Episode 21.9
August 3

Chico: I expect a lot of crying. And no, not from Megan. Because she's a big girl. And she doesn't take crap. Welcome back to the show, everybody.
Jason: There you go!
Gordon: Welcome back indeed. Now this is our annual look at the Top 40 on America's Got Talent. I am more impressed by what was left OUT of the Top 40 than what was put in.
Chico: Of course.
Gordon: And I'm wondering...what happened?
Chico: Simply put... they wanted good television.
Gordon: But this Top 40 is not good television.
Chico: I didn't say it would be good to us!
Gordon: I mean some of these acts are going to go through just because they have to put people though. Keep in mind that Donald Braswell, who they cut, made it to the FInal 5 as a WildCard.
Chico: Ah, AGT season we won't discuss it. =p
Gordon: So realizing that we'll be having some Wild Card fun this week, we present...The AGT Top 40 BIG BOARD.

Chico: I'm ready, willing, and able.
Jason: Me too.
Gordon: Let's start with some music.
Chico: K.
Jason: Got it.
Chico: A little music is good for the soul.

1. Recycled Percussion - Percussion Group

Chico: Well, it's different and definitely more of a Vegas spectacle.
Gordon: I think they can get to the second round, depending on who they are grouped with. I don't think they get further than that.
Chico: I think they get in on a wild card. I mean, if they don't then something's definitely up.
Gordon: They are in the Top 40. For now.
Jason: I agree 2nd round. They are GOOD...not Vegas worthy
Gordon: Next...

2. Thia Megia (14 year old singer)

Gordon: We love little kid singers. Round 2 lock. Outside shot at the Top 5.
Chico: She's good... Recording-artist-in-a-couple-of-years-good... Radio-Disney-good... not Vegas-good. A lot of kids watch this show, though. You'd be amazed at the chance she's got.
Gordon: This is an older-skewing show.
Jason: I dont like her voice. Round 2.
Gordon: This isn't an Idol show.
Chico: I said kids, not money-rich adults like you or me.

3. David Johnson (Singer/Songwriter)

Chico: He's gone. Done deezy. He's got one thing going for him, and he's already used it.
Gordon: Got there due to Hasselhoff. IHe needs to share some of the same magic with America, and I don't see it happening.

4. G Force (3 young girl rock group)

Jason: Gone. They are toast. Not good.
Chico: See David Johnson. One hook, already old.
Gordon: I can see them getting to Round 2, depending on who they are grouped with. If they are at the mercy of the judges though, they are toast.
Chico: Unless they can do "Waking Up in Vegas" better than Katy Perry, they're gone.

5. Mosaic (A Capella Singers - MTV Top Pop Group Winners)

Jason: Mosaic has a legit shot to be in the top 5
Chico: They do. The question is... competition. Who are they going to be lumped up against... and can they stand out?
Gordon: I think there's your group. It would have been really interesting to see them compete against the Harmonizers - but the Harmonizers don't get the chance. Chico: MTV's top Pop Group.. big fish. Little pond. Now they have to build on it.
Gordon: Mosaic is a Top 10 lock. Good shot to be in the Top 5. Mosaic has a serious chance to win the whole thing.

6. Texas Tenors (Singing Trio)

Chico: This is tough... They'll get the Texas crowd, but that's it. Round 2.
Jason: Yup Round 2.
Gordon: It depends on their pairing and if they can be diverse. I think they make Round 2. They will compete against Mosaic for the Finals, and if they are in separate brackets, they could make the Top 10 as well.

7. Manuela Horn (Yodeling Dominatrix)

Gordon: Hurt me.
Chico: You can have her, G. Check, please.
Jason: GImmicky. Done.
Gordon: This is one of those 'How did she get in' choices.
Chico: More like "How do we get rid of her".
Gordon: The audience will have that answer quickly

8. Lawrence Beamen (Deep Throat Bass Singer)

Jason: No shot in hell.
Gordon: Another 'How did he get here?' Buh-bye.
Chico: Don't let the door hit you.

