America's Got Talent 2014 - Live Blog and Recap - Semi Finals 2 (VIDEO)
Welcome to the live blog and recap of America's Got Talent 2014, "Semi Finals 2"! The second and final group of performers from our Season 9 Top 24 perform for your votes! The acts performing tonight are:
AcroArmy
Emil and Dariel
Smoothini
Blue Journey
Kelli Glover
Baila Conmigo
Wendy Liebman (WILD CARD ACT!)
Jaycob Curlee
Mat Franco
Quintavious Johnson
Jonah Smith
Christian Stoinev
This should be a hell of a show, as I feel as though the six spots to the finals are truly up for grabs. I'm not sure anyone is a 100% guaranteed lock to advance, so a lot will be riding on these individual performances, which isn't always the case this deep into a reality talent competition. Videos will be coming as the night rolls on, along with my live commentary, so keep refreshing the page! And keep it locked right here for all of your America's Got Talent needs, as we begin "Semi Finals 2"!
Credit: NBC
Let's get this show on the road!
RECAP
-We kick things off with a montage that features some of tonight's contestants expressing their worries about tonight's show, as one wrong move could cost them a spot in the finals. I'm weirdly excited for tonight's show, so I'm far more anxious to just get this thing started than most weeks. We get introductions for Nick Cannon and the judges, along with some banter about the importance of tonight's show, and now I'm getting REALLY antsy. I have absolutely no idea why. Probably all the coffee. At 8pm on a Tuesday.
JONAH SMITH opens the show!
-Jonah is thrilled to be back in New York City because he cut his teeth in the city, adding that if the place has a New York zip code, he's played there. His career had been going well earlier on, but as the years wore on, he started to lose steam. He notes that maybe he isn't the prototype of a pop star, but he's been waiting for this second opportunity for years. Jonah refuses to let this opportunity slip through his fingers. Well, that's certainly a good attitude to have.
-Jonah sings "Love Runs Out" by OneRepublic, starting it out with simply the piano. However, once the tempo kicks in, it gets a bit messy. That said, I feel like the messiness contributed to the performance. It was a dark, wild vocal that was far from perfect but still exhibited Jonah's passionate, raw ability. It was far more soulful and intense than the original, and even though I would have gone with a different song entirely, I found myself really enjoying this anyway. Mel B and Heidi give Jonah a standing ovation.
-Mel B says "THAT'S how you open up a show!", and I feel like that's now four weeks in a row where she's said that about the first act to open the show, although I'm not sure. It certainly feels like she says that every week. Howie calls this the best season yet, and says there's no way America isn't going to want to vote for that performance. He jokes that, without a doubt, Jonah is the best so far tonight. Heidi loves Jonah's rich voice, and applauds him on the performance. Howard, however, doesn't think this was Jonah's best performance, even though Jonah is his favorite male singer in the competition. "You've got one shot. You've got to bring your show-closer, not your show-opener," Howard says. Meh, I kind of feel like he's picking nits.
-Jonah says he gave a lot of consideration to Howard's advice about song choice in the quarter finals, but says he wanted to exhibit what kind of artist he'd be, while also choosing something that's current and on the radio. An eloquent answer that in no way disrespects the advice Howard gave him before. I like Jonah. Dude is a class act.
VIDEO: Jonah Smith sings 'Love Runs Out' on America's Got Talent 2014 Semi Finals (VIDEO)
BAILA CONMIGO is up next!
-The lead dancer explains that the group is split up into adult dancers and kid dancers, adding that the adult dancers actually want to win more than the kids. However, when interviewed about how badly they want to win America's Got Talent, the kids enthusiastically proclaim that winning is their dream. That's kind of adorable. But even without the cuteness, I'm rooting for these guys. I just love this style of dance.
-This is a REALLY lively routine, as the entire troupe is dressed in yellow or pink, weaving in and out of synchronized movements. It's all building up to the centerpiece, as the adults form a row and then part ways to allow the kids to be showcased. And they absolutely KILL IT, as I can't remember an act with child dancers that has ever had this much rhythm on the show before. The adults join in, and I'm exhausted just LOOKING at this. Their feet are moving at the speed of The Flash. The crowd is LOUD for these guys, and Mel B and Heidi are on their feet.
