‘America’s Got Talent’ review: Kenichi Ebina, Jimmy Rose, Cami Bradley fight for place in finale

Tonight’s “America’s Got Talent” was clearly the most intense one of the season, and for a good reason: There are only going to be six acts in the twelve that performed that will advance to the next round … and we think that America is going to have a pretty difficult choice ahead of them.

So after a fifteen-minute wait thanks to President Obama’s address, we then went out and had what were a pretty fantastic show with all sorts of talent in it. There are a couple of people in here that we think could be successful once the show actually is over.

Chicago Boyz – This is something that we addressed in our rankings as a problem with this sort of group. When so much of what they do is based around a very visual skill, one little mistake is very obvious. There were some awesome moments in the act (including the bit at the end), but there was one very obvious mistake that went along with it from earlier in the act. The sloppiest performance in the live shows, but still entertaining.

Branden James – Branden did a good job singing “Hallelujah” … but it’s “Hallelujah.” This is a song that literally no one in their right mind is going to get excited about anymore. We used to love it, but reality TV killed it for us. Thanks to him going so early in the show, and Forte performing later, he’s going to have trouble.

Innovative Force – We can’t get over the terrible name, but these girl gymnasts have continued to surprise us every single week with how they stick around and come up with something new. We think that they are going to have some trouble advancing still, but they have to be happy with their job so far.

KriStef Brothers – This was in some way similar to Chicago Boyz in that we think that there was a slip-up at the very end here, but it was far less noticeable. Plus, we would much rather have these two in the finale next week if we have to choose one. What they do is some fantastic in that the take something that we seemingly know well already, turn it on its head, and then make it immediately feel new again.

D’Angelo and Amanda – These two did as well as young ballroom / Latin dancers on this show can. They are technically brilliant, but missing the one thing that you really don’t get until later in life: The romance. The cha-cha is such a flirty dance, and you can’t get some of that with dancers this age … and you really don’t want to.

Catapult Entertainment – A great comeback for an act that struggled last night, and while we were unsure if they could get voters on their side again, we really imagine that this will do it. This was without a doubt their best shadow-montage that we’ve ever seen from them, and at this point, they and the brothers are the two locks to go on.

Forte – Now, make that three. The biggest problem with this performance was simply that the backing track was a little loud; but, their version of “My Heart Will Go On” was breathtaking. These three could literally tour around the world with their voices, and perform with some of the greatest orchestras in the business. A stirring, stunning performance.

Taylor Williamson – This was overall quite a funny set, no? The interesting thing about this was that we actually think Taylor should get more votes for his post-performance rapport than for his actual set, thanks to his “go back to Howard” comment and also his hilarious pandering to lovers of NASCAR and One Direction.

Collins Key – Once again, Collins does something that is pretty entertaining … but all of his tricks are largely variations on similar themes. There is something that the judges pick, and he turns it into a reality. It’s just not that flashy from a magical perspective, and we would love to see him take this up to another level if he stays.

Kenichi Ebina – This is the fourth lock by our estimation. A brilliant guy who decided here to do something very different, and deliver an emotional, touching routine about the afterlife that was all about who he is and a story that he holds in his heart. We would be so sad if he doesn’t make it through, as he is a personal favorite to win.

Jimmy Rose – The pickup truck? Seriously? That is so corny and Jimmy doesn’t need it. This performance was somewhat uneven, since performing with the full band exposed Jimmy’s voice as lacking in the power department. He’s a heartfelt guy and people will probably vote for him, but we really think what he needs is to take the experience that he got on the show to get some vocal training and work with some producers. There is a place for him, but he’s too raw at this time.

Cami Bradley – It was an weird choice for this show, who needs non-singers to do well, to close with two singers, including a guy in Jimmy who Howard Stern has panned for two weeks. Cami is the best non-classical singer of the season, and we don’t have any problem with her advancing. She at least performed a great song and did something different with it.

So right now, our top six is Kenichi, Cami, Forte, Taylor, the KriStef Brothers, and Catapult. If America feels the same way, we will be rather pleased come tomorrow night.

Who was your favorite during tonight’s “America’s Got Talent” episode? Be sure to share some of your thoughts below! If you want to read some more news when it comes to the show, just be sure to visit the link here.

Photo: NBC