9. Kevin Skinner (Country Chicken Catcher)

Chico: Again, country crowd. May get some old-lady votes if he continues being humble like that. But he's got a wall of Texas Tenors going against him. Round 2.
Gordon: I can't disagree with you more. These are the same Americans who got Neal E. Boyd the win last season. Top 5 Lock and Shot to win the whole thing.
Jason: A lock for the top 5. Shot to win the whole thing
Chico: God, if he wins the whole thing... I just don't know.
Gordon: Thats how memorable he is.
Chico: I may quit the series.
Jason: He won't win. I have an idea of who will.

10. Eleisha Miller (Singer/Pianist)

Chico: Way too precocious for my liking. Round 2.
Gordon: She'll make it to Round 2. I don't know if she can get further.
Chico: I don't think she will.
Jason: Nope. Too much cute...not enough talent.

11. Marcus Terrell (Singer)

Chico: No backing group with him?
Gordon: No backing group. Just Marcus
Chico: Lost his charm. Will lose something else. Round 2.
Gordon: I think he makes it to Round 2 also. I think the pairing decides if he makes it any further.
Jason: Yup. Round 2

12. Voices of Glory (Family Singers who Do it for Mommy)

Chico: Not good enough. Round 2.
Jason: Top 10. But just not good enough.
Gordon: The storyline gets them to the Top 10. They won't get any further.

13. Barbara Padilla (Opera Singer/Cancer Survivor)

Chico: Top 5.
Jason: Top 10.
Gordon: She's definitely Top 10. I don't know if she has that same sort of charisma Boyd had though.

14. Charles DeWayne Dorsey (Singer/Pianist)

Chico: Top 10.
Gordon: I'll say Round 2. He needs to diversify to make the Top 10.
Jason: Round 2. He sucks.
Chico: I think he might surprise.

15. Alizma (Violin/Singing Triplets)

Chico: Can play the violin. Can't harmonize. Round 1.
Jason: Big deal...they are hot chicks that play violins. Bond they aint. Round 1
Gordon: I don't think they get too far. Round 1.

16. Anthony Morigetato / Matt Lucas (Singer/Guitarist and Tap Dancer)

Chico: Round 1.
Gordon: They don't have the charisma the other acts do. Round 1.
Chico: Anthony & Matt... Hmm... they can perform, but can they connect? I doubt it. One and done.
Jason: One and done

17. EriAm Sisters (Sang I Want You Back)

Chico: Sorry, they didn't do it for me. One and done.
Gordon: What are they doing here? Round 1.
Jason: Round 1

18. BRI (Singer/Pianist)

Jason: I absolutely hated her. Round 1.
Chico: She did it for me. Top 10.
Gordon: She picked the right song. She could ride the kiddie wave to Top 10 and a Dark Horse to win the whole thing.
Jason: She was all about the trills and vocal gymnastics. She has no soul.
Chico: I don't know. I mean, if she does that on a piano.. that takes some doing.
Gordon: For me, it depends on what she does on the live show. She could make the Top 10. She could also get dusted in Round 1.

19. Mia Boostrom (Georgia On My Mind - Season 3 Recyclist)

Chico: Didn't win last year, what makes her think she's got it this year. One and done.
Gordon: I don't like the fact that people can return, I think the audience won't like it either. 1 and done.
Jason: What is it with these crappy singers...one and done.
Gordon: That's it with the singers.
Chico: That's a lot of damn singers.
Gordon: One more musician...

20. Jeffrey Ou (Pianist)

Chico: Jeffrey... I don't remember him. 1 and done.
Jason: 1 and done
Gordon: I think he could make Round 2, depending on song choice. I think that's it for him, though. So half the group are music bound. Who's up for dancers?
Chico: I'll take dancers.

21. Arcadian Broad (13 year old dancer)

Chico: Hmm might get to round 2 on account of his moves and/or his age. I picture mothers everywhere loving him.
Gordon: I see him as this year's baton triwler. Gets to Round 2, doesn't get to the Final 10.
Chico: Heh. Baton twirler.
Jason: Billy Elliot gets to round 2
Chico: Heh. Billy Elliot.