-Howie loved the act, but thinks the kids are the real stars. He says if it were just the kids, he'd guarantee they'd move on. But with the adults? He's not so sure. Howard agrees with Howie, saying that while the group is fantastic, they need to change the energy up, since it can't always be so frantic. Heidi disagrees, however, saying that her face is hurting from smiling so much. Mel B feels that this group has changed it up a bit, and loudly shouts down Howard when he tries to interrupt. "You gave it your all. You really did," she tells the group. And I'd be hard-pressed to disagree.
-Nick asks one of the little girls if she agrees with Mel B that they gave it their all. "Yeah," she says, nervously but matter-of-factly. I love this act so much.
VIDEO: Baila Conmigo performs on America's Got Talent 2014 Semi Finals (VIDEO)
JAYCOB CURLEE is up next!
-Jaycob talks about going home and practicing like crazy to redeem himself from the quarter finals, and to prove to the judges that he can bring it. He adds that he's received a lot of fan mail from kids he's inspired, and youths who've had similar troubles as he did, growing up. He responds to each and every letter to let them know that everything is going to be okay, and immediately, I can see why America likes this kid so much.
-Jaycob sings "Your Song" by Elton John, and this is my favorite performance of his in the entire competition. It's just him and a guitar, and his surprisingly underrated voice. Seriously, he has such a lovely tone and it really came to the fore during this. If there's one drawback, it's that it's kind of a sleepy performance. But I thought it sounded absolutely beautiful.
-Howard says this was Jaycob's personal best, saying it was a smart song choice. Heidi partially agrees, saying that Jaycob is truly blessed with a great voice. However, she doesn't feel that the stage presence is really there for Jaycob, although she notes that it will come with time. Mel B thinks Jaycob took a risk by performing such a small, insular song. She feels America will like him more than they like his performance. Howie says it's no longer about Jaycob's backstory or where he came from, but where he is now -- and he's on the biggest stage in America. He feels if America likes him, they'll put him through. Uh...well, yeah. That's how it works.
-Jaycob is proud to play at Radio City Music Hall, since not a lot of 18-year-olds can say they have. He asks for America's help in advancing, saying he needs them "one more time". I'd argue you need them more than just "one more time," unless you don't plan on winning. That said, I feel like this was his best, so it wouldn't surprise me if he did advance, considering he advanced last time on a performance that wasn't nearly as good. Then again, it was a weaker field in his quarter finals category, so I guess we'll see.
VIDEO: Jaycob Curlee sings 'Your Song' on America's Got Talent 2014 Semi Finals (VIDEO)
MAT FRANCO is up next!
-Mat talks about returning to playing the college circuit to hone his skills. We then get some more interactions with his adorable grandmother, as Mat continues to be a really likable, affable guy. That said, I'm wondering what he could possibly do to switch things up from what the other magicians are doing.
-So Mat has the judges pick cards, and they choose cards numbered 6, 4, and 2. He then has Mel B take a picture of it with her phone. However, Mat then accidentally for him to "accidentally" get Mel B's phone wet. It's now broken and no longer works. She's FURIOUS, but Mat promises to fix it. He wraps it in a cloth and then blow-dries it, only for the phone to mysteriously vanish. He has Heidi call Mel B's phone, and we can hear it ringing from somewhere in the building. They track it to an empty seat in the audience. Mat takes out a pair of scissors and cuts the seat open. Mel B digs in and finds her phone, and we know it's her phone because it has the picture of the cards on it. However, in one last twist, Mat reveals that the seat number where the phone was found was seat #642! OMG! WHAT THE ACTUAL F***!
-Howard congratulates Mat on a truly exciting act, as Mat is a true professional. Heidi agrees, saying she loved the act. Howie says all he could think during the act was "HOLY $#!+"! Howie is so excitable, he's now spitting when he talks Meanwhile, Mel B says she was seconds away from "socking" Mat when he ruined her phone, but his act completely won her over. Hell, he would have won me over too. That was INCREDIBLE.
VIDEO: Mat Franco performs on America's Got Talent 2014 Semi Finals (VIDEO)
ACROARMY is up next!
-The group goes into detail about their trust in one another, as they practice for hours and days on end to perfect their act. The young girls in the group note that no matter how high in the air they are, they're never scared because they know their partners will catch them. This week, they're going to bring something they've never brought before, pulling out all the stops with "groups on top of groups." Should be fun.
