(7) Season 7 Reflection

Every year I sort of hope that each season will be better than the one before it. Although there is perhaps a slight trend in that direction, I cannot say that Season 7 was significantly better than Season 6. There were some really, really great acts, but there were also some not so good ones. The Semi-Finals were great if not one of the best yet, but I was actually pretty disappointed with a lot of the Quarter-Finals acts. The YouTube show, in particular, was absolutely abysmal this year with Academy of Villains being the only good thing to come of it.

Some of My Favorite Acts:

Edon

The Scott Brothers

David Garibaldi and His CMYK's

Tom Cotter

Lightwire Theater

Joe Castillo

Sebastian "El Charro de Oro"

Eric Dittelman

Olate Dogs

Academy of Villains

Some of My Least Favorite Acts:

Michael Nejad

The All Ways

Big Barry

All Beef Patty

Ulysses

Melinda Hill

Romeo Dance Cheetah

Overall, a pretty good season. I probably would have preferred Tom Cotter to win over Olate Dogs, but either way, I'm thrillex that someone other than a singer won this year. In fact, I don't think there were any really good singers this year. However, there were not a ton of dance groups either, I think this year really had a lot of variety like the comedians, Lightwire, David Graribaldi, Joe Castillo, Eric Dittelman, William Close. I've been watching America's Got Talent ever since season 1, and I must say that the quality and variety of acts really does tend to get better over time. There are tons of completely unique and original acts out there, and AGT is the perfect stage for them. See you next season!

(7) SEASON 7 FINALE

6TH PLACE: The Untouchables
I thought they were definitely better than Joe Castillo, but I knew they would be one of the first few eliminated. They are definitely great dancers, but they needed to do more if they wanted to have a chance against some of the other acts.

5TH PLACE: Joe Castillo
What he does is truly unique and creative, but I really think he blew it last night with his performance. He should have done something more unique and intricate.

4TH PLACE: David Garibaldi and His CMYK's
I really liked this guy the first few times he performed, but after that it started to go downhill in my opinion. That being said, he is a great performer and also brought something truly unique to the competition.

3RD PLACE: William Close
WOW. What a shocker!! I didn't like him very much but the judges loved him and I saw so many people online saying they would vote for him, so I thought for sure he would make at least the top 2 if not win it all.

FINAL RESULT: Olate Dogs Take the Win!!
I found myself rooting for Tom Cotter at the last minute, but Olate Dogs is truly a fantastic act. I don't like that they repeat so many tricks, but the tricks that they do are definitely one of a kind. The thing I like about Tom Cotter is that he does a different act every time because he's a comedian. Overall, I am happy to see Olate Dogs win as you can't help falling in love with those dogs.

(7) Finals REVIEW

David Garibaldi and his CMYK's
Wow, I was quite disappointed by that performance. It was pretty boring and needed more dancing or something else going on to keep us entertained. Also, I could pretty much tell what it was going to be before the 'reveal' and it didn't end up being that impressive. Very disappointed with this as I was expecting something much, much better for his final performance.

Tom Cotter
He definitely made me laugh, so I can't complain too much. Not only does he always deliver great material that makes me laugh, but adding an element of improv truly makes it spectacular. Best comedian AGT has ever had.

The Untouchables
They are always great dancers, but I could sort of tell that they had less time to prepare for this performance; the dancers weren't as in-sync as usual. Saw a few cool new tricks, too. They're great, but I'm not sure they deserve to win.

Joe Castillo
Not very impressed. That's something I would expect from his initial try-out. No interesting story and no intricate details. Like I've said before, there are better sand artists on YouTube.

William Close
Although I have not been a huge fan of his throughout the course of the show, I definitely think that performance was his best. I'm still not all that impressed by his instruments but it does sound pretty cool.

Olate Dogs
They always make me smile and the dogs are very cute, but I just can't stand the fact that they do the same tricks every time. If they have to repeat tricks now then what are they going to do in an hour+ Vegas show?