22. The Platt Brothers (Mimers/Dancer/Acrobats)

Chico: Hmm... tough call. I've seen better, but they're still good. Round 2.
Jason: Good. Round 2.
Gordon: It depends on who they are up against. I don't think it will be a good draw. Round 1.

23. Erik & Rickie (8 year old dancers)

Chico: Cute factor way up. May break top 10 if the lineup favors them.
Jason: Ballroom Dancers may hit the Top 10.
Gordon: Cute Factor up, but too many young kids. They make Round 2, but I think they get out-cuted.

24. The Fab 5 (Cloggers)

Chico: Round 2. No connection but plenty of ability. For me... it's... clogging. I mean, come on.
Jason: Round 1
Gordon: Round 2. As seen in ABDC, they will vote for Cloggers, but only so far.

25. Hairo Torres (Breakdancer / Contortionist)

Chico: Round 1. Not enough for me.
Gordon: Round 1. I think in a show where SYTYCD is right next door, he's going to have issues.
Chico: Yep.
Jason: Major ones. Round 1

26. Paradizo Dance (Small Woman / Fat Guy)

Jason: Top 5 and a shot to win the whole thing
Chico: I think that a fat man and a small woman can do so much will shock and awe audiences. Top 10.
Gordon: It reminds me of Quick Change. Fun, but could get old quick. Round 2.

27. Ishaara (Bollywood Dancers)

Chico: Hmm... Interesting. Different. Maybe too interesting. Maybe too different. Round 2. Maybe top 10
Gordon: I can't disagree with you more. See Kashif. One and Done.
Jason: One and Done.

28. FootworkKINGz (Dance Squad)

Chico: Round 1. There are better dancers out there. And honestly, I don't remember them.
Jason: Yup. Round 1.
Gordon: I do remember them. They were good. But this was not the right Dance Crew group to make it through. Round 1. This spot should have gone to Iconic. At least they are creative.
Chico: So sorry, boys. Next?

29. Breaksk8 (ABDC Season 1 Recyclists)

Chico: Top 10.
Jason: Yup.
Gordon: Oh no. No no no no no. unless they really improved their act, they are only getting to Round 2.

30. Pam Martin & Viva (Dancing Dog)

Chico: Round 1.
Jason: Round 1
Chico: No one. Is going. To vote. For a DOG!
Gordon: At least the act's title is descriptive. This is a dog. Round 1.

31. Carol Lugo (62 year old dancer)

Gordon: Why is she here and Kelli Glover (or Iconic) not? Round 1.
Jason: Round 1
Chico: Round 1.

32. Pixie Mystere (Preteen Gymnastic Troupe)

Gordon: Look at the cute kids. Awwwww. Now watch them get sent packing in Round 2.
Jason: Right G.
Chico: Bingo.

33. African High Flyers (Acrobats)

Chico: Hmm.... They can fly. Fly right into round 2, why don'tcha.
Gordon: It's different. They could make it to round 2, depending on who they are stacked against.
Jason: Thats seems fair.
Gordon: Now we go to: Other. 20 Musicians, 13 dancers, and 7 others.
Chico: Yay, other.
Gordon: You can call them the Division 1-AA schools who get the automatic invite.

34. Pete Peterkin (Impressionist)

Chico: No he can't! No he can't! Round 1.
Jason: He is different...and Obama is popular stll.
Gordon: Impressionists do well on this show. Round 2, outside Shot at Top 10.
Jason: I agree.

35. Acrodunk (Acrobats. Dunkers.)

Chico: Round 2, outside shot (giggity) at top 10. But they need to diversify their act.
Gordon: Not a chance. They will be Acrosunk. Round 1.
Jason: Round 1.

36. Drew Thomas (Illusionist)

Chico: Top 10 on principle.
Jason: He is very good. Top 10 shot.
Gordon: I once again disagree. There should be 2 illusionists in this group. And they should be Nathan Burton and Jay Mattioli.
Chico: Well, Nathan Burton, at least.
Gordon: That being said, he'll make Round 2. He needs to diversify to make it to the Top 10. You have 13 dancers. You couldnt make it 12 and an extra illusionist?
Chico: Apparently not.