-This was an absolutely WILD act, as the guys basically threw the girls around, used them as jump ropes, tossed them into the air like a frigging boomerang, and all sorts of stunning stuff. I can't even begin to describe it all. This was an EYE-POPPING, HEART-STOPPING performance.. Just so incredible, and I'll be shocked if they don't go through to the finals. They absolutely deserve it, after that performance.
-Mel B says the performance was "off the chain," while Howie says that while the U.S. Army encourages soldiers to be "All they can be," AcroArmy is actually the ones we should be sending to the frontlines. He thinks they were incredible. Howard agrees, and has no idea how they came so close to being eliminated. He feels they deserve to advance to the next round. Heidi, meanwhile, says she already feels like she's at their show in Las Vegas, proclaiming that this is a million dollar act. I absolutely agree. If Cirque du Soleil can pack arenas with their act, I feel like AcroArmy has the potential to do the same thing. I mean, I get that Cirque du Soleil is more of an intense, death-defying spectacle, so they aren't really comparable. But I think their success illustrates that there's a clear market for this type of act, particularly in Las Vegas.
VIDEO: AcroArmy performs on America's Got Talent 2014 Semi Finals (VIDEO)
-Back from break with Nick reminding us that there WILL be a Snapple Save tomorrow to decide which of these twelve acts will take the fifth and sixth spots of the six available places remaining in next week's Top 12 show. Hopefully, this week's bottom 3 isn't as mind-boggling as last week's.
KELLI GLOVER is up next!
-Kelli talks about how she's been waiting for this moment all her life, and says she spent years believing she just wasn't worthy. Her father recalls that after being cut in America's Got Talent in 2009, he didn't hear so much as a hum from her for years. But now she's got her confidence back, and she's looking to go all the way. I don't know if Kelli is going to be able to pull it off, but she definitely has a great voice, with the stage presence to back it up. Hopefully, her song choice here is better than it was in the quarter finals.
-Kelli sings "Love On Top" by Beyonce, and while it's not bad, per se, it's kind of bland. Kelli isn't a bad singer, but her self-doubt is fairly apparent onstage, as she always seems to falter in the early-going. It's as if she never really got over being cut five years ago, and has now allowed that doubt in her ability to seep through in every single one of her performances. Even while the vocal is good, I can't unsee her hesitation and nerves. I imagine if we were just listening to Kelli, it'd be better. But the fact of the matter is that we're watching her too, and it all comes across as a little bit awkward. I like Kelli a lot and wanted to love this, but I just couldn't muster up the enthusiasm for it.
-Howie notes that in Kelli's video package, she expressed her doubt over whether she's worthy, and he says they can all see that doubt in her, since she always starts off shaky. However, she always recovers about half-way through, as if realizing she deserves to be here. He tells Kelli she absolutely does deserve to be here. Howard, however, compares Kelli to a cruise ship singer, saying that while she can sing, he just didn't feel the performance. Heidi congratulates her on tackling a Beyonce song, and tells her she did a good job. Meanwhile, Mel B is frustrated with Kelli, saying that she doesn't get why Kelli doesn't bring it, since she can sing her "tush" off. She just doesn't get it, and it's driving her nuts.
-Kelli says she had fun, and that's what matters. However, she appreciates everything the judges have said. Yeah, I think it's over for Kelli after tonight, unfortunately.
VIDEO: Kelli Glover sings 'Love on Top' on America's Got Talent 2014 Semi Finals (VIDEO)
-After the break, it's time for Howard to introduce his Wild Card act. He was stunned when America eliminated this performer, and felt she deserved a second chance...
WENDY LIEBMAN is up next!
-Wendy talks about going to Radio City Music Hall with her parents as a kid, and adds that being able to perform in front of them on that stage was like a dream come true. However, she was crestfallen when she was eliminated. Which is why she was so thrilled to be invited back as Howard's wild card act. She doesn't plan to squander her second chance.
-Wendy jokes about being brought back as a Wild Card before transitioning into a bit about the secret to a great marriage. She notes that her grandmother says that the key to a great marriage is to never go to bed angry, which is why she's been awake since 1946. (Okay, that was pretty great) She then transitions into this killer bit about her husband using supermarket imagery, saying they met on-line (at the grocery store), he bagged her, they walked down the aisle, etc. Just a really clever bit that illustrated how hard Wendy worked on this routine. The judges seem to love it, as does the crowd. And I loved it too.