Definitely a great finale. I must admit that nothing really WOWED me like I was hoping, but still all great acts that deserve to be here.

My Ranking:

1. Tom Cotter
2. Olate Dogs
3. David Garibaldi and His CMYK's
4. William Close
5. The Untouchables
6. Joe Castillo

(7) Semi-Finals Round 2 RESULTS

TOP 4:

Lightwire Theater
Not as surprise. They are a great act that could definitely hold a show in Vegas. I think I've decided that they're different enough from Team iLuminate that they might have a chance to do really well in the Finals.

David Garibaldi and His CMYK's
No surprise there, either. Although last night wasn't my favorite performance of his, this guy has been one of my favorites the whole time, and I am really looking forward to what he could do for his finale performance.

Olate Dogs
A great act, but if they make it to the finals I want to see some different tricks!

The Untouchables
Somewhat suprised to see them beat Tim Hockenberry, but I think they really deserve it. They are a great dance act regardless of their age, and their age only makes it more impressive.

Top 3:
1. The Untouchables: WOW. I thought for sure they would end up in the bottom 2 (of the top 4).
2. Olate Dogs
3. David Garibaldi and His CMYK's

I picked 2 out of 3 acts, but I must say this is going to be an amazing finals. Plus we are guaranteed that a singer is not going to win this year!!! Can't wait to see what the finale has in store!

(7) Semi-Finals Round 2 REVIEW

All That!
They were good tap dancers as always, but I still don't think it's good enough compared to the other acts. I didn't see any 'big trick' but I guess the fire and water was a good touch. They are definitely talented but I don't know if it goes much farther than that.

Sebastian "El Charro de Oro"
His voice sounded great in that song, but I'm not sure if he did anything really outstanding. He is a great kid and is very talented. I would say he had a chance but since he didn't get through his original quarter-final round, I'm not sure what's going to happen.

The Magic of Puck
I thought that trick was pretty good. I've never seen anything quite like it before. I've definitely seen better magicians before, but I thought the act was pretty good.

Clint Carvalho
That was nice and all, but it was nothing that impressive. I've seen birds do more impressive things.

Jacob Williams
That was pretty bad. I'm definitely disappointed because I liked his last performance a lot but this was not as good. I really didn't find any of it funny at all.

Shanice and Maurice Hayes
I still don't think they're that great. I guess they're good singers but they're not as spectacular as they need to be in order to make it to the finals.

All Wheel Sports
I didn't think it was anything spectacular. I think there's too much going on at once, and some of the tricks tend to get lost. I actually found it somewhat boring.

Tim Hockenberry
He's got a nice quality to his voice, but I don't think he's good enough. His voice isn't particularly unique or anything.

The Untouchables
It's so strange to see that kind of dancing from kids that age. They do a lot of cool things on stage, and I think they are a really unique dance act.

Olate Dogs
What these dogs do is truly unique, but it bothers me that they keep repeating tricks. If they're going to have a Vegas show they need to have a wider range of tricks. That being said, it's still great to watch them every time.

Lightwire Theater
That was actually pretty cool with the slow motion and that thing with the egg. I'm not sure if they're better than Team iLuminate, but it's definitely pretty cool and I really like what they do. It must be really hard to coordinate all that movement with all those different parts and people.

David Garibaldi and His CMYK's
He's been one of my favorite acts since the quarter-finals, but I was slightly disappointed by this performance. I found it a little boring, and I think he needed things to be more coordinated.




My Ranking:

1. Lightwire Theater
2. Olate Dogs
3. David Garibaldi and His CMYK's

4. The Untouchables
5. Sebastian "El Charro de Oro"
6. The Magic of Puck
7. Tim Hockenberry
8. All That!
9. All Wheel Sports
10. Shanice and Maurice Hayes
11. Clint Carvalho
12. Jacob Williams

(7) Semi-Finals Round 1 RESULTS

TOP 4:

Joe Castillo
Definitely one of the more creative and unique acts on the show. My only problem with him is that I've seen better sand artists on YouTube.

