America's Got Talent (Season 2)
Encyclopedia
The second season of America's Got Talent
, an American television reality show
talent competition, premiered on the NBC
network
on June 5, 2007 with a two-hour episode. Tabloid talk show
host Jerry Springer
succeeded Regis Philbin
as host. Piers Morgan
and David Hasselhoff
returned as judges, joined by newcomer Sharon Osbourne
. Brandy Norwood
voluntarily stepped down as judge after a wrongful death lawsuit was brought against her for her involvement in a fatal car collision.
The second season of the show was originally announced to debut in January 2007, with a timeslot of Sunday nights at 8 p.m.; however, the network substituted another reality talent show, Grease: You're The One That I Want.
This season's winner was ventriloquist/impressionist
Terry Fator
.
boot camp, where they have a chance to perfect their craft. At this point, acts are divided into two groups, music, and variety. The music acts consist of singers and instrument players. The variety group consists of other acts. The music acts perform first, followed by the variety acts. Each act will perform for three minutes, and their performance will not be terminated, as the judges have no buttons to press. After each group has finished, the judges will split the groups into lines, either a yes line, or a no line. The ones who the judges said yes to will go to the short list of 35 acts. The acts which the judges have said no to will go home. After that, the judges will cut the short list of 35 to 20 final acts.
In the semi-final episodes, the 20 acts will be first split into two groups of 10. America will vote and eliminate five out of the first group, then five out of the second. The remaining 10 will perform head to head in the next round, where the field will be narrowed each week until there are four, which the viewing audience at home votes on. In the second season, the judges may terminate a performance any time they want with an X. The checks are eliminated from the game and the judges may only have comments. There is no judges' choice in this season, as the voting is entirely handed over to the viewers.
, the acts were divided into two groups, "music" and "variety". The judges chose 35 acts from both groups to make it to their short list; afterward (with no additional performances after the first division of talent), the judges chose twenty acts to move on to the semifinals.
In the season 1 semifinals, within each group of 14 or 15 acts, only 10 would perform. In Season 2, the 20 remaining acts were divided into 2 groups of 10. America eliminated 5 from each group. The remaining 10 competed head to head, with some eliminated each week.
There are no more "judges' choice" and white check marks to signify approval. The judges may still press their X's anytime during the performance, but this rarely happens, as only Morgan used his button in the Season 2 semifinals (although Hasselhoff buzzed Luigi Padilla as Boy Britney after his semifinal performance, seemingly in jest).
Acts that were eliminated include:
Acts that were eliminated include:
Acts that were eliminated include:
Acts that were eliminated include:
callbacks was broadcast on July 10, 2007. The 70 remaining acts were trimmed down to a short list of 35 acts.
Part 2 of the Las Vegas
callbacks was broadcast on July 11, 2007. The short list of 35 acts was then reduced to a Top 20 to be voted on by the viewing audience.
Acts that were eliminated during the callbacks included:
Acts that were advanced to the "short list" but not brought into the "Top 20" include:
Acts that performed, but were eliminated include:
Acts that performed, but were eliminated include:
In the live results finale, broadcast on August 21, 2007, all four finalists performed duets with a celebrity guest. There were also special performances by Quick Change, Stomp Out Loud
, and David Hasselhoff
.
America's Got Talent
America's Got Talent is an American reality television series on the NBC television network, and part of the global British Got Talent franchise. It is a talent show that features singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, and other performers of all ages competing for the advertised top prize of...
, an American television reality show
Reality television
Reality television is a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors, sometimes in a contest or other situation where a prize is awarded...
talent competition, premiered on the NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
network
Television network
A television network is a telecommunications network for distribution of television program content, whereby a central operation provides programming to many television stations or pay TV providers. Until the mid-1980s, television programming in most countries of the world was dominated by a small...
on June 5, 2007 with a two-hour episode. Tabloid talk show
Tabloid talk show
Tabloid talk shows are a genre of American television programming talk shows that achieved peak viewership during the late 20th century. Airing mostly during the day and distributed mostly through broadcast syndication, this genre originated with The Phil Donahue Show and was popularized by the...
host Jerry Springer
Jerry Springer
Gerald Norman "Jerry" Springer is a British-born American television presenter, best known as host of the tabloid talk show The Jerry Springer Show since its debut in 1991...
succeeded Regis Philbin
Regis Philbin
Regis Francis Xavier Philbin is an American media personality, actor and singer, known for hosting talk and game shows since the 1960s. Philbin is often called "the hardest working man in show business" and holds the Guinness World Record for the most time spent in front of a television camera...
as host. Piers Morgan
Piers Morgan
Piers Stefan Pughe-Morgan , known professionally as Piers Morgan, is a British journalist and television presenter. He is editorial director of First News, a national newspaper for children....
and David Hasselhoff
David Hasselhoff
David Michael Hasselhoff is an American actor, singer, producer and businessman. He is best known for his lead roles as Michael Knight in the popular 1980s US series Knight Rider and as L.A. County Lifeguard Mitch Buchannon in the series Baywatch...
returned as judges, joined by newcomer Sharon Osbourne
Sharon Osbourne
Sharon Rachel Osbourne is an English television host, author, music manager, businesswoman and promoter as well as the wife of heavy metal singer-songwriter Ozzy Osbourne....