37. Marlo & Jenny (Chainsaw Juggling)

Gordon: We don't get Nathan Burton and get this? Round 1.
Chico: Round 2. Hell, if the Passing Zone got a pass.
Jason: Round 2

38. Chris Allison (Light Bulb Eater)

Jason: Round 1. We get this? and not Kelli Glover?
Chico: Round 1. Freak show.
Gordon: Here's our resident freak that gets packing early. Round 1.

39. Rockin Rory (Dog with Flying Disc)

Gordon: I can see why Cowell is annoyed. Round 1.
Jason: Round #1. See #38
Chico: Round 1. No one. Is going. To vote. For a DOG!
Gordon: That would be 2 dog acts. We only need 1 magician and 1 Dance Crew, but 2 dog acts.
Chico: Wondeful.
Gordon: Awesome. Finally...

#40. Grandma Lee (Comic)

Jason: Top 5, Unfortunately.
Gordon: I don't know about Top 5. Definitely Top 10 Lock though.
Chico: Hmm... top 10. Outside chance of top 5.
Gordon: That's all 40.
Jason: BTW...if I had to pick a winner...now...Kevin Skinner. Thats pre-performance.
Chico: I'll go with Thia Megia. Pre-performance.
Gordon: I'll go with Wild Card. I think someone not in this group (and put in by Cowell) will win.
Chico: I can't wait to see what, if anything, will come of that.
Jason: I smell Kelli Glover
Chico: That'd be deliciously evil.
Gordon: Definitely could be fun. I see more than 40 though - especially with the Fall season starting late.
Chico: Looks interesting...Also interesting... what our advertisers have to sell you. We're back after this with Higher-Lower.

(Brought to you by "Dancing with Your Pets"... Pro dancers will bring their dogs, cats, birds, snakes, even fish onto the dance floor to compete for your votes. Who'll get the trophy and who'll be put to sleep?)

Jason: Don't give them any ideas.
Gordon: ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz
Chico: *splashes water on Gordon*
Gordon: I'm awake! The answer is 12.
Chico: Correct. You've won this deck of cards. We're going to use it to play Higher-Lower.
Jason: Cool.
Chico: You know how to play it. Let's play it. Starting with...

Jillian wants to be married in a year. How long do you give her before she actually gets married to ... well, someone. Go higher or lower than... 1 YEAR.

Jason: Higher. She is way high maintenance.
Gordon: Higher. Never would be higher than a year, right?
Chico: Judges? *ding!* Never would be higher. I'm going to go higher as well. She'll get married, but not to Ed.
Gordon: Next one...

It looks like Ronnie's Days in the Big Brother House could be numbered unless he wins veto (which he doesn't - Michele does) or if he wins America's Power. What's Ronnie's stay in the house? Higher or Lower than 7 days?

Chico: Lower. Gamer gets gamed. Bad Ronnie.
Jason: Lower. He is toast
Gordon: That's not the person that Ronnie needs to see win Veto. She's not going to change the nomination and I can't see Ronnie getting enough votes. Lower. Next one?
Chico: Next one...

Lot of buzz on the CBS pilot watch. Some say that it's between an hour of Let's Make a Deal and an LMAD/Pyramid two-fer. So what are the chances of Pyramid seeing the light of day? Higher or Lower than... let's make this easy. 50%

Jason: Higher. 95%. Unless CBS is dumb as a brick.
Chico: Yeah. They're considering an hour of LMAD. We've already proven that that won't work. So dumb as a brick... don't sell yourself short.
Gordon: Higher. 99.9%. This is a perfect 2 hour game show block between 10am and noon. This will also help out TPIR's ratings. And Davies is a genius with the show.
Chico: I'd have to say that Michael Davies is a genius. But the question is... does CBS believe he is? I mean, he did do Poewr of 10. And CBS did run it into the ground come season 2. I'm going to say Higher.
Jason: Wanna give a number?
Chico: On good faith. 97%. Come on, CBS. You can't double program like this. It's not worth the risk.
Gordon: Plus it's a new show. Greater marketing opportunities.
Chico: Home games?
Jason: Online
Chico: Ludia calling?
Jason: Maybe
Chico: This has the capability of being something great. But CBS needs to play this right.
Gordon: They have to. I would think. Next one...

