America's Got Talent

Kevin Skinner: It Turned Out 'Great' on 'America's Got Talent'

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 01:07:17 GMT

I'm pretty relieved that the victory of Kevin Skinner on America's Got Talent didn't go unnoticed - but just the same, he won, and there were a lot of acts whose one chance to make it big went up in smoke because Mr. Skinner is apparently the best amateur act that America can come up with today.

In other news, Kevin Skinner, America's Got Talent season 4 champion, recently talked to Entertainment Weekly, and he revealed that he thought the thing that made him win was his connection with the audience.

'America's Got Talent' To Be Changed to 'America's Gone Tone Deaf'

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:51:19 GMT

America has spoken. Former chicken catcher from Kentucky and country "singer" Kevin Skinner is adjudged winner on America's Got Talent. What are the implications of that - Kevin Skinner is the best talent America can offer this season.

Now watch Kevin Skinner's final performance on the show. Now tell me if that's talent.

Kevin Skinner Wins 'America's Got Talent' - Yipee

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:09:17 GMT

In other news, he can't sing.

Or maybe he can on second thought, but put right beside Barbara Padilla or even lowly Drew Stevyns, the America's Got Talent 2009 winner is simply a notch below. Like other people, there was, I concede, something special about him the first time he performed on the America's Got Talent stage. But as the competition went on, it was clear that his talent, heart, spirit, or whatever metaphysical entity people have been assigning it, is simply not worth a million dollars.

Where's Kanye when you need him?

America's Got Talent: America's Got Singers - and Grandma Lee!

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:44:15 GMT

I remember reading somewhere that America's Got Talent judge Piers Morgan lamented the exclusion of Acrodunk in the show's finale, where six out of the ten acts were singers. What about variety, he asked, rather grimly. For me, the finale was a battle between some singers and a very endearing comedian.

Grandma Lee

Ryan Seacrest, booby fairy, small appliance, and Simon Cowell, Grandma Lee surely had new material, but she also didn't drop the Piers act because it worked for her. Finally, I already know she'd say it, but when she did, it was still funny. "Cut the crap." Speaking of crap, let's move on to Kevin Skinner.

America's Got Talent: Meet Barbara Padilla

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:41:43 GMT

Barring any unexpected turn of events, opera singer Barbara Padilla will most probably win America's Got Talent. And it's not only her talent and storyline that are pushing her to the top, it's also her attitude. Let's face it. The American audience is an emotional one (read: Kanye West), and while they may be discerning enough to pick based on ability, someone's attitude also gets in the way - either for better or worse.

"Sometimes I feel like they're mistaking me for somebody else or something like that. It's very surreal. But it's fun. It's an adventure," says Padilla, who is up for competition in the NBC talent show's finale on Wednesday (where Susan Boyle is also set to perform, by the way).

Don't forget to catch: Ranking the 'America's Got Talent' Finale Acts

Ranking the 'America's Got Talent' Finale Acts

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:21:00 GMT

"The American public sway toward the singing acts," says America's Got Talent judge Piers Morgan, which probably explains why more than half of the acts we'll see on the talent show finale are singlers, including frontrunners Barbara Padilla and Kevin Skinner, plus Lawrence Beamen, Drew Stevyns, the Texas Tenors and the Voices of Glory.

Clogging sisters the Fab Five, musicians Recycled Percussion, break dancer Hairo Torres, and comedian Grandma Lee complete the America's Got Talent top 10. How will you rank this year's final batch? My ranking is after the cut.

America's Got Talent: Drew Stevyns Says He's No Seether Rip-off

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:01:23 GMT

So after all the hoopla that some raised regarding Drew Stevyns' supposed ripping off of the Seether arrangement of Careless Whisper on America's Got Talent, I tried listening to both versions of the song. Truth be told, the arrangement sounded identical, and even the manner by which the songs were performed are also very similar.

However, in an interview with the Baltimore Sun, Drew Stevns, for his part, doesn't deny that what he sang on America's Got Talent this week was actually Seether's version of the song. Did he remember to mention this to the judges? He remembered, but when he did, it was too late.

America's Got Talent: Why Drew Stevyns is in the Top 10

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:07:28 GMT

In one word, the guy's hot, but let's not dwell on the obvious.