. Brandy Norwood
Brandy Norwood
Brandy Rayana Norwood , known professionally as Brandy, is an American singer-songwriter, producer, actress, and dancer. In 2009, she introduced her rap alter-ego Bran'Nu....
voluntarily stepped down as judge after a wrongful death lawsuit was brought against her for her involvement in a fatal car collision.
The second season of the show was originally announced to debut in January 2007, with a timeslot of Sunday nights at 8 p.m.; however, the network substituted another reality talent show, Grease: You're The One That I Want.
This season's winner was ventriloquist/impressionist
Impressionist (entertainment)
An impressionist or a mimic is a performer whose act consists of imitating the voice and mannerisms of others. The word usually refers to a professional comedian/entertainer who specializes in such performances and has developed a wide repertoire of impressions, including adding to them, often to...
Terry Fator
Terry Fator
Terry Wayne Fator is a ventriloquist, impressionist, comedian, and singer from Dallas, Texas. Fator is capable of doing over 100 ventriloquial impersonations, and uses 16 different puppets in his act. He was the winner of Season 2 of America's Got Talent, and received the million dollar prize...
.
Overview
The audition process for the second season is very similar to that of the first, except that only a buzzer sounds when the X is pressed. When all the judges X's have been pressed, a lonely blue spotlight centers on the act, indicating they've been struck out. Unlike the previous season, the acts who pass the auditions then attend a Las VegasLas Vegas metropolitan area
The Las Vegas Valley is the heart of the Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA also known as the Las Vegas–Paradise–Henderson MSA which includes all of Clark County, Nevada, and is a metropolitan area in the southern part of the U.S. state of Nevada. The Valley is defined by the Las Vegas Valley landform, a ...
boot camp, where they have a chance to perfect their craft. At this point, acts are divided into two groups, music, and variety. The music acts consist of singers and instrument players. The variety group consists of other acts. The music acts perform first, followed by the variety acts. Each act will perform for three minutes, and their performance will not be terminated, as the judges have no buttons to press. After each group has finished, the judges will split the groups into lines, either a yes line, or a no line. The ones who the judges said yes to will go to the short list of 35 acts. The acts which the judges have said no to will go home. After that, the judges will cut the short list of 35 to 20 final acts.
In the semi-final episodes, the 20 acts will be first split into two groups of 10. America will vote and eliminate five out of the first group, then five out of the second. The remaining 10 will perform head to head in the next round, where the field will be narrowed each week until there are four, which the viewing audience at home votes on. In the second season, the judges may terminate a performance any time they want with an X. The checks are eliminated from the game and the judges may only have comments. There is no judges' choice in this season, as the voting is entirely handed over to the viewers.
Differences with Season 1
Unlike in season 1, where the acts were divided into four groups after the audition and sent straight to the semifinals, the acts were sent to Las Vegas for a boot camp, where they could perfect their skills. In Las VegasLas Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
, the acts were divided into two groups, "music" and "variety". The judges chose 35 acts from both groups to make it to their short list; afterward (with no additional performances after the first division of talent), the judges chose twenty acts to move on to the semifinals.
In the season 1 semifinals, within each group of 14 or 15 acts, only 10 would perform. In Season 2, the 20 remaining acts were divided into 2 groups of 10. America eliminated 5 from each group. The remaining 10 competed head to head, with some eliminated each week.
There are no more "judges' choice" and white check marks to signify approval. The judges may still press their X's anytime during the performance, but this rarely happens, as only Morgan used his button in the Season 2 semifinals (although Hasselhoff buzzed Luigi Padilla as Boy Britney after his semifinal performance, seemingly in jest).
Dallas auditions
Aired June 5, 2007, 2 hours .Acts that were eliminated include:
- Tony La Brea, took off his robe and sang shirtless, wearing a collar, tie and cuffs. Before his performance, the judges noted that his voice was similar to that of Barry WhiteBarry WhiteBarry White, born Barry Eugene Carter , was an American composer and singer-songwriter.A five-time Grammy Award-winner known for his distinctive bass voice and romantic image, White's greatest success came in the 1970s as a solo singer and with the Love Unlimited Orchestra, crafting many enduring...
