Inspirational finals on America's Got Talent warms even Piers Morgan's heart as the final ten battle it out

By ANDREA MAGRATH

Crooner: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr brought the house down again on the America's Got Talent finals with his rendition of Ain't That a Kick in the Head

It was a heart-warming night on America's Got Talent tonight, a fitting final for the top ten acts.

From Silhouettes' inspirational performance to Landau Eugene Murphy bringing the house down with a Rat Pack classic, the judges all agreed it was one of the best evening's the show has ever seen.

It didn't start out so positively though, with Miami All Stars receiving harsh feedback from the panel, who called their sports star, cheerleading-themed act 'silly.'

Soprano Lys Agnes also didn't fare too well.


Inspirational: Silhouettes told a story of progress and achievement of America


Her rendition of Aerosmith's Deam On 'bombed' according to Sharon Osbourne. 'When you sing in a lower register it's not very pleasant to the ear,' Sharon said. 'And your last note bombed.'

Howie added: 'You took a big risk and I don't think it paid off.'

But Piers disagreed, changing things up to be the only judge judge to give a positive review. Saying he felt moved by the performance when Lys hit the big notes.


Heart-warming: Piers praised the group for raising spirits during a low time for the country


There were several stand-out performance throughout the evening, the first being Silhouettes.

The dance troupe depicted Obama and the White House, An astronaut and space shuttle taking off, Olympians on the winner's podium and students graduating school.

The group almost had Sharon in tears. She said: 'That was simplistic, and beautiful and exquisite - beautifully executed.'


Up in lights: iLuminate had the judges and audience screaming with an extraordinary performance


Star in the making: Anna Graceman belted out Cyndi Lauper's True Colours


Piers added: 'What a story you told. America is going through a pretty tough time and feeling pretty down in the dumps. You come along and tell a story that lifts the heart and makes people proud of being American.'

Silhouettes were jumping up and down when Howie told them,'As far as I'm concerned, this is the first of the finals act that I have seen tonight. America should vote, you should definitely be in the finals.'

Crowd favourite Landeau Eugene Murphy Jr had the audience on their feet with his rendition of the Dean Martin classic Ain't That a Kick in the Head.


Limiting: Sharon told the 11-year-old that standing on the grassy knoll limited her working of the stage
Piers told him: 'You got your mojo back! You were relaxed, you were strutting the stage, you had your swagger.'


Anna Graceman, who has performed consistently throughout the competition surprised many by receiving mixed reviews for her performance of Cyndi Lauper's True Colours.

For the first time the 11-year-old went without her piano, and sand standing on a grass hill.


Top contenders: Poplyfe got a standing ovation form the judges for their Jackson 5 mash-up


Daring: Smage Bros Riding Show had the audience on the edge of their seats


'You have an extraordinary voice because when you're in that lower register it's not great, but every time you go big, its just incredible. You have the most amazing set of lungs on you.

He added: I'm torn. You're nearly a perfect singer.'

Sharon said: 'Loved the song choice. I felt it was a bit difficult for you to perform well on the grassy knoll, it would have been more beneficial for you to be able to work the stage.'

Like the others, Howie gave both positive and negative thoughts: 'You're 11, you're brilliant, you're already a star,' he said. 'Was this performance as good as your last? I don't think so. But you're still brilliant.'


Will she make it? Lys Agnes received mixed reviews from the judges for her version of Dream On


America's Got Talent 2011 - Anna Graceman - True Colors (Top 10)


America's Got Talent - Steven Retchless - Pole Dance - Semifinals 2011


America's Got Talent - Landon Swank - Semifinals 2011



source: dailymail

Near disaster in the America's Got Talent semi-finals as Gymkana performer is set on fire

By ANDREA MAGRATH



Dangerous: Gymkana started out well with a stunning and perfectly timed routine, but failed to impress Piers, who was booed for buzzing out the group early on in the act



It was an eventful night on round two of America's Got Talent semi-finals, between Piers Morgan getting a little too eager on the buzzer and a near-disaster during gymnastics group Gymkana's act.