Face the Ace is this weekend. What's the largest amount that's going to be won? Higher or lower than...$200,001?

Jason: Lower. This is going to be cheap programming.
Chico: Lower. The aces are going to chew them up... and spit'em out.
Gordon: Lower. You're not going to gamble $200,000 to win a million. Next one?
Chico: Next one..

While we're on big money and big risks... How many six figure winners are we going to have on the 11 nights of game show heaven known as Millionaire? Higher or Lower than... 3.

Gordon: Higher. It's a prime time show. They need to win big money to propel the show and get someone to the holy land.
Jason: Can I recuse myself? Because I have been to some tapings already and I have player knowledge.
Chico: Okay.
Gordon: We respect all requests.
Chico: Of course.
Gordon: Last one...

Kara is signed. Simon is signed. Seacrest is signed. Randy's been signed. No word on Paula. So the number of mainstays returning on Idol. Higher or lower than...4.5?

Chico: Higher. Everyone comes back. Everyone's happy, and this to-do is just that... to do.
Jason: Higher. Idol is not Idol without everyone else.
Gordon: Higher. FOX isn't stupid. And since Kara did not go as planned for Paula insurance, you don't want to see her and her fans opposite you on ABC in the Winter of 2010 a la Dancing With the Stars.
Chico: Let's just say that if Paula leaves Idol, I will be absolutely gobsmacked.
Jason: Yup.
Gordon: We'll wrap this one up after this!

(Brought to you by The Abercrombie and Fitch List. Hey BRAVO and Lifetime have fashion shows, why can't GSN? Look at how our other reality shows did - especially the ones with horse racing. Fred Roggin hosts.)

Jason: ROFL
Chico: And the marketing ties in so well.
Gordon: Does a Speed Round tie in well also?
Chico: Speed Round ties in well with ANYTHING. Big Brother. Is there anyway that Ronnie DOES survive this week?
Jason: Nope.
Gordon: Unless he shows Jesse he can give better Oral Communication displays than Lydia, no. 5th Grader got yanked on Friday. Is it coming back?
Chico: Yep. It's planned to run until September 18.
Gordon: Yes...in syndication.
Chico: And there's still two episodes (at least) to air.
Gordon: America's Got Talent - we'll be seeing more than the 40 acts listed, won't we?
Jason: Oh yeah.
Chico: Yep
Jason: If Simon has his way Kelli Glover gets in.
Gordon: Next Food Network Star Finalist. Who you got?
Jason: I got the male. Jeffrey.
Chico: I'm about to do something I may regret... and agree with Jason.
Gordon: I'll actually agree. He's been solid the whole series.
Chico: He's been dead on all season.
Gordon: You know we're all going to be wrong now.
Chico: Ha!
Jason: However...another weak class from the FN crowd.
Gordon: I agree with Jason there, too. Not a good crop of people besides Jeff.
Chico: Yep.
Gordon: But I know we have a good crop of mail. What do we got?
Chico: This is from Brad Hasbrouck. Thanks, Brad!

Chico: I could totally go for that.
Jason: I would hope. Because the big problem with these audition shows is that they ignore flyover country
Gordon: It would be nice to get other parts of the country. I mean keep NYC, but let's get some new blood here. Or else, we'll get more recyclables. Let's let some new kids play.
Chico: I know, right?
Jason: NYC rules. :)
Chico: I've grown fond of it, too :-)
Gordon: Its a fun town.
Chico: That's it for this week
Gordon: Thanks for the email. If you want to send us some, it goes to wlti@gameshownewsnet.com, or send it to YouTube, FaceBook or MySpace.
Chico: Next week, we review Face the Ace. I expect good things.
Gordon: I hope. That's it for this week. Special thanks to Jason Block for joining us today.
Jason: Thank you.
Gordon: So for everyone, this is Gordon Pepper, saying Game Over and Spread the Love.
Chico: :-)