. However, once he took off his shirt, the judges eventually got him X'd out. The song he sang was "Don't ChaDon't Cha"Don't Cha" is the debut single by American R&B/pop girl group the Pussycat Dolls. The song was originally recorded by American recording artist Tori Alamaze, and was released as her debut single in March 2005, on Universal Records. After Universal Records dropped her from the label, Cee-Lo Green...
" by The Pussycat Dolls. - Adam Aaron Michaels, Elvis Presley impersonatorElvis impersonatorAn Elvis impersonator is someone who impersonates or copies famed American musician Elvis Presley. Professional Elvis impersonators can work all over the world as entertainers, and such tribute acts are in great demand due to the unique iconic status of Elvis...
, was eliminated by all three judges as soon as he came out. He was then given another chance but was eliminated again after singing the first line of "Release Me". David commented that they were granting his wish by "releasing him." - Erica Marks, 12-year-old singer who sang Jennifer HollidayJennifer HollidayJennifer-Yvette Holliday is an African-American singer and Tony Award-winning actress. She started her career on Broadway in musicals such as Dreamgirls, and later became a successful recording artist...
's "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going." Morgan said she was trying to copy the style of last year's winner, Bianca RyanBianca RyanBianca Taylor Ryan is an American singer and guitarist, who won the debut season of NBC's America's Got Talent at age 11....
, singing the same song. - Mr. Bill, bus driver, sang "Climb Every Mountain" from The Sound of MusicThe Sound of MusicThe Sound of Music is a musical by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. It is based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers...
. At the end of his performance, Morgan noted that if the show were judged on personality, he would win the competition. - Human SlinkySlinkySlinky or "Lazy Spring" is a toy consisting of a helical spring that stretches and can bounce up and down. It can perform a number of tricks, including traveling down a flight of steps end-over-end as it stretches and re-forms itself with the aid of gravity and its own momentum.-History:The toy was...
, a male acrobat covered with large colored coils for appendages. David made a reference to a dancing colon on stage. - Ari Marks, violinViolinThe violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
ist. Her husband Nicholas Marks competed separately this season and continued to the next round. They auditioned as a duoDuet (music)A duet is a musical composition for two performers. In classical music, the term is most often used for a composition for two singers or pianists; with other instruments, the word duo is also often used. A piece performed by two pianists performing together on the same piano is referred to as...
in season 1. - Breeze, 9 years old, performed a competitive cheerleadingCheerleadingCheerleading is a physical activity, sometimes a competitive sport, based on organized routines, usually ranging from one to three minutes, which contain the components of tumbling, dance, jumps, cheers, and stunting to direct spectators of events to cheer on sports teams at games or to participate...
routine. All three judges hit their buzzers, and Morgan said her mother must have pushed her into performing. Springer escorted her mother on stage and said, "She's not on trial here". In response to Morgan's comments, Osbourne said that she was leaving the show as she left the auditorium and returned to her dressing room. Morgan followed her and talked through her dressing room door. When they heard that the contestant was still waiting on stage, they returned to the judges' desk and apologized to her. - Sam Adu, sang "I WishI Wish (Stevie Wonder song)"I Wish" is a hit song by Stevie Wonder. It was released in 1976 as a single and included on the album Songs in the Key of Life. Written and produced by Wonder, the song focuses on his childhood...
" by Stevie WonderStevie WonderStevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
. - "Bronzon Gold" (Tom Zemke), discoDiscoDisco is a genre of dance music. Disco acts charted high during the mid-1970s, and the genre's popularity peaked during the late 1970s. It had its roots in clubs that catered to African American, gay, psychedelic, and other communities in New York City and Philadelphia during the late 1960s and...
dancer. He told the judges that his dance was a combination of old and new dance moves, but Osbourne mentioned that she had seen all of the moves he performed. - Bob Moore and his Amazing Mongrels, performed tricks with a dozen dogs he rescued from the pound. Piers pointed out that of the dozen, only two of the dogs actually did anything.
- David and Joel Letterman "The Pec Brothers" , tightened their pectoral muscles to the tune of "Dueling BanjosDueling Banjos"Dueling Banjos" is an instrumental composition by Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith. The song was composed in 1955 by Smith as a banjo instrumental he called "Feudin' Banjos", which contained riffs from "Yankee Doodle". Smith recorded it playing a four-string plectrum banjo and accompanied by...
". The judges were laughing, but they eventually X'd him out. - Brandon Pereyda, aerialistSilksAerial silk is a type of performance in which one or more artists perform aerial acrobatics while hanging from a special fabric...
