By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
2020 has been one hell of a year. With the coronavirus pandemic ravaging our planet and politics dividing friends and families, we all need something to unite us.
Thankfully, talent-based reality TV shows gave us all something to escape our problems briefly. In the latest edition of Jake’s Take’s Top Reality TV Performances, I have picked out 20 of the most memorable performances from seven television shows.
#20-Jon Courtenay: Audition (Britain’s Got Talent: Series 14; Ant + Dec’s Golden Buzzer)
We head to the London Palladium to kick start our countdown, where future Britain’s Got Talent winner Jon Courtenay took the stage for an impeccable audition. He delivered a beautiful autobiographical song that moved me to tears. It was a perfect TV moment that earned Britain’s Got Talent emcees’ Golden Buzzer.
#19-Hans: “Let’s Get Loud” (America’s Got Talent: The Champions- Season Two)
Love or hate him, Hans puts on a spectacular show. The America’s Got Talent: Season 13 quarterfinalist returned for a chance of redemption on America’s Got Talent: The Champions’ sophomore season. Despite getting a buzzer from Simon, Hans delivered a spectacular cover of Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud” that put a smile on my face.
#18-BONAVEGA: “Overdrive” (America’s Got Talent: Season 15)
When BONAVEGA originally stepped onto the stage, I initially hesitated that he would get all four buzzers! Boy, I was wrong! BONAVEGA thoroughly entertained me with his spectacular showmanship, impeccable vocals, and guitar solo. It was one of the best moments of Season 15!
#17-The Astronaut (Hunter Hayes): “Story of My Life” (The Masked Singer USA: Season Three)
From the moment he stepped onto The Masked Singer USA stage as the Astronaut, I knew he was Hunter Hayes. His performance of One Direction’s “Story of My Life” not only gave me chills, but he set the standard for country music artists to appear on the show.
#16-Chris Sebastian: “Before You Go” (The Voice Australia: Season Nine)
This past season of The Voice Australia was a family affair. Coach Guy Sebastian’s brother, Chris Sebastian, who originally appeared on The Voice Australia’s inaugural season, returned to redeem himself. Not only did he impress his brother and the other coaches, but he secured a spot on Kelly Rowland’s team. Chris shined during the semifinals with a spectacular cover of “Before You Go.” That performance captivated the fan base to vote him the winner.
#15- FATHERDUDE: “Billions” (Songland: Season Two)
I will be honest, Jake’s Take friend FATHERDUDE had one of the season’s best songs. He shined every minute he was on the Songland set, and it is a damn shame that Usher refused to take on this song!
#14- Anna Graceman: “Bones” (Songland: Season Two)
Former America’s Got Talent alum (and Jake’s Take friend) Anna Graceman blew audiences away with her impeccable vocals and lyrics with her hit: “Bones.” Originally titled “Gold,” Anna worked with mentor Shane McNally reworked it into an impactful anthem that made guest artist Bebe Rexha yell with joy!
#13-Voices of Our City Choir: “Heroes” (America’s Got Talent: Season 15; Terry Crews’ Golden Buzzer)
I was significantly moved when the Voices of Our City Choir performed David Bowie’s “Heroes” during the Season 15 semifinals. Terry Crews’ Golden Buzzer act delivered a rousing cover of the 1977 hit track that inspired the nation.
#12-Archie Williams: “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” (America’s Got Talent: Season 15)
After being wrongly incarcerated for 37 years, Archie Williams bravely auditioned for the NBC talent competition. His honest interpretation of Sir Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” moved the audience, the judges (especially Heidi Klum), and myself to tears. Archie’s audition began his journey that ended at the Season 15 finale.
#11-The Sun (LeAnn Rimes): “When The Party’s Over” (The Masked Singer USA: Season Four)
Before taking the Season Four Golden Mask, the Sun (LeAnn Rimes) delivered a passionate and haunting cover of Billie Eilish’s “When The Party’s Over.” The A cappella beginning was one of the best vocals that I have heard all year. I hope that the Grammy-winning country music artist records some of these beautiful covers.
The Top 10 Performances of 2020 are on the second page!
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