The finale cast of America's Got Talent is complete. Joining the first batch of finalists from last week are: Barbara Padilla, Hairo Torres, Recycled Percussion, Lawrence Beamen, and - Drew Stevyns. Yes, the singer-guitarist from Maryland makes it, perhaps to the chagrin of those who decry his being not a great singer. But news flash, people, Kevin Skinner isn't either, and he's being touted by the judges and some fans as "the one to beat" this season.

America's Got Talent: Will It Be A Barbara Padilla - Kevin Skinner Final?

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:48:27 GMT

After tonight's episode, it'll be a travesty if this season of America's Got Talent doesn't end in a Barbara Padilla - Kevin Skinner showdown. That much is clear, after both became the sole sure bets on their respective performance nights; Kevin, last week and Barbara tonight. I still don't understand this "connection" and "heart" some people speak of when they try to defend the hype surrounding Kevin (maybe because I don't own such brand of "heart"), so I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Barbara will defy the odds and make it two years in a row for the opera people.

Sure, Barbara owed it to herself that she wins this season, but for the most part, it also has a lot to do with the other America's Got Talent acts sucking big time.

America's Got Talent: Predicting the Next Batch of Casualties

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 01:17:23 GMT

Despite the judging hullabaloo of late (plus the Arcadian "They Made Me Do HSM" Broad controversy), America's Got Talent still is the most popular show this summer, and the ratings seem to be on a rise even.

Just to get you up speed, the judges picked the following acts to advance last week: Kevin Skinner, Voices of Glory, The Fab Five, Grandma Lee, and Texas Tenors. That means previously thought invincible frontrunner (one of the handful) Acrodunk got the boot, so did Paradizo Dance. There was much furor over some of the acts on this first batch, especially former chicken catcher Kevin Skinner, who was hailed by AGT judge Piers Morgan as "the one to beat" - despite what critics said was a lackluster, off-key performance of "Always on My Mind." I personally thought it was nothing special, but what I do know about country music. So I'll shush on that one.

America's Got Talent: Kevin Skinner The One to Beat? Seriously?

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:03:24 GMT

For the record, I do not doubt Kevin Skinner's - uh - heart. I'm sure this person is very genuine and very nice, but is America's Got Talent all about storylines? If he sang that song in front of American Idol judges, he'd get hell from Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. On the other hand, this show's judge (Piers Morgan) gave him a standing ovation and said that the former chicken catcher is his favorite to win the whole thing.

Come results show, all the judges' fawning over Kevin Skinner paid off, as he safely sailed through to the next round. Joining Skinner are fellow singers The Texas Tenors, The Voices of Glory, comedian Grandma Lee, and dancing sisters The Fab Five. I don't know about you, but this list screams overrated to me.

America's Got Talent: Arcadian Broad Says They Made Him Do HSM, Sort of

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:30:00 GMT

Oh boy.

The first batch of semifinalists performed tonight on America's Got Talent, and it was a good show all in all. Yet catching everyone's attention was dancer Arcadian Broad sort of revealing that the producers made him do High School Musical. Or not exactly made, but gave him a hand in doing the number. Nevertheless, props for saying something that might do him more trouble than good. Host Nick Cannon then goes on stage to clarify that the performers have the final say on how their numbers will shape up.

Ranking the 'America's Got Talent' Top 20

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:49:21 GMT

America's Got Talent skids into high gear this week when the semifinal round kicks off. Throughout the quarterfinals, there have been shoo-ins to the next round, while there were acts that were given less than unanimous tickets by the judges.

The composition of this year's America's Got Talent top 20 is as varied as ever, with singers, dancers, a comedian and a dog act or two. How would you rank this year's semifinals batch? It's important to remember what the show is looking for: an act to headline in Vegas and sustain a 90-minute show. Much of the hype surrounding some acts is oblivious to this little detail, sadly. As for me, here are my rankings.

America's Got Talent: No Ishaara? No Pam Martin's Top Dog?

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:37:44 GMT

And then there were 20.

The final entrants to join the America's Got Talent season 4 top 20 were named last night, and it just proves that good storylines really go the distance on the NBC talent show (and that people actually listen to the judges). That, and cute kids. The five acts that advanced from last night's episode include kid ballroom dancing couple Eric and Rickie, Seattle singing sisters EriAm Sisters, percussive quartet Recycled Percussion, opera singer cum cancer survivor Barbara Padilla, and struggling singer and guitarist Drew Stevyns.

