. at birth. He also notes that his act has taken ages to hone, before adding that this is the biggest moment of his life. He says everyone in his hometown would hardly fill the first balcony of Radio City Music Hall, it's such a small community. However, he's hoping to do him proud by bringing some stunts that would be "grand finale" stunts in any other setting.

-JD basically goes around breaking stuff with his body, and I'm not entirely sure how I'm supposed to feel about this. He does some things with velcro, and bricks, and damn near destroys himself in the big finale, as he concludes the act by repeating the "tackle a row of ice blocks" trick. This gets the crowd on its feet, although I wonder how much of it was JD and how much of it was his use of Europe's "The Final Countdown." That said, it's incredible that he's standing, much less devoid of any cuts or bruises after all that. The man is certainly an impressive novelty act, and I think with a little training, he could actually make ridiculous money in pro wrestling from his look alone.

-Howard is impressed with JD, and likes that he repeated the ice trick, since it's important that newcomers get to see that live, because it's such a visually-stunning stunt. Mel B loves that JD gave them "a proper show." Howie, meanwhile, has no idea how JD does this, and is every bit as impressed with JD's inability to be hurt as the crowd. Lastly, Heidi is reminded of the Tazmanian Devil, noting that JD is great at destroying things.

-JD notes that he nearly blacked out towards the end, but says he's here to entertain. Still, man, your safety. This is like Homer Simpson getting shot in the stomach with cannon balls during Lollapalooza.

VIDEO: JD Anderson performs a human demolition routine

DAN NATURMAN is up next!

-Dan talks about coming to New York City to study law before realizing he didn't want to be a lawyer at all, and would rather do comedy. He has a TV from 1997 that he plans on replacing if he wins the million dollars. He notes that it might be weird that he's in his 40s without being married, but adds that he isn't really a ladies' man anyway. "I'm ready for any level of success that might come to me at this point...and I'm also ready for ten more years of obscurity."

-Dan comes out to "Baby Got Back," and then wonders who the hell decided to intro him to that song. He then launches into jokes about Canada, noting that he's not only never heard of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, he didn't even know Canada had a Prime Minister. He then goes into some jokes about healthcare, noting that you shouldn't have to ask your doctor about a prescription like the commercial tells you to, since your doctor should already know. Yeah, I'm not that good at recapping jokes, since so much of it is in the delivery. But he's got great delivery on his punchlines. Dan kept this light, fast, and (most importantly) funny.

-Mel B didn't want it to end, and notes that Dan is great with his delivery. She also loves how "awkwardly confident" he is in his performance and style. Heidi, meanwhile, wasn't entirely sold, but notes that he won her over by the end. Howie thought Dan was very funny, and tells him he's well on his way to that new TV. Howard says Dan "nailed it" and adds, "You were funny as hell."

-Nick asks Dan how he feels about Mel's comments regarding his "awkward confidence," and he says he's more than happy to take the compliment.

VIDEO: Dan Naturman performs a stand-up comedy set

MIGUEL DAKOTA closes the show!

-Miguel got his first guitar at age 11, and the music has carried him through all the hard times. He says this is a dream come true, considering how much of his time is spent working construction to provide for his family. He notes that he has two adopted siblings and a younger brother, as this becomes an episode of The Fosters. But with all seriousness, Miguel has serious talent, and he's hoping to finally realize his dreams with this performance.

-Miguel performs "Come Together" by The Beatles, and it's a pretty damn solid performance. His gritty voice reminds me of a more melodious Tom Waits. He certainly has the look and the stage presence to go far, in addition to the talent. I didn't think it was as good as his "Heartless" performance at Boot Camp, but I still think he's one of the acts to watch in this competition. Howie gives him a standing ovation.

-Heidi thinks it was smart of Miguel to sing such a well-loved Beatles song, and thinks he did a good job. Mel B not only thought it was a good performance, she thought it was hot too. Howie goes one further and says if that had been the last performance they'd seen this season, he would win the one million dollars. He thinks he's a great artist, and calls him the "one" in One Direction. He then uses his praise of Miguel to indirectly plug his own Twitter account. Howard, however, is less impressed, saying Miguel might go through because of his charisma and looks, but notes that he didn't blow him away. He says he had the misfortune of following Emily West, which won't really help Emily West in the votes, honestly. But Howard notes that Miguel is a really nice guy, and that his story is a compelling one, so he's hoping Miguel comes back with something stronger.

VIDEO: Miguel Dakota sings "Come Together" by The Beatles

-Aaaand that's a wrap! So what did you think of the performances? Sound off in the comments! We'll be back tomorrow night to see which acts go through to the next round! Until then, thank you for hanging out with me tonight for the first America's Got Talent live show of the season!

GOODNIGHT!