Last night, 12 semifinalists on "America's Got Talent" Season 7 learned which three would make it to the finals.
Steve Harvey, whose talk show will debut soon on NBC, joined host Nick Cannon and did a monologue. His material was surprisingly weak, so he probably didn't get the boost for his show that he wanted.
Nick announced that he would be revealing the Top 4, although only three would make it to the finals. First to hear their results were dancer/contortionist Turf, sand painter Joe Castillo, and dancers The Scott Brothers. Howard Stern, weighing in, said these acts were all similar in terms of quality, and he couldn't call it. Going through is Joe Castillo. He tossed a white beret to Howard for him to wear, since Howard's been critical of that look.
Next to be called to center stage were countertenor Andrew De Leon, musician/inventor William Close, and dance troupe Academy of Villains. At least two of those acts had been among my picks, and Howie Mandel was beside himself, because they had been his top three. Nick announced the next to be in the Top 4 would be William Close. Howard praised William for being an original showman.
Nick then called acrobats Donovan and Rebecca, pet ventriloquist Todd Oliver, and young singer/pianist Edon. Next into the Top 4, Nick announced, was Todd Oliver. Howie was pleased because variety seems to be winning (over singing, which he didn't say, but he's been harping on that point all season).
This was followed by special performance by The Neon Trees, doing "Everybody Talks." The lead singer wore a very retro '80s look with a leopard print smoking jacket and short bleached-blonde hair. Come to think of it, their song has that retro flavor, too.
Finally, comic Tom Cotter, country singer Bria Kelly, and mind reader Eric Dittelman stepped to center stage to hear their fates. The last of the night's Top 4 acts was Tom Cotter. Asked if he deserved a spot in the final, Sharon said that he, of course, did.
After a break, the Top 4 were then brought to the stage to learn who would go through to the finals. William Close was the first to learn that he would be one of the finalists. Next to go through: Tom Cotter. This left Joe Castillo and Todd Oliver. The final decision would be down to the judges. Howard, no surprise, chose the comedian, Todd. Sharon sided with Joe, leaving Howie to decide which would advance. While Howard tried to convince him to pick Todd, asking him, "Which act would you watch for an hour?" Howie went with originality, selecting Joe.
On Tuesday, 9/4, the 12 remaining semifinalists will battle for the remaining finals slots.