William Close
Not my favorite but I know everybody else loves him. Sad to see Academy go because they are definitely the best dance act that has ever been on this show.

Todd Oliver
WOW. Totally the last one of those three I expected to go through. He was good but I think the other 3 acts were much better.

Tom Cotter
Definitely deserves it, but I'm really sad to see Dittelman go home.

TOP 3:

1. William Close
2. Tom Cotter
3. Joe Castillo

I only picked 1 of the 3 acts...but I will definitely say this is shaping up to be a great Finale as all three of these acts are unique in their own way and will truly bring something different to the competition.

(7) Semi-Finals Round 1 REVIEW

Andrew De Leon
I think he was way better than his quarter-final performance, but he's still not that great of a singer. I don't really care if he has an inspiring story. I don't think he deserves to move any further.

Todd Oliver
I liked the material, but I think I actually liked it better last week. That being said, I really like his act and the fact that he does comedy and ventriloquism together in a completely original way. If there were 5 acts going through like last season I would say he for sure had a shot, but I can't be so sure at this point without seeing everyone else.

Donovan and Rebecca
I thought it was good, but I think I liked their previous performances better. In all honesty, they just didn't WOW me tonight. I think they're the best acrobatic/strength act that AGT has ever had, but I was hoping for something more from them this time.

Edon
He's a great kid with a great voice, and I definitely agree that he's one of the better singers in the competition right now. Normally I would not want another singer to win, but I really like this kid. That being said, if he doesn't win this, he will certainly do well after all this exposure.

The Scott Brothers
They are so amazing to watch! I liked their last performance better, but I would definitely see their show in Vegas. I do agree with Howie, though, that there was no one move that really stood out.

Dittelman
I am always amazed by what this guy does, and I really don't understand how it works. I've read a few theories, but he changes the way in which he does the mind-reading each time, and it just becomes unexplainable. Great performance.

Turf
That was definitely his best performance yet, and I didn't get bored with this one. However, I agree with Howard and think that it has the tendency to get somewhat repetitive. I think people tend to fall for his sob story and therefore he gets way more votes than he deserves. Hard truth.

Bria Kelly
She's got a great voice, but I felt like she was lacking the emotional aspect of the performance. I just don't think she stands out enough among the other acts tonight.

Joe Castillo
I absolutely love what he does, but I think he should have done something bigger and grander to make it more of a spectacle. That being said, I still think he was is one of the more original acts on the show.

William Close
I still don't get the appeal of his act. I guess it's cool but all I heard was the harp and a couple of off-key singers. The dancers were not that great and I didn't hear any of the other instruments. Not worthy of all that praise in my opinion.

Tom Cotter
This guy is really, really funny. Every time he comes on the show he gives a really great, funny performance. Not only that but he must have a ton of material in order to let someone else pick the material.

Academy of Villains
Definitely one of the best dance acts that this show has ever had. They are exceptionally talented and unique. They are perfectly together and have very creative moves that I've never seen before.




1. I am extremely upset that they are only putting 3 acts through this season and skipping the Top 10 round.
2. Definitely the hardest pick of the season so far and probably one of the hardest in the entire show's history! Really great talent tonight.

My Ranking:

1. Tom Cotter
2. Dittelman
3. Academy of Villains

4. The Scott Brothers
5. Joe Castillo
6. Todd Oliver
7. Donovan and Rebecca
8. Edon
9. Turf
10. William Close
11. Bria Kelly
12. Andrew De Leon

(7) My Top 10 so far

Here are my Top 10 favorite acts so far...
(in no particular order)

The Scott Brothers
David Garibaldi and his CMYK's
Donovan and Rebecca
Lightwire Theater
Joe Castillo
Eric Dittelman
Academy of Villains
Olate Dogs
Sebastian "El Charro de Oro"
The Untouchables

(7) Acts by Category

SINGING
Shanice and Maurice Hayes
Edon
Tom Hockenberry
Bria Kelly
Sebastian "El Charro de Oro"
Andrew De Leon