The talented troupe from Maryland had the judges on their feet, gasping in horror after a ring of fire came crashing down on top of one of the performers.



The dance team started out well with a stunning and perfectly timed routine, but failed to impress Piers, who was booed for buzzing out the group early on in the act.





Accident: Then near-disaster struck, when one of the gymnasts caught the edge of the ring of fire, bringing the flames down on top of him as he crash-landed on the floor





Then near-disaster struck, when one of the gymnasts caught the edge of the ring of fire, bringing the flames down on top of him as he crash-landed on the floor.



The judges were on their feet as the young man lay on the floor on fire, while the performer who had been holding on to the ring nursed a burnt arm.



Piers was forced to defend himself for buzzing the group just seconds before the incident. 'You're every good at what you do, it was every repetitive though,' he said.



'I think as it goes as badly wrong as it just did... I feel for you you have my sympathy but obviously when you have someone lying on the floor with fire all over him, it's not a good day at the office.



Nick interrupted Piers' review, saying, 'Well personally I think you buzzing them made them nervous and maybe caused the accident.'





Concern: The judges were out of their chairs asking if the gymnast was all right





Sharon commented: 'You were at lemmings tonight. The thing is, I was looking for the performance value from you and tonight I didn't see that. But I thought you were tremendous.'



Howie retorted: 'I disagree with both of them. As a headline act, you have so much to give.'



After being checked out by a medic side of stage, both of the injured gymnasts were declared fine.



As always, Anna Graceman dazzled everyone in the auditorium with her stunning vocals.







Talent: Anna Graceman wowed with her own take on Mötley Crüe's 'Home Sweet Home, earning herself a standing ovation from the audience and judges





The spunky 11-year-old, in a pink and black tutu dress wowed with her own take on Mötley Crüe's 'Home Sweet Home, earning herself a standing ovation from the audience and judges.



Sharon informed her that her friends from the band were watching her performance, as she had called to let them know after she heard Anna would be singing their song.



Both Piers and Sharon called the youngster's act the performance of the night.



Piers Morgan drew criticism for buzzing out three separate acts throughout the course of the evening.





Risqué: Piers was early on the buzzer for pole dancer Steven Retchless, saying that the only men who should be sliding down poles should be firemen





He was early on the buzzer for pole dancer Steven Retchless, saying that the only men who should be sliding down poles should be firemen.



After his third buzz, Morgan insisted: 'I believe the buzzer is here for a reason and we're judges and I'm looking for perfection or as near to it as possible.



The comment was directed at jump-rope act Summerwind Skippers, who performed a routine to Britney Spears' song Till the World Ends.



Morgan added: 'The last time, we forgave you for for making a mistake. But tonight you made one, then you made another big mistake towards the end of the routine so I buzzed you to be fair to the other contestants.'





On the buzzer: Morgan was also harsh on Summerwind Skippers, saying 'The last time, we forgave you for for making a mistake. But tonight you made another one so I buzzed you to be fair to the other contestants'





The other two judges were furious with Morgan for buzzing again. Howie Mandel said: 'You brought edge to skipping.



'I want to take this moment to apologise because I don't think you should be buzzed at this level and it affects the act.



'It's so great to see the progression you've made you have turned into such great performers,' Sharon said. 'You know how to work an audience and have grown so quickly over the past few weeks and I know you're going to be here for the final.'



Piers was far more enthusiastic about another dance troupe, Fatally Unique.



Emerging in Hannibal Lector- style costumes, the troupe performed a high-energy routine which dazzled Sharon and Piers, but underwhelmed Howie.





Scary: Howie questioned if dance troupe Fatally Unique were fatally unique enough to get through to the finals up against the other dance acts



Sharon told them: 'You guys move with such speed and precision its really breathtaking to watch, the speed you perform at is unbelievable.



'It seems this year is definitely about mean dance. Happy dance is dead, gone, out of vogue. I loved what you did tonight, really well done.



Piers added: 'This was a totally fresh routine. I loved the determination in your faces. After that performance I think you are one step nearer (to winning this).'



But Howie wasn't convinced. 'You are phenomenal at dancing but the bad part is there are so many great dance acts,' he said. 'I wonder if you are 'fatally unique' enough, which America has to decide.'





