By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Last week, America’s Got Talent (AGT) returned to kickstart the Season 15 Judges’ Auditions!
Actress Sofia Vergara joined AGT stalwarts Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and returning judge Heidi Klum at the desk. Did any singer melt America like Archie Williams? Did any acts receive the dreaded four Xs? Which act joined Voices of Our City Choir at the Live Shows. Tonight, it was Sofia Vergara’s turn to press the Golden Buzzer! Which act did she select? Read on to find out!
After the definition of courage was shown on the screen, fans learned what happened on the premiere and a preview of tonight’s acts. Once Terry Crews introduced the judges, it was time for the Divas and Drummers of Compton to take the stage. This group started as an after school program to give their kids to get a scholarship to go to college. The Divas and Drummers are going to provide the Marching Cobras a run for their money. I loved every minute of their AGT audition. Simon praised their synchronization, while Heidi defined them as what “she wants when she watches AGT.” The group received the first unanimous Yes of the evening.
Terry Crews met with Nashville high school student Thomas Day. He is a top football player who balances his life between music and sports. Thomas traveled to AGT to showcase his talent to the country. He sang Finneas’s “Break My Heart Again” for his Judges’ Auditions. Thomas has a great voice, and I think he made Billie Eilish’s brother proud. Sofia Vergara loved that he was able to explore that sensibility, but Howie pointed out his nerves. Simon and the ladies sent Thomas to the second stage.
Sofia Vergara got used to joining the AGT family (with a cameo from Joe Manganiello) and created the “Super No.” A series of bad auditions received the dreaded four red Xs. 25-year-old dancer Frenchie Babyy traveled to AGT for his shot at the $1 million prize. The San Francisco Bay area native told Terry Crews that he would be doing some “crazy dancing.” However, his decision to dance left an estranged relationship with his father, who kicked him out of his home. He hoped that he could reconcile with his folks and wanted them to see him perform in the Season 15 finale. Frenchie performed a routine to Diplo’s “Welcome to the Party,” and he reminded me so much of Strauss Serpent from America’s Got Talent: The Champions- Season Two. The shocking routine made my jaw drop. Howie was the only judge to give him a standing ovation. routine made my jaw drop. Howie was the only judge to give him a standing ovation.
However, Simon decided that it would be best to reveal the final verdict to Frenchie’s parents. Once Terry gave him Frenchie’s phone, Simon called Frenchie’s mom and after numerous rings, she picked up the phone. I loved seeing the reaction when not only Simon gave the news, but his mom gave Frenchie her blessing.
Bengali-American Usama Siddiquee is a comedian looking to follow in Preacher Lawson’s footsteps. He revealed that he squatted in New York City because he wanted to pursue a career in comedy. For his AGT audition, he talked about just coming out of a relationship, and Usama revealed that it was an open relationship. He explained that his ex-partner left him for a lover named “Alejandro.” Usama, in agony, screamed: “Why couldn’t be someone named Eugene? Or Simon?” I loved his material, and he made me smile throughout his set. After receiving a standing ovation, Howie praised his confidence and likeability, while Heidi wanted more. Usama received four “Yeses!”
14-year-old singer Kelvin Dukes could not contain his excitement when he stepped onto the AGT stage. I surprised when I first heard the late Queen of Soul’s “Ain’t No Way.” Could he deliver? The answer: “Yes!” Kelvin gave a fantastic performance, and it reminded me of watching a young Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, or Usher. He received 3,004 “Yeses” from the audience.
Last year, acrobatic trio Messoudi Brothers stripped their way into our hearts. Now, a new sibling trio is hoping to follow their lead. Sisters Loren, Celine, and Joline Bello (also known as the Bello Sisters) showcased their flexibility to a cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic.” Hollywood Life previewed the performance that left both Terry Crews and the judges stunned. I was very impressed with their dangerous stunts, and I think they have a future on this show and after AGT. After inviting the girls’ father onto the stage, the girls received four “Yeses.”
10-year-old Roberta Battaglia is a super fan of the show and wanted to showcase her talent to Simon Cowell. Roberta claimed that she got her talent from her father. After immediately fangirling on Sofia Vergara, she quickly gained a fan out of Howie Mandel, who screamed when she revealed that she was from Canada. For her audition, she sang Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s “Shallow”, and Roberta has a phenomenal voice for a 10-year-old. Roberta delivered an extraordinary performance, and I was blown away! Roberta not only received a standing ovation but Sofia Vergara’s first Golden Buzzer!
France’s Got Talent alum and magician Florian Sanvet delivered a superb routine that made my jaw drop. I loved how he could use compact discs in a way that I have not seen in years! After he received his “Yeses,” dog act Jennifer and Daiquiri made their presence known through in a unique way that made me smile! Sofia called it “entertaining,” and Howie called them: “David Puppyfield.” They also received four “Yeses.”
Kid ballroom dancers Simon and Maria walked across the stage. The Columbia natives turned New Jersey transplants decided to showcase their salsa skills to the audience. The performance reminded me of a young Mark Ballas and Julianne Hough. I loved their choreography and they brought the spirit of Columbia to AGT. Simon predicted that the audience would love them, and Heidi called them: “super entertaining.” The duo received four “Yeses.”
Toledo, Ohio native Bonavega closed out AGT’s second-week auditions. He performed an original song about his life. At first, I thought it was going to be a train wreck, but I was impressed. My jaw dropped as I saw him dance in a silvery Tina Turner gown and shake his groove thing in front of the judges. We could be looking at the next Prince Poppycock and Hans. Both Heidi and Howie gave him a Bonavega a standing ovation, and Bonavega received four “Yeses.”
Next week, the AGT auditions continue!
Don’t forget to check out Jake’s Take’s Top 50 Greatest America’s Got Talent (AGT) Acts of All-Time!
[…] Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel. Which acts were buzzed? Which act joined Roberta Battaglia and the Voices of Our City Choir in the AGT: Season 15 live shows? Also, tonight it was Heidi’s […]