This week the first 12 of the Top 60 performed for the first time live at Radio City Music Hall. While there were some clear hits, several acts wavered. Technical difficulties marred the first few acts and that didn’t help their cause. Who was the best of week one?
12) Special Head – I don’t understand this act at all. His speaking voice was awkward when he began his sequence. While he amped up his production levels, it was exactly the same acts as he’s seen before, except that he disappeared. My Grade: D
11) Anna Christine – Anna’s biggest disadvantage was that she went first and I was taken aback by the fact that she sang the classic “Please Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” She seemed like she was nervous and her vocals wavered. If she’s given a second chance, she’ll have to learn how to keep on time and keep strong. My Grade: C
10) Aaralyn & Izzy – The opening sequence took a bit too long and it just pointed out that she’s not a traditional singer. I loved that the song was about dog poop, but the group is such a small segment of music that I doubt that they have the right reach for AGT. My Grade: C
9) American Hitmen – The group claimed to have “American Rock and Roll” and then chose a Beatles song. The group was vocally there, but I couldn’t connect to group at all. They felt very state fair and instead of being original, were acting. The high note near the end wasn’t even vocally challenging. I can’t judge these people on their sob story. My Grade: C
8) Kevin Downey Jr. – The socially awkward comedian has some interesting bits and jokes, but he’s quite memorable. I’m not sure if it’s all for the right reasons. I thought his timing was hit and miss. I loved how Mel B. didn’t understand the Amish joke either. I felt like Kevin fits on a longer timeframe, but he couldn’t win me over after a minute. My Grade: C+
7) Hype – Hype depended too much on the water ending. In their original, the one umbrella was enough to keep me. The opening sequence before the water was actually enough to amuse me though they need to learn how to scale up three people. I also saw that while playing with water was creative, one guy definitely slipped. The overhead shots didn’t help because it looked like kids playing in a water fountain. My Grade: B-
6) Alexanderia the Great – There have been escape artists on this show but what makes Alexandria interesting was that she could be your mother. Granted, you don’t want to see your mother drowning on live television, but that’s the excitement in her act. I actually hated the commentary of the husband and Nick. I hated that she had to resort hidden bobby pins in her bra but she made it out in time. My Grade: B-
5) Collins Key – He’s a young and good looking magician. The problem was that his act was similar to his Vegas act and I’ve grown tired of it. I was confused as to where his answer box popped up from because without it being in front of the audience the whole time, I assumed that someone wrote the answers as Collins spoke and then the big reveal happened. I guess I give more credit to whoever spelled the Yiddish correctly. My Grade: B-
4) tellAvision – I’m kind of confused by how tellAvision didn’t play their opening interviews first but I appreciated that they attempted something that was a bit more serious. It would display that the group could make a full Vegas-style show with intense sequences and more heartwarming sequences. The play on height was nice, but there were moments where the monitors would be on top of each other and you could see corners. My Grade: B+
3) Cristef Brothers – Like Kevin Downey Jr. the Cristef Brothers’ comedic prowess can be hit or miss depending on whether or not you like the comedy. You can’t deny that they are amazing at balancing and strength acts, but if really collegiate/frat boy humor isn’t your cup of tea, you won’t like them. I also don’t see how their performance saved the other circus performers. B+
2) Fresh Faces – The nine and ten-year-olds had professionalism and were smart enough to use a large amount of the stage. Whoever choreographs the five girls was smart because the girls had different levels, team stunts, and still gave each girl some individuality. My Grade: B+
1) Branden James – On a night of lackluster performances, Branden stood out as one of the better acts. I think it was a clear path for him to the semi-finals. The problem is that singers shouldn’t dominate this show, considering that there are many more outlets for them, gay or not. I just hope we don’t hear the same pop-opera songs week after week. My Grade: B+
It looks like Branden James has the number one spot, but there are three more to make it. Will Collins slip through or will others have more fans than we think?