Push the button: He asked for the trio to assist with his trick, which involved each of them selecting a button which was connected to a detonator, exploding one of four boxes suspended above the stage





Illusionist Landon Swank from Alaska once again thrilled the judges, this time involving them in his daring stunt.



He asked for the trio to assist with his trick, which involved each of them selecting a button which was connected to a detonator, exploding one of four boxes suspended above the stage.



On a video link from inside one of the boxes, he said: 'I've tried to predict which number you will pick and I'm locked into my decision.'



On Landon's command the judges each triggered the detonators, exploding boxes 1,3 and 4.

Landon emerged in one piece from box two. He then asked Piers to push the detonator for that box, which then exploded.



A stunned Howie exclaimed: 'Wow, absolute wow! Last time I was concerned because you came very close to killing yourself. This time I was concerned because we came close to killing you. My heart is pounding. That was amazing.'





Great heights: Despite his spectacular stunt, Captian Splash failed to bowl over the judges with his drop





Piers commented: 'You have been a real dark horse, coming in as a wild card. Tonight what we've seen is someone who took a chance with this incredible extravaganza. Very dangerous, very exciting.'



'My hands are shaking,' Sharon said. 'I'm so nervous but I have to tell you the whole presentation was A+, it was fantastic. The whole nine yards - it was sensationally executed.



She added:'In the past most of our magicians have shown us the big tricks early, but you've been saving yourself and pacing yourself.'



Audience favourite Landau Eugene Murphy divided the judges when he sang I've Got the World On a String.



America's Got Talent: Steven Retchless - Semi Finals





America's Got Talent: Gymkhana - Semi Finals







source: dailymail

America's Got Talent judges blown away by Opera singer Lys Agnes who comes out as strong frontrunner after semi-final

By JADE WATKINS



Frontrunner: Opera singer Lys Agnes came out as one of the top frontrunners after the America's Got Talent semi final, last night



They often tout the performances they witness as the 'best that they have ever seen'.



But all three judges were blown out of the water by opera singer Lys Agnes'

performance during last night's America's Got Talent semi final.



So much so, that the beautiful warbler came out as one of the frontrunners of the reality television competition, which will decide it's winner in two weeks time.







Warble: The exotic beauty belted out a tune much to the delight of the judges and the crowd





But Judge Howie Mandel perhaps took his praise a little too far, leading Lys to become shocked when an accidental suggestive slip came out of his mouth.



Mandel told Agnes: 'There aren't even words to describe your beauty and your looks and your sound… You're classic beauty - do you know what I want to do to you?'



After protests from the other judges - and shock from Lys - Howie insisted he meant nothing crude by his comments, saying: 'I want to get her votes!'





Standing ovation: Lys got a standing ovation from all three of the judges - Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne, and Howie Mandel, left to right





Luckily the other judges backed her too, with Sharon Osbourne saying she 'took my breath away', adding that 'It's overwhelming', while Piers Morgan called it a 'theatrical tour de force'.



Piers, 46, called last night's show 'probably the best semi-final we've ever had'.

The latest round saw performances that the judges could not rave about enough - yet with one that they hated so much they even asked if it was a joke.





Say what? Judge Howie Mandel perhaps took his praise a little too far, leading Lys to become shocked when an accidental suggestive slip came out of his mouth





Of one group competing, futuristic dancers Team illuminate, Sharon gushed: 'This is a hundred million dollar act. Vegas you will own in a couple of years - remember me!'



Meanwhile, BMX rider Matt Wilhelm pulled off another amazing demonstration - until he fell while trying to get back on his bike after a stunning front wheel spin.





Hitting the deck: Until he fell while trying to get back on his bike after a stunning front wheel spin





He insisted, however, that it was fitting for the story he was trying to tell of his background being bullied as a kid.



'My whole life, my whole story, is that when you fall down you pick yourself back up again,' he said, defiantly after his fall.



Sharon appeared to agree, telling him: 'I'm really sad that you made a mistake and fell, but hey, we all do that. It shows that we are real, we are life, and it's a part of life.'





