Auditions 4
June 25
(C-Note: some of the acts that you are
about to read involve real danger in front of a live audience. They were
designed, practiced, and supervised by professionals, taking the
contestants' safety into full account. They are extremely dangerous and
should NEVER be attempted anywhere, by anyone, at any time.)
So far, we've seen our fair share of
amazing talent. But we've only scratched the surface, as we head to...
New York City and Los Angeles.
NEW YORK
Hammerstein Ballroom
We kick off our stay in the City with The
Struck Boyz (New York City students; 8-11), a group of pint-sized
Italian hip-hop dancers. They're alright, but they could be better if
they were on point. Heidi thought it was "seven little Justin Biebers".
Mel & Howard note that there is a lot of commitment in the group. It's
our first sweep in NYC.
Joining them: Team Extreme (breakdancers).
Easy. Next up... Kristef Brothers (Las Vegas hand balancers), Kristopher
& Stephan, who arrive to the theatre... barefoot. Doesn't really matter,
because they're going to balance on their hands, not their feet. It's
close at first, but it gets far more exciting (particularly for the
ladies) when they prove their dedication by taking their clothes off.
Yes, they're wacky, but you can't doubt the skills. Heidi immediately
says yes. Because... well... men in speedos. The panel likes them, four
yeses.
Aneya Marie (25; Buffalo; teacher's
assistant) is a mime who was booed by 4500 people... and cheered by 150
Europeans. She thinks that Mel will get it. She will be... a singing
mime today. A bit of an oxymoron, but let's see what she does with a
Jefferson Airplane song... Not much, because she gets RAZZED. And now
she's complaining that she didn't get a chance to shine. She got every
chance in the world... and blew them all. And yes, insulting the
audience is not going to help you. And Mel and Heidi, the two
Europeans... did not like her.
Honesty is the best policy when it comes
to judging. With that we come to ... a bad act montage!
How many cloggers are in the house today?
We'll find out when we hear Hammerstep (18-30; Irish/hip-hop dancing)
donning hoodies and golden gas masks. Mel likes it. The Fifth Judge (TM)
likes it. Howie doesn't like Irish dancing, but he thinks this was new,
exciting, and interesting. They get the four yeses.
Joining them... Bones the Machine & DJ
Aaron (contortionists)... Rock Dance Project (Philadelphia ballet
dancers).... and Leon Etienne (illusionist from Utica, NY).
A lot of talented kids are gracing the
stage. But how will the judges like Isaiah & Aaralyn O'Neil (9, 6;
singers)? They're siblings. They're singers. They like Michael Jackson.
Isaiah will drum, while Aaralyn sings... sorry, SCREAMS, a song about
zombies, "Zombie Skin". Howard and Mel B give up the X... primarily
because he didn't want Aaralyn to hurt her voice. "Scary Spice is
officially scared." Howie likes screamo. Mel B... not so much. The other
two... want to hear "Lullaby Crash". They're through to Vegas.
after a round of screamo, we need to go
to church. Here to take us there... the Virginia State University Gospel
Chorale (Petersburg, VA) will let the spirit move them with "Search Me
Lord" by Ricky Dillard. They definitely brought the Holy Ghost up in
here. Everyone applauds them for bringing some energy to the table. They
too sweep the panel!
LOS ANGELES
Pantages Theatre
Welcome to Hollywood. Our first
act...Chris Antes (42; chef) likes to chew gum, and he's going to use
that to perform some "oralgummy". It's like origami, but with gum. And
because it's so small, Chris has to go in front of the judges to perform
it. So far, all he's doing is flattening a piece of gum, frightening
Howie, and getting on Howard's nerves. It ends up being a dolphin and a
snail. The guys X, the girls say no. It's silly.
Out of the break, it's "Got It Made" by
the After Party. The song is not strong. Neither are they. Aww...
Hopefully with better luck are Brandon & Savannah (15, 13; Boca Raton,
FL), singers/songwriters. They're going to perform an original song,
"All the Runaways". It's a catchy song, and the judges want to hear more
of it. Mel didn't like the song, but the performance was pretty awesome.
Four yeses, going to Vegas. But will they go the original route or throw
in some covers? Stay tuned...
Taylor Williamson (26; San Diego) will
perform some stand-up comedy. Some really. Bad. Stand-up. Comedy. But it
falls under the so-bad-it's-good category. He's a funny funny guy. He's
got that whole gangly awkward think going on. Speaking of going on,
that's what Taylor does, right to Vegas.
Next up, more magic... all of it bad.
Jacob Calle (31; veterinary technician) will channel his David Blaine
with a black African emperor scorpion as a professional party stuntman.
He starts by threading his stomach and then... eating the scorpion, then
blowing bubbles with the scorpion in your mouth. Heidi lasts the whole
rile. The others... not so much. Jacob gets a bite... and it's not worth
it. Four nos.
Nick Cannon has to play Sandman Sims.
More than once. Naathan Phan (34; magician) sings... but can't do what
his song says and "break free". Wait, yes he can't. And he breaks out
the American flag. It wasn't different enough. Heidi offers up another
chance... he takes it. And pulls a card trick out of his mouth. Howie
and Mel say yes. Heidi.... YES!
We're closing out the show tonight with a
group that just met each other a few days ago after meeting each other
online. Fernando from Puerto Rico, Hana from South Korea, and Josh from
NYC singing for you tonight. The song, "Pie Jesu". Closing us out...
Forte (22-33). What. A. Surprise. They bring the crowd to their feet.
They bring HOWIE to his feet. They sweep the panel and bring our stay in
LA to a rousing finish.
We're halfway home. We begin the next
half in 166 hours.
To see tonight's episode in its entirety,
or to apply to be a contestant on the next season, go to
www.nbc.com/gottalent.
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