. He won over the audience, but the judges decided that his act was sketchy and unprofessional and asked him to keep practicing.
L.A. auditions
Aired June 12, 2007, 2 hoursActs that were eliminated include:
- Laticia Widman, sang Gloria GaynorGloria GaynorGloria Gaynor is an American singer, best known for the disco era hits; "I Will Survive" , "Never Can Say Goodbye" , "Let Me Know " and "I Am What I Am" .-Early career:Gaynor was a singer with the Soul...
's "I Will SurviveI Will Survive"I Will Survive" is a song first performed by American singer Gloria Gaynor, released in October 1978. It was written by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris...
" with her mouth closed. - Normandie Manchester, drag queenDrag queenA drag queen is a man who dresses, and usually acts, like a caricature woman often for the purpose of entertaining. There are many kinds of drag artists and they vary greatly, from professionals who have starred in films to people who just try it once. Drag queens also vary by class and culture and...
who danced to "MickeyMickey (song)"Mickey" is a 1982 U.S. new wave song recorded by singer and choreographer Toni Basil. Written by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn as "Kitty", it was first recorded by UK popular music group Racey during 1979...
" by Toni BasilToni BasilAntonia Christina Basilotta , better known by her stage name Toni Basil, is an American singer-songwriter, actress, filmmaker, film director, choreographer, and dancer, best known for her multi-million-selling worldwide #1 hit "Mickey" from 1982.-Early life:Basil was born Antonia Christina...
. - Tammie Brown, drag queenDrag queenA drag queen is a man who dresses, and usually acts, like a caricature woman often for the purpose of entertaining. There are many kinds of drag artists and they vary greatly, from professionals who have starred in films to people who just try it once. Drag queens also vary by class and culture and...
- Galadin, male belly danceBelly danceBelly dance or Bellydance is a "Western"-coined name for a traditional "Middle Eastern" dance, especially raqs sharqi . It is sometimes also called Middle Eastern dance or Arabic dance in the West, or by the Greco-Turkish term çiftetelli...
r - Maximilliana, a male impressionist. She sung like a male and she frightened the judges. She got Xed out.
- Tika Rainn, a Valley GirlValley girlValley Girl is a stereotype leveled at a socio-economic and ethnic class of American women who can be described as colloquial English-speaking and materialistic...
rapper with 2 backup singers. She is also known as Sweetie from the first season of Flavor of LoveFlavor of LoveFlavor of Love is an American reality television dating game show parody starring Flavor Flav of the rap group Public Enemy.While not a direct spin-off, the show was a result of Brigitte Nielsen and Flavor Flav's failed relationship on Strange Love, as well as The Surreal Life...
. After the judges didn't vote her back, she mooned them, the pixelizationPixelizationPixelization is a video- and image-editing technique in which an image is blurred by displaying part or all of it at a markedly lower resolution. It is primarily used for censorship...
showed she was wearing no underwear under her skirt. - Jason and Nolan, twin violinViolinThe violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
ists - Fred Grzybowski, pogo stickPogo stickA pogo stick is a device for jumping off the ground in a standing position with the aid of a spring, used as a toy or exercise equipment. It consists of a pole with a handle at the top and footrests near the bottom, and a spring located somewhere along the pole...
acrobatAcrobaticsAcrobatics is the performance of extraordinary feats of balance, agility and motor coordination. It can be found in many of the performing arts, as well as many sports... - Hanne Frederick, singer
Chicago auditions
Aired June 19, 2007, 2 hoursActs that were eliminated include:
- Consuelo Campbell, sang in the style of gospel, opera, religious, and blues.
- Francisse Elaine, 10 years old, sang Kelly ClarksonKelly ClarksonKelly Brianne Clarkson is an American pop rock singer-songwriter and actress. Clarkson came into prominence after becoming the winner of the inaugural season of the television series American Idol in 2002 and would later become the runner-up in the television special World Idol in 2003.In 2003,...
's "A Moment Like This".The judges all agreed that she would be much better in a few years. - Jon England, a pianist from, as his last name suggests, England, and dressed in red, white and blue. He failed to impress the judges, particularly Piers.
- Mr. Heart & Soul, a mimeMimeThe word mime is used to refer to a mime artist who uses a theatrical medium or performance art involving the acting out of a story through body motions without use of speech.Mime may also refer to:* Mime, an alternative word for lip sync...
that was criticized for talking and singing throughout his performance. Morgan reacted: "You have an appalling singing voice, so if I were you, I would just keep quiet." - Charlie the Whistler (Charlie King), played banjoBanjoIn the 1830s Sweeney became the first white man to play the banjo on stage. His version of the instrument replaced the gourd with a drum-like sound box and included four full-length strings alongside a short fifth-string. There is no proof, however, that Sweeney invented either innovation. This new...
and showed off several styles of Tuvan throat singing. - Serpentia, a dance group that carried boa constrictorBoa constrictorThe Boa constrictor is a large, heavy-bodied species of snake. It is a member of the family Boidae found in North, Central, and South America, as well as some islands in the Caribbean. A staple of private collections and public displays, its color pattern is highly variable yet distinctive...
s. - L.A. Penetrate, a rock band.
