My last post I talked about America's Got Talent in my Top Ten. With this being the 10th season, it was fun o do a retrospective look back. This month, I thought I would talk about Season 10, as it has been an amazing season with great acts. I am not sure why this seems to happen, but almost every year the acts that are in the final all seem to be acts that I would love to see win, but usually the one I love the most takes the grand prize. This year was no exception. Without a doubt Paul Zerdin was my favourite, and he won. This is the second time that a ventriloquist has won the contest, and Paul's journey throughout the season was one that caught my attention from the get go. I must say that unlike Terry Fator, who was both a ventriloquist and a celebrity-singing impersonator, Paul took a different route. Fator had the ability (or luxury, as it may be) to be able to change characters and celebrities with changing the song. Zerdin, on the other hand, had to rely on really changing up his act to make it all the way, and he did so in great fashion. Every time he was on stage it was something different, which is hard for a ventriloquist to do. He earned a golden buzzer in the Judges Cuts round, and was a contender from the get go. He took it all in with great humility and passion.
This was a great year for standout stories and interesting characters. We had Drew Lynch come in 2nd place. He was the comedian with a stutter from a sports accident. The obstacles that he had to overcome were amazing, and again his humility won me over. I felt bad for his placing, but happy knowing that he would find stardom elsewhere. He developed a great fan base. Speaking of inspirational stories, the most moving for me was a young 14 year old boy named Benjamin Yonattan. He was a dancer who, from the beginning of the competition, was gradually losing his total vision. His grace was astounding, and again, humility was a factor. Sharon Irving and Arielle Baril were amazing singers that shocked me when they did not advance to the finals. Other notable singers were the Craig Lewis Band and Benton Blount. One of my favourite acts in the music category was the Mountain Faith band, who made America fall in love with bluegrass music (I was already there myself). And the most energetic musical act was Alex Boye. I was surprised that he did not advance beyond the Judges Cuts. Some great magic acts again this year. I liked both Oz Pearlman (a mentalist) and Derek Hughes (one of the most versatile magicians) a lot, but my favourite in the magic category by far was Piff the Magic Dragon. He was a delight. As far as unique acts, nobody was more different than Stevie Starr, the Professional Regurgitator. In the dance category, which is getting more and more technological, Freckled Sky and Siro-A were outstanding, but when it came to innovation, I have to go with Freelusion. Their ability to fuse dance with groundbreaking special effects was mind blowing.
This was the last season for Howard Stern as a judge, I must admit that when he first joined the show, I was a bot uncertain. He had made a career being the King of Shock on the radio, and that sort of thing is not really my thing. His job as a judge on AGT was wonderful. He brought a sense of credibility to the role and always offered great advice in the most respectful of ways. He was OK having a few goofy acts go through, but made his stands when he needed to. I found that as far as judges go, I agreed with his take on things more than any other judge. I wonder who will replace him. I just hope he's good. Maybe the return of Piers Morgan?
One last thing that I noticed this year, and I have had a few good, long talks with Heather about this. This was the first year that the final 10 had no women among them. It caused me to scratch the proverbial head a bit. There was definitely no shortage of amazing, talented women this year. As I looked back at the last ten years, the fact that not since the very first season has anyone other than men won this contest (unless you count the dogs of Olate Dogs in Season 7). There have been several runner-ups, but no winners other than Bianca Ryan. I am not sure why this is, because I think that this show removes a lot of biases with such an open format. Something to ponder, I guess.
Here are the Top Ten Acts from this season of AGT. Enjoy the videos, and I would recommend looking up more on each of them. First off, however, is a lengthy list of honorable mentions (I couldn't give the Top 10 without them): Three Shades of Blue, Benjamin Yonattan, Benton Blount, Derek Hughes, Siro-A, Arielle Baril, Alicia Michhelli, Alondra Santos, Daniella Mass, and Metal Mulitia Fitz Army. And now, the Top 10...
10. The Professional Regurgitator. This Scotsman can swallow anything...and then bring it back up. I have no idea how he does it, or more importantly how he's still alive, but his talent was Top 5 worthy (although more than 5 are Top 5 worthy, hence his #10 ranking). He finished 4th overall. Never seen anything like him. Here is one of my favourite performances of his.
9. Oz Pearlman. A mentalist that blew me away each time. The 3rd place finisher this year, he gave up a lucrative career in the financial sector to pursue his passion, and I can't blame him for it. I'd love to see him live, and have him work his magic on me. Here's his audition.
8. Faith Mountain Band. I loved these guys. They are a family and class act. They would take popular music, and put a bluegrass twist to them. Here is one of my preferred performances of theirs.
7. Sharon Irving. I will say that America got this wrong, not sending her to the finals. She was rightfully told that she had the best vocals of any singer in the competition. She deserves a great career and was a Golden Buzzer act. Here is her final performance that was soulful and lovely.
6. Alex Boye. I felt so badly for him when he was cut in the Judges Cuts. He has so much energy and just wants to have people smile. With every door closed, however, another opens. He scored a big role in the upcoming reboot of Saturday's Warriors. Until then, he can just take this setback and "Shake it off".
5. The CraigLewis Band. These guys have such amazing harmonies that it sends chills up my spine. They ended up in fifth place, both on my list and on the show. Again, humble, grateful guys (I love how this is a common thread among my picks), but just give them a listen.
4. Freelusion Dance Company. Another act that so deserved to be in the finals that didn't make it. They made tough choices along the way, and were so innovative. They were never given the golden buzzer, but many times they were told they didn't need it. Here is their brilliant audition.
3. Drew Lynch. What a story this kid has, but having a story means nothing if you don't have the talent to back it up. Funny, funny kid. Howie Mandel gave him his golden buzzer. He came in 2nd overall, and deserves all the praise he gets. Here is the audition.
2. Piff the Magic Dragon. Sometimes on AGT, an act comes on the stage and I think "Oh great, here comes another turkey". I thought this about Piff. Within seconds, however, he won me over and eventually ended up in the Top 10 with his cool magic and dry wit (plus a dragon-sized appetite). I can't wait to see him live one day.
1. Paul Zerdin. Yup, America and I agree on this one. He is brilliant. Here is the act that got him the Golden Buzzer (plus won the hearts of my daughters. I swear, they made me put this on for them five or six times).
