'America's Got Talent': Audition Favorites

By Rebecca Harper, Hulu | Thursday, July 9, 2009, 5:00 PM

TJ & The Little Mamas

NBC/Chris Haston

Thanks to a little performance by Susan Boyle, "Britain's Got Talent" garnered worldwide attention this year, leaving the producers of "America's Got Talent" to wonder if they'd uncover a diamond in the rough in their talent pool this year. Fortunately, their questions were answered by the third episode, when an assuming man in a baseball cap took the stage with his guitar. But that doesn't mean he's a sure thing because he's got a pint-size dance posse outshining him in the cute-as-a-button department. Auditions are still under way as David Hasselhoff, Sharon Osbourne, and Piers Morgan act as judges in America's "biggest talent show." Below, the Hulu team took a look at some highlights from the first few weeks of the search.

Pint-Size Performers

What's a talent show without a pint-size dance troupe? In this case, young TJ is the leading man with a posse of six girls who show off their hip-hop moves as TJ flips across the stage. Sure, they're confident and talented, but they're also so darn cute!

Country Boy

As soon as chicken catcher Kevin Skinner began his cover of a Garth Brooks song, it was clear "America's Got Talent" had found its Susan Boyle. Despite his humble background, this contestant's genuine performance won over the crowd and judges, even getting a standing ovation from the Hoff as Skinner scored his ticket to Las Vegas.

Sultry Spin

If a cute 17-year-old with a winning smile steps up to say she's going to perform a Jonas Brothers song ("Burnin' Up"), it's not unreasonable to expect a bubblegum tribute. But in this case, singer/pianist Bri made the song her own, putting a sultry spin on the pop hit.

Who's Your Grandma?

When a 75-year-old woman announces she's following her lifelong dream, you can't help but feel obligated to listen. But what came out of contestant Grandma Lee's mouth was not what you'd expect. This salty lady shared a piece of her mind on all things related to her family, going on to ask Piers -- who had just told Mrs. Lee that she was his favorite contestant so far this year -- "Who's your grandma?"

Torress is a dancer, but not in the traditional sense. Calling himself a breakdancer, the 23-year-old entered the competition to show judges something they'd never seen before. Eschewing standard moves like "the caterpillar," Torres is more like a contortionist, moving his body in seemingly impossible ways to wow the crowd.

Grand Illusion Illusionist

Drew Thomas has a relatively simple set: a couple of crates and a few sheets. But his act was enough to get the Hoff to exclaim: "Finally! Finally, we have a magician on this show that's worthy of winning a million dollars and going to Las Vegas." After all -- could you pull these beauties out of thin air?

Star Quality

On the other hand, illusionist Jay Mattioli relied on his star quality and a little rock 'n' roll style to make his modern magic act interesting. He defied gravity and surprised the audience, but more importantly, he entertained the judges enough to get himself on to the next round of competition.

Ultimate Tribute

We all have our childhood crushes. Loan officer David Johnson's is a little unexpected, as revealed in this serenade to a former "Baywatch" star. While Johnson might not have the chops to win the competition, his ability to write a witty tune got him a ticket to Vegas.

Big Song, Big Voice

When performer Thia Megia announced that she was performing Jennifer Holliday's "I Am Changing," Piers Morgan noted that it's a big song. The 14-year-old soon proved her voice was big enough for the challenge, getting the crowd on its feet as she hit every note of the soulful song.

Sister Act

As soon as the EriAm sisters began belting out their rendition of the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" in the Season 4 "America's Got Talent" opener -- just two days before Michael Jackson's death -- it was clear these girls were going on to Vegas. With 11-year-old Haven taking the lead, this sister act was playful and fun -- the type of performance well-suited for a national talent show.

Talk About It: Do you agree with the judges' choices so far this season?