America's Got Talent: America's Got A Tough Choice
Epsiode 9 Recap and Commentary by Donna Emery
August 3, 2007
5. Butterscotch - singer/beatboxer
She said that David's comment that she might win this competition had put pressure
on her. But she said she'd follow her heart. She reported that her name had come
from a time in high school when she wrote a song about butterscotch. She said that
when she gets on stage "a different person takes over" and she is transformed. She
said she has to do what she loves to do.
She began with a strange explosive sound but soon rallied the audience with her
unique combination of sultry singing and percussive sounds. She sang "It's Your
Thing" and she certainly did hers. She has changed her look and looks very feminine.
Although this is not my favorite type of music, I admit that she is talented and very
popular with the audience.
David told her that when the pressure is on, "you can lead the pack or run". He said she'd led the pack.
Sharon said she'd taken her act to a different level. She called her incredible and special.
Piers said she is brilliant, but noted that she doesn't seem to believe she is a star. He told her to believe it, and act like it.
Jerry told her that the audience loves her, and Butterscotch answered Piers by saying that the stage is her home and that she knows she is a star.
6. The Glamazons - girl singers/burlesque
They said that they'd spent their lives fighting for acceptance, and when David had said they could sing, they'd been thrilled. They dedicated their performance to all their fans. One of them said that they'd given up their day jobs to follow their dreams.
They sang "Fever". I love the energy and passion these ladies bring to their performance and I love the way they wear those costumes with pride in who they are. But there is no denying that their voices are just not professional quality. I enjoy their act and hope they last a few more rounds.
David commented that they'd said they would "bring it" and that they are fantastic.
Sharon gently told them that they don't have the best voices, but they have chutzpah and they are sassy. She said they have confidence and that they do great things for women.
Piers said that they should forget what they did for women; he liked what they do for men! He said they are fun and entertaining.
7. Cass Haley - blues singer
Cass said that he feels good about his chances. He told the story of how he'd met his
wife in high school, and that if he wins it would mean that his wife wouldn't have to
work too hard.
He sang an unfamiliar blues song with his wonderful voice. I really enjoy listening to
him and he has the same kind of joy in his performances that Taylor Hicks does. I
wish I'd known the song he was singing, but it didn't matter. He is charming and
very talented.
David said that he has passion. He said it shows that Cass loves life, and that he'd blown him away.
Sharon called his performance effortless. She said he's a natural cool guy.
Piers said that he hadn't enjoyed the song, but that Cass has the best singing voice in the contest. He told Cass that he'd been straining and recommended that he choose a more reggae-like number for future performances.
Cass told Jerry that he'd love to win it all.
8. Terry Fator - ventriloquist
He said that he'd really felt that his last performance had been his best performance
ever. He said that winning the contest would help him bring ventriloquism back into
the mainstream of American entertainment.
He - and puppet "Emma" sang the Natalie Cole/Nat Cole duo of "Unforgettable" and
Terry made it charming and entertaining at the same time. Emma and Terry snuggled
and kidded around for the camera. It is very charming and entertainment.
David said that it had started off tentatively, but that the puppet's voice had gotten better.
Sharon said that people don't realize how difficult it is to throw your voice, and do a celebrity impression at the same time.
Piers said he'd like to sell tickets to Terry's next show. He said he's the best ventriloquist he's ever seen.
9. Julienne Irwin - singer
She said that her last performance had been a good one. She said that when her
parents had stood up at the end, she'd felt great. She said that one of her parents is
with her all the time. Her dad said he's proud of her.
She sang "Til I Can Make It On My Own". I love her voice, but this was the wrong
song for her. She strained in several places and the song is too mature for a teen. I
think she will make it through but she needs a different song.
David said that the song was a little high. He said it hadn't been her best.
Sharon said that there were pitch problems, but that she is a "little angel" and that she'd be back next week.
Piers said that he had to be tough. He said it was a big song, and that she'd struggled. He told her to "take down the temperature, calm down and" encouraged her to do better next week.
10. Sideswipe - martial arts/ acrobats
They said that their last performance had given them a great feeling. They said that
they live by the philosophy of martial arts. They also said that they put forth a super-
human effort, and that they didn't train to make second place.
There were lots of sharp jumps and crisp acrobatics. I was enjoying the performance
but halfway through they brought on four young students who copied their
movements. I think it was too much, and the change in the act at this stage of the
competition doesn't set well with me.
David said that the act had been confusing. He said it was "all over the place" but had gotten better
Sharon said that they'd shook it up. She reminded them that they faced serious competition from the Calypso Tumblers.
Piers expressed his dissatisfaction because "so many acts think that they can bring out a bunch of cute kids and make a million dollars." He said they make him want to puke.
The spokesperson defended their actions by saying that the young people are their students, and that their teaching is part of their talent.
Piers bluntly said that their decision to include the young students might have cost them a million dollars.
The group said that performing with their students was the greatest honor of their life.
Next week, the eight acts with the most votes will perform again, and then we will vote again until we've chosen the act that will win the million dollars. Which act do I think will win?
I think it's too soon to tell yet, but there are some that are more like to be the winner.
I think that Cass Haley and Butterscotch are the leading contenders. Both are amazing singers, and both have sympathetic backstories. I think that Cass' natural talent and likeability may give him the edge, but if the majority of the voters is young then Butterscotch may win. Cass is a better singer, but her talent for beatboxing is unique enough that it may put her over the top.
Two other acts that might win are Julienne Irwin and Terry Fator. Julienne is the same type of appealing young teenage girl that Bianca Ryan was last year. Bianca is a better singer, but Julienne is also lovely and very talented. She might win.
Terry is an amazing talent and his combination of comedy, impersonation and ventriloquism could possibly charm America enough to gain him a win.
Of the two acrobatic acts, the Calypso Tumblers is the better contender - especially since Piers was right that they shouldn't have brought out their students. The Tumblers are likeable enough to survive until next week; Sideswipe may not be.
Of the two male singers, Robert Hatcher is much better than Jason Pritchett. Jason is a good singer, but he is not a great singer. If either of these guys has the stuff to last a few more weeks, I think it will be Robert.
That leaves the Duttons and the Glamazons. Both have audience appeal but both have a way to go to be top-level entertainers. I think that both may survive until next week, but not much longer. I don't think either of these groups will win, but I can't help but hope that both find the wider audience that they deserve.
I think that Sideswipe and Jason Pritchett will be eliminated this week, but I could be surprised and see the demise of one of the other acts. I am pretty sure that Cass, Butterscotch, Terry and Julienne will return. America will decide who else will continue in the quest for a million dollars.
Who did you vote for? Write and let me know!
Who's your choice to win the million? Write me and let me know.
Donna is a nurse and teacher, and a mother of 5. She lives in Pennsylvania and is admittedly addicted to many reality shows. You can reach her at mrsed4ever@yahoo.com.
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