Did Heidi Klum press the Golden Buzzer tonight? (Photo property of NBC)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Tonight, all eyes were on Heidi Klum as we waited to meet her Golden Buzzer act. So far, her fellow judges (Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Mel B) and host Tyra Banks have all selected acts that will go into the Season 13 live shows at the Dolby Theatre.
Who were the last acts that received the magical four Yeses? Which act impressed Heidi Klum to press her Golden Buzzer? Read on to find out!
By day, Troy James works as a human resources employee. However, when he auditioned at the Pasadena Civic Center, he became a creepy contortionist. Troy walked across the stage and into a petrified audience. However, Troy became more brazen as he made his way to the Judges’ Desk, where Simon crossed his fingers at him. After Simon banished him from the table, he returned to the stage to conclude his act. Troy’s movements scared the hell out of me. Troy received a standing ovation from Howie and Simon, who linked it to Linda Blair’s The Exorcist. He received the first four “Yeses” of the evening.
Jump rope enthusiast Vivien Vajda shook off her nerves and showcased impeccable tricks that she did with a jump rope. While I genuinely was entertained by the performance, I asked myself, “Would I see this in Vegas?” Unfortunately, not…I rather see an act that can entertain me for 90 minutes than 90 seconds. However, Mel B called it “Brilliant!” and gave her a standing ovation. Meanwhile, Simon called her the “definition of variety.” She received the four “Yeses” for the Judges’ Cuts round.
20-year-old Columbia, Tennessee native Joseph O’Brien never had a girlfriend and hoped that America’s Got Talent would help him launch his music career. Heidi Klum asked him if he “snogged” or kissed anyone and he replied “No.” The nerves went away when he performed Lionel Richie’s “Hello.” He reminded me so much of my friend, Clark Beckham, because of his intriguing arrangements and charming falsetto. While it was far from perfect, I thought that Joseph has potential to be a dark horse in this competition.
I have fond memories of being in the AGT audience in 2016. While I was able to see spectacular performances such as Linkin’ Bridge and Laura Bretan, there were some awful auditions. From a woman who had a horrible singing voice to a comedic accordion player, the Pasadena Civic Center audience could break auditionees’ spirit. However, they could also influence the judges as well. They were able to influence Heidi Klum and Mel B to remove their X’s for the accordion player and joined Howie in advancing him to the next round.
39-year-old mother Glennis Grace wanted to make her son proud when she auditioned for the judges. She tackled Whitney Houston’s “Run to You” for her audition. Glennis gave me chills from the moment that she hit the chorus. Her crystal clear voice hypnotized me and captivated the Pasadena Civic Center audience. Glennis received a standing ovation from all four judges and Simon called her a “star.” Glennis received all four “Yeses” and advanced to the next round. I could see her go far in this competition!
Since he has been a judge on the show, Howie has been called on to do stunts with the contestants. Kenny Thomas from Paris, France brought out his motorcycle and did dangerous stunts around Howie, who lied on the Pasadena Civic Center stage floor. The stunts were superb and Howie was not injured. Kenny received his four “Yeses” from the judges, but Howie wanted to watch the act from his seat.
Illusionist Rob Lake dropped out of college at 20-years-old to pursue magic. He threw frisbees into the audience to get his volunteers and also asked Tyra and Heidi to join him. Rob left the Pasadena Civic Center and instructed his volunteers to check out the platform. Both Heidi and Tyra went onto the platform and were given instructions to hold onto a curtain. He immediately appeared in front of them. This was an incredible illusion and I cannot wait to see what he does next!
Los Angeles violinist Brian King Joseph has been playing the violin since he was 4-years-old. However, he almost did not have the chance to audition in front of Heidi Klum and the judges. He was diagnosed with neuropathy and had to rely on his muscle memory to play his violin. I got chills from his interpretation of Major Lazer and DJ Snake’s “Lean On.” He is a virtuoso with the violin, and I hope that he could record some music because he was OFF THE CHAIN!!! I wish Heidi used her Golden Buzzer on him because he deserved to go directly into the Live Shows. Hopefully, one of the guest judges will give him a Golden Buzzer.
The final audition of the evening belonged to Kearney, Nebraska singer Brody Ray. He revealed that he was initially a girl named Natalie. However, the transgender singer turned to music, and he gave a country twist to The Voice winner Jordan Smith’s “Stand in the Light.” What I liked about Brody Ray was that there was real grit in his voice, but I could also sense the comfort as well. He delivered a sturdy cover and I am happy that all four judges gave him a standing ovation. Bravo, Brody Ray! Welcome to the AGT family!