Barbara Padilla Wins the Night on 'America's Got Talent'

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:42:20 GMT

Not to take anything away from Ishaara, who was incredible too, but it was stunning soprano Barbara Padilla who clearly won the night on America's Got Talent. The final set of acts performed last night on the NBC talent show, including yet another dog (Spy), a percussion group, and more acrobats. Yet it was Barbara Padilla who stole the show when she sang Andrea Bocelli's Con Te Partiro giving everyone goose bumps in the process. Also, she oddly reminds me of Grey's Anatomy's Callie (Sara Ramirez).

Padilla, who was visibly thrilled after the America's Got Talent started showering her with praises, is also a cancer survivor and doting mum. There you have it, America. Talent plus good storyline equals America's Got Talent success.

Final Set of Acts on 'America's Got Talent' Plus Reba McEntire

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:12:30 GMT

After Mariah Carey, LMFAO, Penn and Teller, Daughtry, and Ashley Tisdale, country singer Reba McEntire is the next in line to take on the America's Got Talent stage for its results show Wednesday. McEntire, 54, is widely considered the queen of country.

McEntire is set to perform her new song Consider Me Gone on the 9pm telecast of America's Got Talent. Keep On Loving You, her 31st album which was released last week, is expected to debut at the top of the charts. Consider Me Gone is the second track off of it.

Nearly Another Screw-Up on 'America's Got Talent'

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:38:40 GMT

Of course, the judges put FootworKINGz through tonight on America's Got Talent. They probably learned their lesson from the backlash that the show gets whenever they would pick something cute over something really talented.

On tonight's America's Got Talent, two talented dance acts - FootworKINGz and Pixie Mystere - landed on the dreaded fifth and sixth spots; dreaded because your fate hangs in the balance and it's not American who'll decided but three judges. It wasn't an enviable place to be in, though, as both groups performed splendidly on last night's show. I'm sure that given the option, the judges would likely withdraw one slot from the last two weeks just so both FootworKINGz and Pixie Mystere can reach the semis.

Dancers Rule on 'America's Got Talent'

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:51:20 GMT

I don't really know if we can put all the ruckus from last week's dog-over-singer fiasco behind us, but that's last week. But after watching tonight's episode, there just might be hope on America's Got Talent, but it's not with the judges, but the acts. And the dancers shone on tonight's show brighter than any frisbee-catching dog act will.

Yes, it was the dancers' night tonight on America's Got Talent. Right off the bat, Illinois dance group Footworkingz blew the living daylights out of me and the viewers and the judges. While I tried to ignore host Nick Cannon's pronouncing the -s on Illinois, Footworkingz donned cool black-light shoes that totally worked and accentuated their, well, foot work. In the introduction, they did say something about achieving a certain number of movements in 60 seconds (or thereabouts). And they sure walked the talk, so to speak - their dance steps were almost lighting quick but still not losing the synchronicity.

America's Got Talent: At Least Daughtry's Performing

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:51:18 GMT

It's unclear whether NBC talent show America's Got Talent can quickly recover from the hoopla caused by last week's judging. If you watch this summer's biggest show but somehow missed it, frisbee-catching dog act Tony Hoard and Rory was ushered to the show's semis while admittedly gifted singer Charles DeWayne was sent home. Everywhere you go last week, there was uproar / racket / whatever when judges Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff opted to see the cute dog advance rather than the singer when it was clear that the former was something you can see in any park or beach some random Sunday morning.

In preparation for what can very well be another judging failure on Wednesday's show, at the very least America's Got Talent has lined up pretty decent acts to perform on the results show. American Idol alum (and himself victim of unfair judging, this time courtesy of the voting public) Daughtry is set to perform their single No Surprise, while High School Musical star Ashley Tisdale will sing It's Alright, It's Okay.

America's Got Talent: Confused Dog Wins Over Gifted Singer = Very Angry Brit

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:49:05 GMT

On no. Not again. A week after America's Got Talent chose Arcadian Broad over Thia Megia, it picked a very confused dog over a guy who can sing beautifully and play the piano. Judge Piers Morgan promised - nay, threatened - that "If Charles DeWayne does not go through tonight, it will be the biggest scandal in the history of America's Got Talent."

So when frisbee-catching dog act Tony Hoard & Rory met the singer come judges' choice time, we all know where that was going. After all, Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff were all praises for the dog, despite the numerous (and obvious) flubs it had during the performance that mostly had to do with the Tony's throwing (which he admitted to be a little "off"). Surely, it had nothing to do with the fact that Tony Hoard and Rory's act opened with the all too familiar Baywatch montage plus the requisite theme blaring all throughout.