-Howard is glad he brought her back, and hopes America votes for her, since this show isn't always kind to comedians. Heidi says that Wendy is "really, really funny." Mel B, meanwhile, adds that she loves a strong, funny, independent woman, which is exactly what Wendy is. Mel B goes as far as to thank Howard for bringing her back. Howie is particularly impressed with Wendy as a comic himself, saying that what she did is different from any other form of entertainment on that stage tonight, as she has to write every joke and hone every word until it's perfect. He hopes America votes for her. I do too, actually.
VIDEO: Wendy Liebman performs on America's Got Talent 2014 Semi Finals (VIDEO)
BLUE JOURNEY is up next!
-The dancers talk about how the public doesn't always recognize or appreciate their style of dance, but their reception by America has been unbelievable. They have a true passion for this, and making it this far has taken them beyond their wildest dreams. Or something platitude-esque like that. Really, most of these acts all say the same things, which is not to say they aren't telling the truth. In particular, I'm excited to see what they bring to this stage, especially now that Aerial Animation is gone.
-They perform a routine against a moonlit backdrop that is visually stunning. I loved this, even though it was far more subtle than their usual work. It's set to "Exit Music For A Film" by Radiohead, and it matches the routine perfectly. They receive a standing ovation from the judges at the end of the act, and they absolutely deserved it, in my opinion. Totally captivating.
-Heidi loved the routine, loved the use of Radiohead, and love Blue Journey. Mel B finds them captivating, and believes they absolutely HAVE to advance in the competition. Howard called the routine a risk, since they danced to such a slow song, which runs the risk of putting America to sleep. Only one act can win the million dollars, and while he likes Blue Journey, we'll have to wait and see if they're that act. Howie thinks they're amazing, and hey, the man isn't exactly wrong.
-In their interview with Nick, the dancers felt their performance went well. I'd certainly agree with them there. I hope they go through. We need an inventive dance act like this in the finals.
VIDEO: Blue Journey performs on America's Got Talent 2014 Semi Finals (VIDEO)
EMIL AND DARIEL are up next!
-They talk about playing cello in their bedrooms as children, and how crazy it is to think they're performing on America's Got Talent at Radio City Music Hall. They then get into a cute argument over which of them has better luck with the ladies, before talking about how they work in tandem as performers, noting they're "partners in crime".
-They perform "Live and Let Die", and this fits their style of music perfectly. Almost too perfectly, as they aren't really doing anything new like they did with "Satisfaction". I almost wish they'd done something less in their wheelhouse, maybe taking a popular song from an unexpected genre and flipping it on its head. Don't get me wrong, this was still great. But I wonder if it's going to be enough to get them through to the finals. Heidi and Mel B give the duo a standing ovation.
-Mel B says they just come out here and "smash it" every time, adding that they just sound amazing. She says they also need to keep the band, because their band is "hot". Howie says they were perfect and that the performance was perfect, although it felt like Paul McCartney didn't show up to his own concert (presumably due to the lack of vocals). He says he was kind of waiting for Paul to show up. Howard agrees, although first he reminds the audience that these two are 14 and 16, respectively, which he says is mind-blowing. However, he states that if they do advance to the next round, they should bring a vocalist to add to the performance, since it does feel like something is missing. Heidi loved the performance, but asks why they didn't bring their grandfather out with them like Howard suggested last time. They note that while their grandfather was honored by judge Stern's proposal, he said he was living his dream through his grandsons. The duo also note that their grandfather had open heart surgery which left him limited in his abilities, so they're dedicating this performance to him.
-Now I'm thinking they might go through. They're almost too damn likable not to get a ton of votes. And it WAS a good performance, after all. I wonder if they'd be able to bring in an eliminated vocalist and incorporate them into the act like the judges suggested, or if that would be a violation. What do you think?
VIDEO: Emil and Dariel perform 'Live and Let Die' on America's Got Talent 2014 Semi Finals (VIDEO)
SMOOTHINI is up next!
-Smoothini was shocked when his name was called at the results, as he thought he blew his shot in the quarterfinals. He says he's planning to take his act back to "classic Smoothini," adding that he can't let the nerves get to him tonight. He needs to advance beyond "bar magic," since this is a competition for a million dollars. He notes that America gave him one last chance, and he can't blow it again.
-Smoothini takes a shoelace from Nick and a ring from Howie, along with Howie's pen. He then has Mel B and Heidi hold ends of the shoelace with one hand and the ends of the pen with the other. He then transfers the ring from his closed hand to the pen. Then, for the big finale, he transfers the ring from his hand to Nick's shoelace...on his other shoe! That was really cool, actually. But the act still feels a bit small for the room. Hell, the one thing that made it feel bigger was the ever-present music: "Apache (Jump On It)" by the Sugar Hill Gang, a tune that has Mel B singing along. And me, too.