DANCING
Turf
The Untouchables
Academy of Villains
All That!
The Scott Brothers

COMEDY
Tom Cotter
Jacob Williams
Todd Oliver

DANGER / STUNTS:
Donovan and Rebecca
All Wheel Sports

MAGIC:
The Magic of Puck

OTHER:
David Garibaldi and his CMYK's
Lightwire Theater
Olate Dogs
William Close
Joe Castillo
Eric Dittelman
Clint Carvalho

MY THOUGHTS / OBSERVATIONS
This season there are way more 'other' acts that don't really fit into any category. This season has really showcased some truly original acts that have never been on the show before. Singing and Dancing are about even this year, which is different than before. Danger / Stunts has also reduced significantly than last season (where there were 6). The amount of Comedians has also greatly increased this season.

(7) Top 24 Checklist

How did my Top 24 match up with America's?

I agreed with 17 of the 24 acts that America chose! That's 70% which is exactly what I got last season, but better than my picks for Seasons 4 (65%) and 5 (50%). Overall, pretty happy.

(7) Quarter-Finals Round 6 [Wild Card] RESULTS

Sebastian "El Charro de Oro" (my #4)
He deserved to move on in his original quarter-final round, so I'm glad to see that he finally got what he deserved. His mariachi voice is great, and he is a great kid with a great personality.

Andrew De Leon (my #9)
I personally don't think he's that great, but I had a feeling America would. I also think part of his appeal is simply the fact that he doesn't look like he would sing like that, which is unfortunate because it should be about the talent.

Todd Oliver (my #1)
I'm very happy to see him through, but it's still shocking to see Spencer Horsman go home after what he did last night. I think the comedians are really great this season, so Todd Oliver will really have to step it up for the Semi-Finals.

First off, I'm shocked that Jarrett and Raja were sent home. I thought for sure that Jarrett and Raja would be one of the two left over.

All That! (my #10)
I never thought it would come down to them, but after thinking about it I definitely think they deserved to make it over Lindsey Norton. I think All That! has more to offer.

My Picks vs. America's
2 / 4. Not my best, but not terrible.

(7) Quarter-Finals Round 6 [Wild Card] REVIEW

Spencer Horsman
That was extremely intense, particularly the part at the end. That was probably the most intense performance he has given yet. I am surprised by how many different things he can come up with for each week. I am not completely enthralled with it but I definitely like his act.

All That!
I was actually somewhat disappointed with that performance. I liked their last performance better. This seemed a little too slow-paced. I agree that they are very talented, but I'm not sure they really measure up to some of the other acts on the show.

Jarrett and Raja
It was good, but I can't tell you how many times I've seen something go inside a box, have the box rise above the stage, have it explode, and then have the thing from the box appear somewhere else. Not completely spectacular or original, but still good I guess.

Jake Wesley Rogers
I really like his voice, but I don't think this song was really a good choice for him. I think it was too pop-y and upbeat. I think his personality fits more of a slower or rock-type song. It was a good performance, but it's nothing special.

Cristin Sandu
It sucks that he fell again, but I definitely give him credit for being able to do even half of what he does. However, I think that even if he  had been successful, it's still somewhat of a limited act.

Todd Oliver
I thought that was actually pretty good; I actually laughed out loud during a good portion of that performance. I liked his choice of topic and I think he made really good decisions for this performance. His material was all good and I think he has a great and unique idea.

Bandbaz Brothers
That was extremely impressive. I was surprised when they got eliminated in the first place without even getting a chance to perform in Vegas. I was hoping they would do a couple of other tricks as well, but I guess you really have to understand how difficult that one stunt really is.

Sebastian "El Charro de Oro"
He has a fantastic voice, but I don't really like the fact that he did an English song. I like his voice better when he sings mariachi. This song definitely showed some of the weaknesses in his voice. He's a great kid with a great voice, but I liked his previous performance better. That being said, he was still great.

Horse
I liked his final stunt and the thing with the tennis balls, but most of the other stunts weren't that great. I will admit that I am impressed by his tolerance for the pain, but I still don't think he deserves to move on against the other acts here.