America's Got Talent: What Happened to Alizma?

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:00:29 GMT

Did Alizma blow it or what? Last night on America's Got Talent, triplet violinist act turned sexed-up strippers Alizma decided to ignore judge Piers Morgan's advice and sing their hearts out. As a result, three girls, three buzzers. From promising to preposterous, Alizma violated a card rule on America's Got Talent: if something's working, don't change it. You can improve on it, but don't change it.

During their first America's Got Talent auditions, Alizma was an adorable bunch; talkative and sometimes their high-pitched voices and bickering got a little annoying, but you forgive them because they were blonde and pretty and adorable and came in three. In fact, the second they stepped into the stage, the Polish triplets got generous hoots from David Hasselhoff and the audience. When they started answering the judges' questions, they became even more endearing. And guess what: they're actually talented.

America's Got Talent: What's Wrong with Grandma Lee?

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:06:37 GMT

Checking out last week's article on the first batch of acts to advance on America's Got Talent, I honestly find it hard to believe that among the five, it's septuagenarian comedic act Grandma Lee whom people - or BuddyTV readers at least - will not put through to the talent show's semifinal round. Alongside Grandma Lee, the other four who made it through include Acrodunk, Drew Thomas Magic, Kevin Skinner, and Arcadian Broad.

Surprising, because all the America's Got Talent judges applauded the efforts of Grandma Lee who, despite apparently lacking any new material whatsoever, still managed to make a lot of people laugh if only for her great comic timing. That being said, some critics have pointed out that Grandma Lee will need to come up with new material if she were to sustain a Vegas act, which was the point of the whole show. If you think about it, will she able to do nightly Vegas shows telling the same old jokes - pun not intended?

America's Got Talent: First Five Advance

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:43:54 GMT

America's Got Talent revealed the first five acts to move to its season 4 semifinals. Some were shoo-ins, expected and arguably well deserved, while others are more prone to debate. Acrodunk, for instance, was a given after the electrifying performance they delivered the night before. Some AGT fans may be a little skeptical at first if they can improve on what they showed during the auditions (what else can they do, really), but they surprised everyone when they combined good music, exciting choreography, and just plain spunk to get the votes.

Also making it to the semifinals were Drew Thomas Magic, Kevin Skinner, Grandma Lee, and Arcadian Broad. This means that some of the acts eliminated include Manuela Horn, Breaksk8, Lake Houston Dance, Mosaic, The Platt Brothers, Thia Megia and the Diva League.

America's Got Talent: What Happened to our Yodeling Dominatrix?

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:23:13 GMT

In one word, gone.

Believe it or not, the act I was looking forward to the most on Tuesday's America's Got Talent was Manuela Horn, the six-feet-two-inches yodeling dominatrix. See, I bet you wouldn't even come close to stringing the words "yodeling" and "dominatrix" if it weren't for her. Such is her originality. On Tuesday's show, we got at most what seemed like a two-second to her yodeling, before the third buzzer was buzzed and minutes later, she would confirm what we thought: "I am devastated."

Terry Fator to Make 'America's Got Talent' Return

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:02:17 GMT

America's Got Talent season 2 winner and now Vegas headliner Terry Fator is set to make the show and stage that started it all. The ventriloquist known also as The Human Jukebox will bring two of his most popular puppets, Maynard Thompkins and Duggie, on the upcoming Wednesday episode of America's Got Talent.

Fator, 44, is set to do a little magic act and appear in two places at once: onstage at The Mirage hotel where he headlines and moments later at the America's Got Talent stage. The return, marked with performances of Aaron Neville's Don't Know Much and Sweet Home Alabama, is pre-recorded in Los Angeles.

America's Got Talent: Nick Cannon Lashes Back at Eminem

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:32:50 GMT

Shortly after wife Mariah Carey debuted her Obsessed music video on America's Got Talent, the show's host Nick Cannon had a few vague if not evasive tweets for rapper Eminem, who in his recently leaked song The Warning continues to threaten the Grammy-winning singer.

"Those who feed into negativity must examine there purpose on this earth," Cannon's first tweet said Friday. This was followed by "No one but a fool would measure their satisfaction by what the world thinks of him" and "Quote of the day: "Be effective by being selective."