America’s Got Talent: Singer Johnny Manuel gets Seal’s Golden Buzzer
We’re not going to beat around the bush here — we desperately wanted Seal to pick anyone other than a singer. Give us a magician, a dancer — heck, we’d even take a choir. At least it’s something different from someone coming out on stage and belting out a tune. A lot of the singers who have Golden Buzzers this season are very good (we’re not taking anything away from them), but we’re at the point where many of them all blend together because they’re so similar. We especially mean that in terms of who Heidi Klum, Chris Hardwick, and Laverne Cox all suggested. It doesn’t help a singer to be grouped together with everyone else.
Well, let’s go ahead and stop the anticipation now — Johnny Manuel got Seal’s Golden Buzzer. He’s through to the live shows. We’re very aware of the fact that we probably seem like a hater now. It brings us back to the same dilemma that we’ve had writing about many different Golden Buzzer recipients as of late. How do we reconcile our appreciation for these artists with our frustration with the judges’ decisions? Basically, it’s by saying this: Don’t dog the talent for going out there and doing their best to move forward. Instead, question the judges. Ask questions as to why they continue to make these decisions. There’s nothing wrong with a singer being put through to the next round by normal means and reward some of the performers from various variety acts — these people often don’t get the same sort of attention or press. This is their chance to have that big moment, and the British version does a good job of mixing things up a little bit more.
Now, Johnny is probably one of the best singers out of anyone who’s gotten a Golden Buzzer. Let’s also make that clear. The dud has an amazing voice and great range. It’s clear that he has experience in this industry, but there’s nothing wrong with that. Being on this show is a second chance for him to get another shot at fame.
Was the way that it happened a little weird, in between Simon Cowell asking him to sing another song and Seal then giving it to him? Sure, but hey — the competition works in weird ways sometimes. Johnny is no doubt talented, and we think that out of everyone on this season, he probably does have the best overall chance of having a music career after the show — we would like to see him do something a little more current in time.
What did you think about Seal’s Golden Buzzer choice? Share in the comments below!
Also, check out our full review
You can see what we thought about all of the acts tonight over at the link here. (Photo: NBC.)