- Coolaid the Clown, a youth center's hip-hop dance troupe. Although Hasselhoff opted to put them through, Osbourne and Morgan voted not to.
- Hot Pink Feathers, a cabaret burlesque dance group.
- Alex Mooney, who broke or bent small objects such as a ruler and spoon by squeezing them between his buttcheeks. The judges generally thought his act to be ridiculous.
New York auditions
Aired June 26, 2007, 2 hoursActs that were eliminated include:
- Sexy Techno Boy, from Astoria, New York - TechnoTechnoTechno is a form of electronic dance music that emerged in Detroit, Michigan in the United States during the mid to late 1980s. The first recorded use of the word techno, in reference to a genre of music, was in 1988...
Music Producer from NYC. He sang original track "Beat Conductor" while dancing. - S. K. Thoth - A self-proclaimed "prayer-formance artist" - violin, chanting, dancing. The chant was in a language that Thoth invented.
- Ricardo AlemanRicardo AlemanRicardo Aleman is a Mexican-American author and comedian based in New York City where he performs regularly at Comic Strip Live, and was a featured comedian in their Guinness World Record 50 hour "Longest Stand Up Comedy Show". He has appeared on NBC's reality television show America's Got Talent,...
- standup comedian who insulted Hasselhoff and Morgan after being refused to the Las Vegas callbacks. - Pennsylvania Hand Band - made music by squeezing their hands togetherManualism (hand music)Manualism is the little-known art of playing music by squeezing air through the hands. Because the sound produced has a distinctly flatulent tone, such music is usually presented as a form of musical comedy or parody...
, with one band member performing in a giant hand costume. - Abenz, rapper. He originally performed with Byrain Wynbush as his background singer, but the judges said no to Abenz alone and invited Wynbush to come back later for a solo audition.
- Sunshine, 51 year old hippieHippieThe hippie subculture was originally a youth movement that arose in the United States during the mid-1960s and spread to other countries around the world. The etymology of the term 'hippie' is from hipster, and was initially used to describe beatniks who had moved into San Francisco's...
who sang "Amazing GraceAmazing Grace"Amazing Grace" is a Christian hymn with words written by the English poet and clergyman John Newton , published in 1779. With a message that forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of the sins people commit and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God,...
." - Shad-Dai - singing twin sisters.
- Jay Green - juggler.
Las Vegas Callbacks
Part 1 of the Las VegasLas Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
callbacks was broadcast on July 10, 2007. The 70 remaining acts were trimmed down to a short list of 35 acts.
Part 2 of the Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
callbacks was broadcast on July 11, 2007. The short list of 35 acts was then reduced to a Top 20 to be voted on by the viewing audience.
Acts that were eliminated during the callbacks included:
- Ada Lynn
- Chicago auditions: 80-year old singer/comedienne.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- Bruce Block & Skippy à la King
- New York auditions: a talking rabbit ventriloquist act. The judges liked the act in general, but thought the actual material was weak.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Originally planned to have a lady dance on him while he lay on a bed of nails. After his assistant cancelled at the last minute, he regrouped and performed a "pulling a rabbiRabbiIn Judaism, a rabbi is a teacher of Torah. This title derives from the Hebrew word רבי , meaning "My Master" , which is the way a student would address a master of Torah...
out of a hat" trick, but actually made his head vanish.
- Byrain Wynbush
- New York auditions: The Roxbury, MassachusettsRoxbury, MassachusettsRoxbury is a dissolved municipality and current neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It was one of the first towns founded in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630, and became a city in 1846 until annexed to Boston on January 5, 1868...
, resident started the day as backup singer to rapper Abenz, who was eliminated. Wynbush, however, was invited by the judges to audition on his own. He returned to sing "Treat Her Like a LadyTreat Her Like a Lady"Treat Her Like a Lady" is the last single from Céline Dion's album Let's Talk About Love. It was released on March 29, 1999 in Europe."Treat Her Like a Lady" is a cover of the song performed in 1995 by Diana King. Céline Dion co-wrote the track in 1997, changing some lyrics. She recorded it...
" with little preparation time and was passed through by the judges. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Sang "Superstar".
