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America's Got Talent: The Chicken Catcher or the Opera Singer: Which Will Win?
Commentary by Donna Emery
Septermber 10, 2009
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This week on America’s Got Talent, we learned which five acts would compete in next Monday’s finale, for the million dollar prize.
There were few surprises.
Previous seasons of this competition have been dominated by singers -with the notable exception of Terry Fator, but he also incorporated singing into his amazing act. So it’s no surprise that the lineup for the finale is composed of 6 singers. The remaining four acts include two dance acts - both as different as can be – a geriatric comedienne and an unusual percussion ensemble.
Is it any wonder most pundits predict a victory for either balladeer Kevin Skinner or cancer survivor/opera singer Barbara Padilla?
From his first audition, when his innocent banter with the judges and heartfelt singing style captivated the judges’ approval and the fancy of American viewers, Kevin Skinner has been the heir apparent of this show. Although I didn’t see the caliber of talent the judges saw and disagree he still belongs in this competition at this level, subsequent weeks of performances have shown him to have gained a bit more confidence and a solid audience following. America has found their “Susan Boyle”. I think Kevin’s semifinal performance was mostly flat and not polished at all; the audience gave him a rollicking round of applause. I will admit his personality and humility are endearing. I may not admire his talent, but America does. Hence, he might be the one to beat, if it weren’t for Barbara Padilla.
I was very disappointed when Neil E. Boyd won last year’s competition, so when Barbara auditioned this year my initial reaction was, “please, not another opera singer!” But Barbara has true talent, a beautiful face and a heartwarming backstory. Few can fail to be inspired by her story of surviving cancer. Although there may be more talented opera singers, they did not audition for this show. Her talent is real. She is a lovely person with a wonderful voice and I suppose if Neil hadn’t won last year, she’d be my personal favorite to win. She is definitely one of the most talented of the finale acts – if not the most talented – and the only thing I really have against her is not wanting to see another opera singer win the contest. After all, this isn’t “America’s Got Opera!”
But, I think it is highly possible one of these two popular singers will win the contest.
If Neil’s win last year proved anything, it is that the audience likes a sentimental favorite. They like endearing characters and they’ll discount obviously talented acts (like Nuttin’ But Stringz) in order to reward the endearing performers. Neil is talented but in my opinion, he’s a dime-a-dozen opera singer. So, despite her charm, is Barbara. As for Kevin, despite his innocent charm, most of the Grade B celebrities on “Gone Country” can outsing him on a bad day.
So, despite the fact that one of them will probably win, who should win?
It’s tough to say. Going into the semifinals, my favorite was Recycled Percussion. I loved the innovative spirit of their act and their act really entertained me. Seeing it this past week, I was less charmed. Although I like the originality of using car parts, and loved the top of the van floating up into the air, after a few minutes of seeing them try to smash in the door of said van I realized it’s just recycled noise. Their act may be Vegas and it may inspire quite a fan base (with good reason, because they do know how to entertain an audience) so they might surprise everyone and take home the win. I would love to see that happen - but I don’t think it’s likely.
Some of the acts are lucky to be.....
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