Lindsey Norton
I really liked her last performance, but for some reason I wasn't as impressed with this one as I was with the last one. I did see a few new tricks, but I don't really see how she can step it up if she were to be voted through.

Andrew De Leon
His voice is good, but I don't think it's great. I also don't think he has that great of a stage presence. I just don't think he compares to some of the other operatic acts that have performed in previous seasons. I get the sense that most people are going to disagree with me on this one, and he's probably going to go very far in the competition, but I honestly don't like him that much.

Ben Blaque
What doesn't impress me is the fact that all the arrows were pre-set to aim at the right point, but what does impress me is the fact that he did that blindfolded. That must be pretty difficult.




My Ranking:

1. Todd Oliver
2. Bandbaz Brothers
3. Spencer Horsman
4. Sebastian "El Charro de Oro"

5. Lindsey Norton
6. Ben Blaque
7. Jarrett and Raja
8. Jake Wesley Rogers
9. Andrew De Leon
10. All That!
11. Horse
12. Cristin Sandu

(7) Quarter-Finals Round 5 [YouTube Snapple Show] RESULTS

Academy of Villains (my #1)
Best act of the night; definitely not a surprising result. Can't wait to see what they do next!

Bria Kelly (my #3)
Although not spectacular, she definitely has a great voice and deserves to move on at least compared to the other acts last night.

The Magic of Puck (my #2)
Also a good choice on America's part. I think he really has potential if he can bring something new and interesting next time.

Clint Carvalho (my #4)
Probably the better choice of the two; Drew just wasn't ready yet.

My Picks vs. America's
4 out of 4! Great.

(7) Quarter-Finals Round 5 [YouTube Snapple Show] REVIEW

Clint Carvalho
I'll take their word that it's a hard thing to get a bird to do (though it wouldn't seem like it), but I didn't think it was that cool. I just don't think it was anything spectacular, but then again what do I really know about birds.

Reverse Order
It didn't sound very good and it wasn't really anything special. If a band is going to do well on this show they have to be really unique or different.

Rudy Coby
The ending trick was cool, but it took too long to get there. I think he needed to spend more time tightening the act to make it more entertaining.

7 in Unison
They're good dancers, but I don't think they're America's Got Talent quality. None of the moves were that cool or unique. I completely agree with the judges; they just weren't anything special.

Drew Erwin
I think he's a good singer, but I honestly think he's too young at this point. I cut him some slack for being a 'rookie', but I still don't think he's anything special. I completely agree with everything Howard said.

Melinda Hill
That was pretty bad. Definitely not as good as the other comedians in the show. The material was just not funny at all. In fact, I didn't laugh at anything she said.

Eric Buss
That was actually probably the most entertaining thing I've seen all night. That being said, it still doesn't deserve to be on this show.

Romeo Dance Cheetah
That was extremely painful to watch. There is absolutely no entertainment value in that. It was simply a guy jumping around on stage.

The Magic of Puck
Hmm, that was actually pretty cool. I feel like I may have seen something similar before, but it's definitely the best thing so far tonight.

Bria Kelly
She's got a great voice, and compared to the other acts tonight I can't help but be impressed.

Cast in Bronze
It basically sounded like a piano, so I didn't think it was anything special.

Academy of Villains
FINALLY! An act that actually deserves to be on this show! The beginning part was very cool and I've never seen that before. Their actual dancing was very good too. Definitely best act of the night.




Absolutely the WORST night of America's Got Talent that I've ever seen in 7 whole seasons!
I'm lucky I was able to pull together a Top 4 which are at least all decent acts.

My Ranking:

1. Academy of Villains
2. The Magic of Puck
3. Bria Kelly
4. Clint Carvalho

5. Drew Erwin
6. Rudy Coby
7. 7 in Unison
8. Eric Boss
9. Melinda Hill
10. Reverse Order
11. Cast in Bronze
12. Romeo Dance Cheetah