Mixed reviews: Piers raved about Zuma Zuma, but Sharon and Howie thought it was not their best performance





Piers added: 'We have to be brutally honest, and to me that wasn't good enough tonight.'



Piers raved about Zuma Zuma, but Sharon and Howie thought it was not their best performance.



Howie criticized it for being 'a slower, more lethargic act', adding: 'I don't think you stepped it up. But I think you're amazing.'



But as well as being critical, the judges also came out with some of the highest praise ever given on the show.







Mixed reviews: Piers raved about Zuma Zuma, but Sharon and Howie thought it was not their best performance





Piers added: 'We have to be brutally honest, and to me that wasn't good enough tonight.'



Piers raved about Zuma Zuma, but Sharon and Howie thought it was not their best performance.



Howie criticized it for being 'a slower, more lethargic act', adding: 'I don't think you stepped it up. But I think you're amazing.'



But as well as being critical, the judges also came out with some of the highest praise ever given on the show.





Fireworks: POPLYFE performed an electrifying rendition of The Beatles' 'Come Together'





Success: Sharon told the group: 'I honestly think that I'm looking at the winner here - I know I am. You are very, very special and unique'





When POPLYFE performed The Beatles' 'Come Together', Sharon told them: 'I honestly think that I'm looking at the winner here - I know I am. You are very, very special and unique.'



Howie also told them 'You are stars - that was a headlining act', while Piers said: 'We are watching I think a band that within the next two or three years will be a huge band in this country.'



Just when it seemed the praise could get no higher, Sharon said of dancers Team illuminate: 'I just can't believe that we have you with us - you should have been famous for like forever ago. This is a hundred million dollar act. Vegas you will own in a couple of years - remember me!'





More success: Miami All Stars also scored rave reviews from the judges





Howie also called their act 'a million dollars', adding: 'I love you. You deserve votes.'



Along with them, Howie said his favourite dancers were Miami All Stars, with Sharon calling their choreography 'perfection', adding: 'You are all so talented.'



Piers went even one better and said: 'That was my favourite performance of the whole night. That was terrific.'





Tears: Singer Daniel Joseph Baker got emotional as his parents were in the audience watching him perform





Meanwhile Sharon called singer Daniel Joseph Baker, who got emotional as his parents were in the audience watching him perform, 'as camp as Christmas', adding: 'I love you, I really do.'



Piers called him 'a pure Vegas showman' while Howie said: 'You are a star. Just be yourself - you're wonderful.'



Sharon also praised young dancer Beth Ann Robinson for 'another flawless, flawless performance', telling her: 'Talent-wise, you've got it.'







Flawless: Sharon praised young dancer Beth Ann Robinson for 'another flawless, flawless performance'





Cheers: The young lady was clearly happy with the judges' response





Howie called her 'beautiful' and 'mesmerizing' and 'beyond your years'.



However, he warned her: 'The question is, how will America feel that that stacks up to everything else on offer?'



Sharon also praised impressionist Melissa Villasenor for doing 'the impossible' by making Piers laugh, and he then admitted: 'I find you funny, I think America finds you funny - I think you're a very talented person.'





Clever: Sharon also praised impressionist Melissa Villasenor for doing 'the impossible' by making Piers laugh





Howie said he was 'a huge fan' and said: 'You deserve to be here.'



Meanwhile when Sharon said she 'felt like part of the team' with the West Springfield Dance Team, who performed as a group of ugly zombies and her co-host Piers cheekily quipped at her: 'You wouldn't need any make-up.'



But the biggest shock of the night came with the Sandou Trio Russian Bar, whose previous death-defying stunts Piers called 'the most dangerous and exciting thing we’ve seen in a long time' and were expecting to take it even further.





Gang of ghouls: Sharon said she 'felt like part of the team' with the West Springfield Dance Team, who performed as a group of ugly zombies





Striking: The group wore radical make-up and zombie eyes





Instead, they completely changed their act - with a slow ballad sung around a piano that slowly moved on ropes while others twirled around it.