-Heidi loves Smoothini's "up-close magic," while Mel B says she's still trying to figure out how he does it. She really hopes America votes for him. Howie agrees, as America is going to have it tough tonight. But Howard isn't quite as sold, as he still feels the act is kind of small. He isn't sure America is going to vote for him this time.
-Smoothini says he's just been himself on the stage, having fun and doing magic. He says he's taking all of the comments into account. I'm mixed on his chances of going through, but I think he's just charismatic enough to make it. And this show is far nicer to magicians than I think some realize.
VIDEO: Smoothini performs on America's Got Talent 2014 Semi Finals (VIDEO)
CHRISTIAN STOINEV is up next!
-We get a cute skit where we see how fame has changed Scooby, as Christian complains that Scooby has let it all go to his head, from steak at the restaurant, to ladies on the street. It's kind of adorable, actually, and illustrates a sense of humor that not all humans in an animal act have.
-They perform a Top Gun-themed act set to "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins. After Christian does some warm-up handstanding, the stage parts and Scooby enters in a doggy plane. Christian then hand-balances across a series of pegs with Scooby balancing on his feet, before Scooby moves to his butt, and then to his back. Then he motioned to a box, trying to get Scooby to go inside. However, Scooby insists on taking the plane, which makes sense since Christian collapses the box to reveal...a second Scooby?! That was kind of neat, actually. The dog's name is apparently Scooby II, and I have absolutely no problem with a multiplicity of Scoobies.
-Mel B loves Christian, loves Scooby, and loves the act, but didn't feel it was their best performance. However, Heidi loved it, saying her kids are obsessed with Scooby, and she could watch them perform forever. As for Howard, he felt Christian has a case of frontrunners syndrome, allowing the praise to make him too complacent in his act. Instead of escalating his act, he now simply stands around waiting for Scooby to do something, Howard says. He says if they go through "by some miracle," they need to step it up. Howie liked the act though, and jokes that Scooby showed confidence and owned it.
-Christian appreciates the judges' comments, but notes that it's very hard to learn new skills in his line of work, and that the hand-balancing trick he did was really hard. While I don't doubt that's true, I feel he might have been better off not mentioning that, since it makes it seem like he's angling for pity. Although I do appreciate the randomness of a dog-related act explaining how hard it is for old dogs to learn new tricks.
VIDEO: Christian Stoinev performs on America's Got Talent 2014 Semi Finals (VIDEO)
QUINTAVIOUS JOHNSON closes the show!
-Quintavious talks about how he's gotten attention from girls since appearing on the show, but he notes that singing has to be his priority. He then talks about how he sings all the time with his grandmother, and feels he probably got his voice from her. He says that while she isn't able to be here with him tonight, she calls every day, and he knows she'll be acting a fool over his performance back at home. This kid has SO much personality.
-Quintavious sings "I'd Rather Go Blind" by Etta James, and while he doesn't hit every run, he has SUCH an outrageous, powerhouse voice. Seriously, this is one of the best vocal performances of the entire competition so far, and I get the sense that he's the only real challenger to Emily West. I'd be shocked if it were anyone else but these two in the final 2, although I'm sure I'm forgetting some awesome act that should be obvious to me by now. But I'm sure someone will remind me (and I welcome you to!). This was sensational, and it got all four judges on their feet.
-Heidi says Quintavious's name is as unique as his talent, while Mel B reiterates that he's just "got it". Howie thinks Quintavious is fantastic, as we rush through the critiques. Howard says Quintavious has just shown America how to sell an act, and that he absolutely deserves to go through.
VIDEO: Quintavious Johnson sings 'I'd Rather Go Blind' on America's Got Talent 2014 Semi Finals (VIDEO)
THOUGHTS
-And that's a wrap! I thought this was an incredible night, and it will be among the toughest voting nights yet, as I just don't know how America is going to decide between these twelve. As for me, my predictions are...
AcroArmy
Emil and Dariel
Smoothini
Blue Journey
Mat Franco
Quintavious Johnson
Which six acts do you think will go through? Sound off in the comments and join us tomorrow night for the results! Until then, thanks for hanging out tonight!