- New York auditions: The Roxbury, Massachusetts
- Christian Atayde Stoinev
- Chicago auditions: The Big Apple Circus performer was only shown briefly in a montage and was not thoroughly named at that point. Acrobatic balancing act with his chihuahuaChihuahua (dog)The ' is the smallest breed of dog and is so named for the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. Chihuahuas come in a wide variety of sizes, head shapes, colors and coat lengths.-History:...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Scooby, the dog, had been injured a few days earlier by a bite from a larger dog, and was unable to perform, forcing Stoniev to perform his balancing act solo.
- Chicago auditions: The Big Apple Circus performer was only shown briefly in a montage and was not thoroughly named at that point. Acrobatic balancing act with his chihuahua
- Cinda Ramseur
- L.A. auditions: sang "One Night OnlyOne Night Only (song)"One Night Only" is a song from the 1981 Broadway musical Dreamgirls, with lyrics by Tom Eyen and music by Henry Krieger. In the context of the musical, "One Night Only" is performed twice in succession, as differing versions of the song - a soul ballad by the character Effie White and a disco...
" from Dreamgirls. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): sang Stevie WonderStevie WonderStevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
's "I Just Called to Say I Love YouI Just Called to Say I Love You"I Just Called to Say I Love You" is a song, produced, written and performed by Stevie Wonder. It was one of Wonder's most commercially successful singles....
".
- L.A. auditions: sang "One Night Only
- Diana Augone
- L.A. auditions: 75-year-old who sang and danced to "Last DanceLast Dance (song)"Last Dance" is a hit 1978 song by singer Donna Summer. The song appeared on the Thank God It's Friday movie soundtrack. It was written by Paul Jabara and was co-produced by Summer's regular collaborator Giorgio Moroder, along with Bob Esty...
" by Donna SummerDonna SummerLaDonna Adrian Gaines , known by her stage name, Donna Summer, is an American singer/songwriter who gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s. She has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. Summer is a five-time Grammy winner and was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- L.A. auditions: 75-year-old who sang and danced to "Last Dance
- Granny Pearl
- L.A. auditions: standup comedian.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Made jokes about what she would do with the million dollars if she won. The jokes fell flat with the judges, who commented about it being the "same shtick".
- The Great Throwdini
- New York auditions: A knife throwingKnife throwingKnife throwing is an art, sport, combat skill, or variously an entertainment technique, involving an artist skilled in the art of throwing knives, the weapons thrown, and a target.-A throwing knife:...
act performed by a reverend and his assistant. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Only shown briefly in a montage. One of his knives did not stick in the backboard (as was the case in his New York audition), and the judges were unimpressed that the act was essentially the same as the first time.
- New York auditions: A knife throwing
- Ivan the "Urban Action Figure"
- L.A. auditions: acrobatic dancing.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Attempted to jump a series of chairs, but tripped and crashed to the floor, knocking himself out. After a bit of time and medical attention, he got back up, dazed but otherwise apparently OK. He was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Returned to try again but got officially eliminated. The judges noted he was welcome to return and try again next year.
- JabbaWockeeZJabbaWockeeZJabbawockeez is a Bay-Area-based Urban dance group formed initially by members Kevin " KB" Brewer, Phil "Swagger Boy" Tayag, & Joe "Punkee" Larot under the name "3 Muskee". They were the winners of season 1 of the show America's Best Dance Crew...
- Dallas auditions: a group of male hip hop dancers.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Only shown dancing briefly in a montage.
- John Mitchell
- Chicago auditions: baton twirler.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Morgan referred to him as the most improved act from the first round.
- Jordan & Nasko
- Dallas auditions: father and son hand-to-hand balancing act.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- Liang Patti
- L.A. auditions: Chinese acrobatAcrobaticsAcrobatics is the performance of extraordinary feats of balance, agility and motor coordination. It can be found in many of the performing arts, as well as many sports...
, balanced eight spinning platesPlate (dishware)A plate is a broad, concave, but mainly flat vessel on which food can be served. A plate can also be used for ceremonial or decorative purposes.-Materials:...
on sticks throughout her act. Morgan buzzed her to see whether she would react but she didn't drop any plates during her performance. She began crying on stage when he gave compliments on her training; then Hasselhoff went on stage to hug her. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- L.A. auditions: Chinese acrobat
- The Magic of Eli Kerr
- L.A. auditions: a magic and illusion actMagic (illusion)Magic is a performing art that entertains audiences by staging tricks or creating illusions of seemingly impossible or supernatural feats using natural means...
featuring fire eating and girls disappearing and appearing. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Only shown briefly in a montage. He had prop malfunctions while producing his assistant from a shadow box.
