‘America’s Got Talent’ review: Drew Lynch, Piff the Magic Dragon, Johnny Shelton shine during premiere
Tonight, the premiere of one of our favorite summer shows in “America’s Got Talent” arrived, and it did a great job of really delivering on the entertainment we require from the show! They did include a lot of genuine talent over the two hours, and while they reminded us that there is some real dreck out there auditioning for the show, it was not overkill on the bad acts. We focused mostly on the good, and we very much appreciate that.
Also tonight, we had the first time that the new Golden Buzzer rules were in effect in America. If a judge presses their buzzer, an act is automatically sent through to the live shows. Keep that in mind as we progress here.
Elin and Noah – Sure, this felt almost like the bizarre talent portion of a beauty pageant, but it was about as fun as an MC Hammer tribute act can be in 2015. It was a fun way to start the show, and an easy act to say yes to.
Triple Threat – We did not expect this! First, we thought that they were going to be terrible / corny. Then, we thought that they were going to be a generic country group. It turns out that they were something unique: Three former high school football players that harmonize like Sugar Ray or the Barenaked Ladies.
Ira – We wonder what it had to be like for Mel B to be awkward serenaded by a puppet. Obviously, the real act here is of a puppeteer coming up with this character of this awkward, nerdy 32-year old guy who lives with his puppet mother. While not exactly the most innovative character of all time, it was good fun.
Chris Jones – We are skeptical for the most part of hypnotists, but Chris may have something here in getting Howie Mandel to shake hands. The obvious problem with an act like this is most just a matter of legitimacy. It’s easy to be skeptical at home, but we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt here and say it was outstanding.
ShowProject – We loved the choreographic gymnastics-themed routine. What we don’t love here is that the camera work kept taking us away from what they were doing to panned shots of the judges and the audience. Why do that? Why not let us see everything in its entirety?
Johnny Shelton – Clearly, the saddest story of the entire night. This guy has a ton of guts to perform a song as personal as one about losing his son on national TV. It was heartbreaking in so many ways to watch and we feel for him. Away from all of the story, it is easy to see that there is a talent here. Within the context of the competition, that is what matters most.
Piff the Magic Dragon – Hilarious and talented at the same time. He’s like a magical Ricky Gervais wearing a dragon costume. Probably one of our favorite auditions in the history of the show, mostly because he was so committed and comfortable from start to finish.
Siro-A – This was an interesting group given that they were on “Britain’s Got Talent,” but were inexplicably cut before the live shows. Given their mixed-media dance routine was so excellent, we are thrilled to have them here!
Samantha Hess – We have actually heard of this cuddle business in Portland, and there was almost no real talent here at all so much other than learning cuddle strategies. It mostly just made for a fun moment between the judges.
Drew Lynch – A really funny comic who happens to have a stutter. What mattered most is the material, and that was rock solid. Away from that, he is an interestingly self-aware guy about who he was, and also who he is today. Yes, we have no problem admitting that we got a little choked up when Howie Mandel gave him the golden buzzer, making him the first person sent through tot he live shows.
Who did you enjoy the most on “America’s Got Talent” tonight? Share with a comment, and head over here to see some other recent video coverage from the show! Also, you can sign up here if you want to get some other talent-oriented TV news sent right over to you, and courtesy of our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: NBC.)