Howie was so shocked she asked if they were 'going for comedy' while Piers called it 'the biggest suicide mission we've ever had on the show'.



'We didn't vote you guys through to hear you singing badly upside down on a piano,' he told them. 'I've got to ask you, what were you thinking?'





Let down: The Sandou Trio Russian Bar let the judges down after completely changing act





source: dailymail

No auto-tune! Rebecca Black tries to prove her critics wrong by performing LIVE on America's Got Talent

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER



Live performance: Teenage YouTube sensation Rebecca Black performed her song Friday live on America's Got Talent tonight



As far as Internet sensations go, she has been one of the most successful after her song Friday attracted more than 100 million views.



So it was fitting that Rebecca Black was invited to perform on tonight's results show for the YouTube week of America's Got Talent.



And the 14-year-old star, who was widely derided for her heavy use of auto-tune on the much-maligned song, seemed determined to prove her critics wrong by singing it live.





Impact: The young internet sensation looked self assured and confident as she added a section of new song My Moment into the mix





Wearing a glittery tunic style dress and black tights, the singer looked confident and self assured as she sang and performed alongside a group of dancers.



She also added some sections of her latest single 'My Moment' into the number.



Her performance tonight came after it emerged that she has left school and is now home schooled after being bullied.



'When I walk by they'll start singing Friday in a really nasally voice,' she told ABC news. 'Or, they'll be like, "Oh hey, Rebecca, guess what day it is?"'





Black tie: Rebecca wore a glittery black tunic style dress and black tights for the energetic performance





Meanwhile, other YouTube sensations hoping to become as famous as Rebecca, competed for the audience vote in the results show.



Glow in the dark trick cyclist Matt Wilhelm made it to the semi finals of the show, with judge Howie Mandel calling him 'original and different.'



Judge Piers Morgan added that he thought the Chicago BMX biker could go 'all the way,' and win the big prize - a cool $1 million plus a headline show at Las Vegas's Caesar's Palace.





Triumphant: glow in the dark trick cyclist Matt Wilhelm made it through to the semi finals of the show





Success: Dance troupe Gymkana beat out Glee style choir Powerhouse on tonight's talent show







Delighted: Dancers Gymkana were overjoyed when the American public voted to put them through





Also triumphant were acrobatics group Gymkana, who beat the rather cringe-worthy Powerhouse choir who got their inspiration from TV show Glee.



'I just love the fact that you guys are still at college and do what you do,' judge Sharon Osbourne told the victorious troupe.



Singer Kevin Colis was also put through in a tough category after he impressed with his rendition of Bruno Mars's The Lazy Song.





Overwhelmed: Kevin Colis from Texas, made it through after impressing the judges with a Bruno Mars song





Tough decisions: Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel seemed pleased with the outcome of tonight's results show where more acts were decided for the semi finals





Delighted: Beth Ann Robinson impressed all three judges, with Sharon calling her a 'special young lady'





'You are a tough category but I think you can give them a run for their money,' judge Howie Mandel told the Texan singer.



'I'm overwhelmed from all the support,' the curly haired crooner told the audience.



Joining him was 14-year-old ballet dancer Beth Ann Robinson whose performance mixed traditional ballet with contemporary dance.



'You are a very special young lady,' Sharon told her. 'At 14, to be able to move like that - you make dance look effortless.'





Back next week: The gothic, zombie style West Springfield Dance Group were saved by judge Sharon Osbourne's wild card



All 12 acts had won a chance to get their big break by posting audition videos online for the YouTube round.



Crashing out of the show were acrobatics team Aeon, 'clogging' group TNC Elite, child contortionist Breena Bell, illusionist Brett Daniels, freestyle basketballer Kalani, and adorable, talented bulldog Gabe Rocks.



Judge Piers Morgan didn't look too disappointed to see Gabe Rocks go, as part of the dog's act yesterday was to pretend to urinate on his image.





Eliminated: Show dog act Gabe Rocks failed to get through to the next round, much to the delight of judge Piers





Rebecca Black - My Moment & Friday [ LIVE on America's Got Talent 2011 ]





Up and Over | Hands | America's Got Talent







source: dailymail