Four more acts made it through to the next round in the Quarterfinals of Season 7 on “America’s Got Talent.”
The first two acts brought up to hear their fates were singer Tim Hockenberry and dancer Turf. Host Nick Cannon asked judge Sharon Osbourne for her reaction, and she couldn’t imagine who was going through. The act advancing was… both of them! Judge Howie Mandel said he could not be happier.
In a silly segment, Howie donned a wig and posed as a front-desk clerk to interview the performers about supposed complaints from other guests.
Then Gavin DeGraw performed “Sweeter,” a pop-soul song. It was good to see him fully recovered from last summer’s assault, which caused him to cancel some concerts.
Called to the stage next for results were the Lisa Clark Dancers, rock band The All Ways, The Aurora Light Painters, and novelty singer Big Barry. Nick asked Howard Stern to call it, and he said each of the acts had a rough time last night, and that his mother loved the Lisa Clark Dancers. The act advancing was… no one. That was sort of a cruel trick, Nick. Howard took the opportunity to tell Barry that his comments about him were nothing personal: “You’re a charming guy. My argument is with Howie. You added a lot of fun and excitement.” Sharon said she wasn’t surprised about these results.
Next up for results were Tom Cotter, LionDanceMe, and Hawley Magic. Of these, no surprise — it was Tom Cotter moving on, whose witty take on common expressions won rave reviews from the judges.
The acrobatic show Traces did a performance, then, involving tumbling, balancing, and an impressive end move where a gymnast flipped high into the air and slipped seamlessly through a hoop stacked about 10 feet high. For a moment, it seemed as if he was flying.
The final three acts — archer Ben Blaque, young singer Danielle Stallings, and acrobatic duo Donovan and Rebecca — were the last ones to hear their results. Nick told Ben Blaque he was eliminated, leaving Danielle Stallings, and Donovan and Rebecca. For this final act, the judges got to vote on who would advance. After praising both acts, Howard told Danielle, “You’re remarkable, but I don’t think it’s good timing. I think it’s Donovan and Rebecca’s time.” Sharon told Danielle that she wanted to give her a big hug. After delaying a decision, she voted to put Danielle through. This left the decision to Howie, who liked the uniqueness of Donovan and Rebecca, but also praised Danielle’s youth and promise. Acknowledging it was like comparing apples and oranges, he voted for Donovan and Rebecca, making them the fourth act to advance.
With such a diverse selection of acts moving on, it may be the first season in a long time where a singer doesn’t win.