- L.A. auditions: a magic and illusion act
- Meghan MillerMeghan MillerMeghan Miller is a beauty queen and ventriloquist from Beaumont, Texas, who has held the Miss America's Outstanding Teen title, and was a competitor on the second season of America's Got Talent.- Beauty pageant work :...
- Dallas auditions: ventriloquist, sang "SupercalifragilisticexpialidociousSupercalifragilisticexpialidociousSupercalifragilisticexpialidocious is an English word, with 34 letters, that was in the song with the same title in the 1964 Disney musical film Mary Poppins. The song was written by the Sherman Brothers, and sung by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke...
" with her boy and girl puppets. While her act was deemed as being more appropriate for children by Morgan and Osbourne, she still advanced. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Sang "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" with one of her puppets.
- Dallas auditions: ventriloquist, sang "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
- Nicholas Marks
- Dallas auditions: flamenco guitarFlamenco guitarA flamenco guitar is a guitar similar to a classical guitar. Flamenco guitar also refers to toque, the guitar-playing part of the art of Flamenco.-Brief history:...
player who advanced to the second round as a solo performer one year afterAmerica's Got Talent (Season 1)The first season of America's Got Talent premiered on June 21, 2006 and concluded on August 17, 2006. The audition tour took place in April 2006, stopping at Los Angeles, California, New York City, New York, Chicago, Illinois, and Atlanta, Georgia. Regis Philbin was the host for this season and...
his performance with wife Ari was rejected by the judges. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- Dallas auditions: flamenco guitar
- Philadelphia T. Plowden
- New York auditions: standup comedian.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- Rhythm Extreme
- New York auditions: a StompStomp (dance troupe)Stomp is a percussion group that uses the body and ordinary objects to create a physical theatre performance.-History and performances:...
style percussivePercussion instrumentA percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound when hit with an implement or when it is shaken, rubbed, scraped, or otherwise acted upon in a way that sets the object into vibration...
group. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- New York auditions: a Stomp
- Rubberboy (Daniel Browning Smith)
- New York auditions: A contortionContortionthumb|upright|Contortionist performingContortion is an unusual form of physical display which involves the dramatic bending and flexing of the human body. Contortion is often part of acrobatics and circus acts...
ist from Santa Monica, CaliforniaSanta Monica, CaliforniaSanta Monica is a beachfront city in western Los Angeles County, California, US. Situated on Santa Monica Bay, it is surrounded on three sides by the city of Los Angeles — Pacific Palisades on the northwest, Brentwood on the north, West Los Angeles on the northeast, Mar Vista on the east, and...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- New York auditions: A contortion
- The Westminster ChorusWestminster ChorusThe Westminster Chorus is a men's a cappella chorus based in Westminster, California. International Chorus Champions of the Barbershop Harmony Society in 2007 and 2010, they are composed almost entirely of men under the age of 30.-History:The town of Westminster, in Orange County, CA has supported...
- Chicago auditions: a men's a cappella chorus, chapter of the Barbershop Harmony SocietyBarbershop Harmony SocietyThe Barbershop Harmony Society, legally and historically named the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. , is the first of several organizations to promote and preserve barbershop music as an art form. Founded by Owen C...
, and composed almost entirely of men under the age of 30. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- Chicago auditions: a men's a cappella chorus, chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society
Acts that were advanced to the "short list" but not brought into the "Top 20" include:
- Ahmir
- New York auditions: Four member boy bandBoy bandA boy band is loosely defined as a popular music act consisting of only male singers. The members are expected to dance as well as sing, usually giving highly choreographed performances. More often than not, boy band members do not play musical instruments, either in recording sessions or on...
from Boston, Massachusetts that sang "In the Still of the NightIn the Still of the Night (1954 song)"In the Still of the Night" is a song written by Fred Parris and recorded by his Five Satins.- Background :The song was recorded in the Saint Bernadette Catholic School basement in New Haven, CT in February, 1956. Marty Kugell produced the song. The saxophone solo was played by Vinny Mazzetta, of...
" by The Five SatinsThe Five SatinsThe Five Satins are an American doo-wop group, best known for their 1956 million-selling song, "In the Still of the Night."-Career:The group, formed in New Haven, Connecticut, consisted of leader Fred Parris, Lou Peebles, Stanley Dortch, Ed Martin and Jim Freeman in 1954. With little success, the...
a cappellaA cappellaA cappella music is specifically solo or group singing without instrumental sound, or a piece intended to be performed in this way. It is the opposite of cantata, which is accompanied singing. A cappella was originally intended to differentiate between Renaissance polyphony and Baroque concertato...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Eliminated by the judges.
