“America’s Got Talent” season 11 auditions were so brilliant that it will be difficult for the show to keep up the level of talent on offer. The show is not a personal favorite. (In fact, apart from “Grinch” Simon Cowell, I despise the Britain’s Got Talent and the many different iterations of “reality” competitions.) This season is the first American version of Cowell’s brainchild I have seen.
Very different from the UK series with a different lot of judges. ` from The Spice Girls, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and or course Simon. There seems to be less of the nutters and delusional element who have somehow managed to slip though the net.
It is pleasant to see Cowell get blown away by the examples of real talent that turn out and his displeasure a breath of fresh air. Simon has mellowed as the years have gone by as have his outbursts of point blank negativity. As always, however, Cowell, tells the truth.
The first set of auditions featured a six year old stand-up comic:
The comically inclined youngster writes his own material, although mum types it and the panel as well as the audience loved this cheeky chappy. Nathan got through with a yes from each panel member.
Next up was a 58 year old man and his dancing dog. A cute act that got through despite Heidi giving the act a thumbs down.
A clairvoyant act followed the dancing dog and this couple managed to completely blow away the panel and the audience. In an act as old as time, the young man and woman guessed correctly what Heidi had in her hand, from her handbag, a cell phone and its provider and Howie’s eye drops, along with the expiration date.
All in all very impressive and after the two left the stage the judges and the audience continued to discuss their skills.
While there were acts that breached good taste:
And some that reached a sort of sublime comic genius:
It was the singing that moved both the panel and the audience the most. The two biggest surprises were the quartet who all looked like weightlifters on steroids. These massive blokes followed their short and slightly evasive interview question with a Somewhere Over The Rainbow redux that was almost too beautiful.
Perfect pitch and vocals that brought tears to the eyes of those listening. Made this are real musical treat. The fact that they performed A Cappella is nothing new, these competitions have had plenty of these in the past. The range of the song and the notes were nothing short of stunning.
The real shocker performance, and second surprise, however came from a 13 year old girl who performed a short aria with the lungs, delivery and panache of a 30 year old opera professional.
This young singer was the first gold buzzer of the season and it was Mel B who hit the button to send this talented lass through to the finale. Laura and the audience were overjoyed at the gold buzzer and it was a well deserved moment.
No matter how many times one listens to this young lady sing it induces goosebumps and tears of joy. This is magical and amazing and it is easy to see why the gold buzzer was pressed for young Laura.
For those who may have missed the show, and do not have Hulu, here, courtesy of “America’s Got Talent” on YouTube, is the singer herself, not just singing but being interviewed as well. Listen and weep at this talented 13 year old girl.
This season, the first I have ever watched, was a brilliant introduction to this side of the pond’s big talent show. Eclectic, wonderful and touching it was a blast. Presenter Nick Cannon does a great job providing commentary and comic touches to the proceedings. “America’s Got Talent” looks to be stunning this year and has gained a new fan. It airs Tuesdays on NBC and is worth watching…Seriously.
Mikes Film Talk 