“America’s Got Talent” Recap: The Semifinal Rounds Continue in New York

Eric Liebowitz/NBC(NEW YORK) — NBC’s America’s Got Talent continued its semifinal rounds at Radio City Music Hall in New York Tuesday night, with 11 acts performing for fan votes to see which five would move on to the finals. Howard Stern ,Heidi Klum, Mel B and Howie Mandel were treated to performances from singers, magicians, acrobats and dancers, all introduced by host Nick Cannon.

Here’s a rundown of Tuesday’s action:

3 Shades of Blue kicked things off with their take on AWAOLNATION’s “Sail.” Mel B applauded the band for making the “perfect song choice,” adding they “rocked the house.” Howie called it their best performance of the competition yet. Heidi agreed with Howie and urged the guys to “rock on.” Unfortunately Howard disagreed with the rest of the panel, commenting that the performance sounded a little “karaoke-ish,” explaining their version of the song wasn’t as good as the original.

Stand-up comic Gary Vider riffed on a number of topics, including his roommate, meeting Mel B in an elevator and his Jewish faith. Mandel noted every joke worked and praised Vider’s timing, pace and character. He urged America to vote for the funnyman. Klum offered her mother’s advice, saying something in German she wouldn’t translate, but which apparently was a compliment. Stern noted that if he could put the finals roster together himself, Vider would be there.

Mexican singer Alondra Santos, 13, danced around the stage and played to the camera as she sang a Spanish version of Ricky Martin’s “Ole Ole.” Howard declared Alondra moved around the stage “like a mature artist,” as well as taking mariachi music and giving it mass appeal. Mel B loved the performance, but warned Santos to be more careful with her song choices, noting Santos’ voice a “powerhouse” and she wanted to hear more of that. Howie applauded the teen for bringing her culture to America.

Next up was the last remaining dance act in the competition, Freelusion, who performed in front of laser images projected on a screen behind them. Klum enjoyed the act overall, but thought the effects overpowered the dancing.  Mel B disagreed, declaring the troupe “stepped up their game” with the performance. Mandel called the routine “phenomenal,” noting they “took the show to the level it needs to be.” Stern, like Heidi, felt the dancing got lost in all the effects.

Another singer, Alicia Michilli, took the stage, offering her version of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Mel B was pleased with the performance, noting she loved Michilli’s tone. Mandel called her “the consummate professional,” pointing out that in addition to singing, Alicia’s performance also was well choreographed. Stern predicted Alicia wouldn’t go on to the next round, explaining that her rendition of the song was “middle of the road.”

Magician Piff the Magic Dragon‘s performance on Tuesday involved a toaster, some card tricks and a quick “trip” to Las Vegas to pick up his dog, Mr. Piffles. Howie declared Piff was not only a dragon, but “slayed,” noting he “makes us laugh and leaves us in wonder.” Howard complimented the magician for “getting back to business,” bringing in his humor and his magic this time. Heidi loved his humor and sarcasm, adding he looked “super sexy” in the dragon outfit he wears on stage as part of his act.

The third singer of the night was Daniella Mass, who thrilled the audience with her operatic version of Roy Orbison’s “Crying” and earned a bunch of superlatives from the judges. Stern praised her voice, noting that if she doesn’t make it to the finals, it’s only because her style of music doesn’t have the mass appeal of the other vocalists in the competition. Klum called the young singer’s vocal skills “undeniable.” Mandel agreed, calling the performance “flawless.” Mel B declared Mass “nailed it.”

It was not a good night for ladder balancer Uzeyer Novruzov, who gave the audience and judges a scare when he fell off a high ladder towards the end of his act. The acrobat seemed to be OK. Howard called the accident “a shame,” but applauded Uzeyer, noting the spill proved that his act is truly “death-defying”

The Professional Regurgitator, Steve Starr, swallowed smoke, followed by liquid soap and water, and produced a huge bubble filled with the smoke. He then swallowed an egg in its shell and brought up the egg, minus the shell. Heidi called Starr her favorite act this season. Mel B noted it the act was half disgusting and half incredible. Stern exclaimed Starr had the most original act in the competition and deserved to move on to the finals.

Yet another vocalist in the competition, gospel singer Sharon Irving, stepped out of her comfort zone by taking on John Lennon’s “Imagine.” The risk paid off as all four judges rose to their feet. Mel B told Sharon “There’s nothing that you can do that’s wrong,” explaining every song and every note she sang was perfect. Heidi said the performance was simply “perfection.” Howard called Sharon “the best singer of this competition, hands down.” In a variation of the song’s lyrics, Howie told Irving, “Imagine you’re in the finals; it’s easy if we try. You may think I’m a dreamer, but I don’t think I’m the only one.”

Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin used Mandel as his dummy on Tuesday. He placed a plastic mouth over the comedian’s face, which he controlled from Howie’s chair at the judges’ table. Zerdin then proceeded to make Howie perform a number of humiliating acts, such as twerking and dancing an Irish jig. Klum called Zerdin “super clever and so much fun.” Mel B called the ventriloquist “brilliant.” Stern predicted Paul would be the fifth act to advance to the finals.

America’s Got Talent continues Wednesday at 8 p.m. Eastern time on NBC.

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