(LOS ANGELES) — America’s Got Talent continued on Tuesday night with more singers, comedians and magicians.
Tuesday’s showcase included a 63-year-old transgender stand-up comic and a 16-year-old singer and cancer survivor.
Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Mel B were back behind the judges’ table to offer their opinions and decide which acts would advance. Also back this season is “The Golden Buzzer,” which gives each judge one opportunity to send an act straight to the live shows.
Here’s a rundown of some of Tuesday’s highlights:
Alfredo and Anna Silva are a knife-throwing married couple whose goal is to turn “something really old into something new.” Anna isn’t your ordinary sexy knife-throwing assistant. She turns around and moves side to side as her husband throws knives at her. Mel B declared it was “entertaining in a frightening way.” Heidi called it “thrilling from the get-go.” The judges all said “yes” to advancing Alfredo and Anna.
Piano-playing 9-year-old twins Elias and Zion Phoenix dazzled the judges with their precocious personalities, as well as their keyboard skills. When Simon asked which boy is the naughtiest, they agreed it was Elias. When asked what they would do with the million-dollar prize, Zion said a “college education” while Elias replied “fast cars and luxury watches.” The duo came a step closer to realizing their dreams when all four judges voted “yes” to sending them to the next round.
Jayna Brown is a 14-year-old singer who amazed the judges with her version of the George Gershwin classic, “Summertime.” Mel B marveled at Jayna’s mature voice. Heidi called her “fabulous.” Howie said she was poised beyond her years. Simon applauded her confidence. Brown received four emphatic “yeses” from the judges.
Sos & Victoria Petrosyan performed quick change magic. They incorporated their fashion design talents and Victoria’s quick feet to create a routine that amazed the judges. Heidi said it blew her mind. Mel B called the act “brilliant.” Simon declared the performance was quick and slick, but the dancing was a little bit corny. In spite of that, they received four “yeses” from the judges.
Sports fans may know Jon Dorenbos as the snapper for the Philadelphia Eagles football team, but he dabbles in magic and comedy on the side. His close-up magic left Simon speechless with his amazing deck of cards trick. Mel B called the routine “shockingly good.” Howie dubbed the act “entertaining, funny” and “amazing.” Jon received four “yeses” and moves on to the next round.
Ronee Martin is a 62-yar-old singer who originally auditioned with Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Simon stopped her, noting it wasn’t the right song for her and asked if she had another. She picked Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and drew a standing ovation from the crowd and most of the judges. Howie thought it was “spectacular” and that she deserved to be a star. Simon noted Ronee had an amazing voice and a great personality, but had to learn how to become “relevant and current.” He and the other judges voted “yes” to giving her that opportunity by sending her through to the next round.
Julia Scotti, 63, is a comedian with a naughty routine about her age. She had one more surprise for the judges, which she revealed after the routine – she used to be known as “Rick” Scotti. Howie noted, “Whether you’re a man or whether you’re a woman, you’re human, and you’re funny.” Mel B called Julia “funny…completely inappropriate,” adding, “You’re my kinda girl.” Simon thought the comedienne was “edgy” and “interesting.” Scotti earned four “yeses” and moved on to the next round.
Singer Calysta “Caly” Bevier, 16, is a survivor of stage two ovarian cancer, who touched the judges with her story and her version of Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song.” Simon said he had a “special feeling” about Caly from the moment she walked onto the stage and predicted “great things” were in store for Bevier. He pressed his “Golden Buzzer” guaranteeing her a spot in the live shows.
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