‘America’s Got Talent’ review: Meet Naathan Phan, Forte trio, Taylor Williamson

There’s no going around our undying love for “America’s Got Talent” this season: It’s strange, frightening, and we loved every second of it. We also love that there is really no emphasis on the judges being the stars over the talent. There’s nothing like defying expectations quite like seeing a little girl scream, a guy sing while getting out of a straightjacket, and people taking their clothes off.

As always, we have our take below on the best and worst from these two hours … but this isn’t just about us! We want to hear what you think about the acts below.

The good

Struck Boyz – Basically, these kids are talented versions of what we imagine The Situation and Pauly D being fifteen years ago, complete with their hair-gel obsession and wanting to buy a hot tub. We will still cheer for them, given that these kids hail from Staten Island, and that suggests to us that they’ve been through a heck of a lot the past eight or so months … and not once did they ever even mention it as a token sob story.

KriStef Brothers – If you are an aspiring hand balancer (if there are any out there), it is pretty hard to compete against two guys who have been doing this since they were young enough to know where their own nose is. Judging from the look on Heidi Klum’s face, she very much enjoyed the sight of a grown man taking his clothes off and then lifting another scantily-clad man in a variety of interesting ways.

Aaralyn & Izzy – This may not necessarily be talent, but it was so very refreshing. We thought that these two kids were going to come out and be the whole hokey “we’re kid singers” bit and instantly be the favorites to win. Instead, it was like screaming heavy metal weirdness. There’s still no reason whatsoever to give these kids false hope by sending them to Vegas, but they did it anyway.

VSU Gospel Chorale – It’s like “Glee” meets church; there is choreography, huge voices, and the sort of thing that will get your foot a-tapping even if you aren’t religious. There’s just so much energy in here! Their voices alone could charge your phone, your house, or even a nation.

Brandon & Savannah – We’ve always hated Howie Mandel’s “sing what we know” philosophy, since you we love hearing a song that’s original … if it’s good. There was a decent hook here with this song that borrowed well from rock and pop, which is perfect for a first listen. If they have other good music up their sleeves, they could advance. Otherwise, they’re done.

Hammerstep – The coolest thing to ever happen with Irish folk dancing. Yes, the Jabbawockeez want their mask gimmick back, but the music was cool, the moves were fresh (we sound really hip here), and it was refreshing. It’s nice to see a dance crew that actually does something beyond the same dry moves over and over again.

Taylor Williamson – There hasn’t really been much of a comic presence on the show so far this season, and this is an impossible gig to win a crowd over in 90 seconds. But Taylor pulled it off! The guy is very funny, very awkward, and has a unique style. This is what you look for in a comedy act on this show.

Naathan Phan – A guy singing while he got out of his straightjacket was hilarious. We didn’t think that this guy could do anything else, but he did, and convinced the judges to put them through. Another magician! We’re always thrilled about this.

Forte – You knew these guys would be great, right? Regardless of how long they’ve been singing together, it doesn’t matter when you have this level of vocal prowess. Just imagine how amazing they’ll be when they have a shot to actually rehearse!

The bad

Chris Antes – There’s really not much of a place for gum art on this show, is there? The only thing that we’re slightly wondering about is why in the world someone in the audience was chanting “Vegas” during the end of this.

Aneya Marie – Wait, she’s a singing mime? This may have been the most tragic ending to a singer since the singing telegram lady in “Clue.” She actually was not that horrendous of a singer at all, or a terrible mime. What she is very good at is angering the entire New York area for proclaiming that no one in the crowd “got it.” What’s there to get? Singing and miming go together like bacon and tofu…. just no.

Jacob Calle – We thought that this was going to be something cool: Instead, the guy just put a scorpion in his mouth and hurt himself. Goodbye.

If you want to check out some other “America’s Got Talent” highlights from this season, we recommend you visiting the story over at the link here.

Photo: NBC