- New York auditions: Four member boy band
- The Magic of Anthony Reed
- New York auditions: a magician from Las Vegas, NevadaLas Vegas, NevadaLas Vegas is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Nevada and is also the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city for gambling, shopping, and fine dining. The city bills itself as The Entertainment Capital of the World, and is famous...
who worked with doves and combined them to make a duck. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performed the Aquarian IllusionAquarian IllusionThe Aquarian Illusion is a variation of the Metamorphosis or Substitution Trunk magic illusion. It was created by Alan Wakeling for Mark Wilson, who performed it in The Magic Circus series and a HBO special Mumbo Jumbo! It's Magic, and in closing his Las Vegas shows.The illusion begins with a...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Eliminated by the judges in favor of his mentor, Kevin JamesKevin James (magician)Kevin James is an award-winning French-born American magician, known for creating several unique magical effects, such as the "Floating Rose" which is performed by David Copperfield....
.
- New York auditions: a magician from Las Vegas, Nevada
- Cocoa Brown
- L.A. auditions: Standup comedian.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Though they told her that she was "the funniest comic we saw," the judges eliminated her.
- Fallon Franklin
- Dallas auditions: a 25-year old singer who sang "Who Will Save Your SoulWho Will Save Your Soul"Who Will Save Your Soul" is a folk pop song written by Jewel, and was the first song released from her first album Pieces of You.-About the record:Jewel explained her creative process for "Who Will Save Your Soul" in an interview....
" by JewelJewel (singer)Jewel Kilcher , professionally known as Jewel, is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, actress and poet...
and played guitar. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1):
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Eliminated by the judges.
- Dallas auditions: a 25-year old singer who sang "Who Will Save Your Soul
- Illmatic Styles with Lazy Legz (Luca)
- New York auditions: Consists of acrobatic dancers from Montreal, Quebec who want to inspire people. Luca was born with a condition called arthrogryposisArthrogryposisArthrogryposis, also known as Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, is a rare congenital disorder that is characterized by multiple joint contractures and can include muscle weakness and fibrosis. It is a non-progressive disease...
: he has very little muscles in his legs. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Only shown briefly in a montage.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Not shown, but did not make the Top 20, so presumed eliminated by the judges.
- New York auditions: Consists of acrobatic dancers from Montreal, Quebec who want to inspire people. Luca was born with a condition called arthrogryposis
- Leonid the MagnificentLeonid the MagnificentLeonid the Magnificent is a Russian performance artist born in 1973 in Siberia who now lives in Brooklyn, New York City. Leonid has been performing on stage since the age of 12. He finished Russian Circus School and University of Art and Culture to become an artist and a show creator...
- New York auditions: Performed with two girls dressed up like lions. Much like Boy Shakira, he was put through over the objections of Hasselhoff, who threatened to quit the show if the other two judges advanced him to the next round.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Judges made the choice to "treat him as a performer rather than a joke," and eliminated him. Backstage Leonid vowed not to try again, saying "Enough is enough."
- Lil' CLil' CChristopher "Lil' C" Toler is an American dancer and choreographer best known as being one of the pioneers of the hip-hop dance style krumping and for his choreography and judging on the TV show So You Think You Can Dance. In 2005 he appeared as himself in the krumping documentary Rize...
- L.A. auditions: An 11-year-old rapper/dancer. He was told that he should just stick to dancing by the judges, as his rapping needed work.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Not shown, but did not make the Top 20, so presumed eliminated by the judges.
- Michael Strelo-Smith
- L.A. auditions: an elementary school music teacher sang "This is the Moment" from Jekyll & HydeJekyll & Hyde (musical)Jekyll & Hyde is a musical based on the novella Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. The original stage conception was by Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn. The music is by Wildhorn and the lyrics and book are by Leslie Bricusse.The musical ran on Broadway for 1,543...
, which, coincidentally, Hasselhoff once starred in, a cappellaA cappellaA cappella music is specifically solo or group singing without instrumental sound, or a piece intended to be performed in this way. It is the opposite of cantata, which is accompanied singing. A cappella was originally intended to differentiate between Renaissance polyphony and Baroque concertato...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Sang "You Raise Me UpYou Raise Me Up"You Raise Me Up" was the debut single from Westlife's fifth studio album, Face To Face.This version is considered by many to be the most popular , of all the various versions of the same song. The single peaked at #1 on the UK Singles Chart, making it the band's 13th Number One. It was the first...
" by Josh GrobanJosh GrobanJoshua Winslow "Josh" Groban is an American singer-songwriter, musician, actor, and record producer. His four solo albums have been certified at least multi-platinum, and in 2007, he was charted as the number-one best selling artist in the United States with over 21 million records in that country...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Commended by the judges for following his dream, but eliminated.
- L.A. auditions: an elementary school music teacher sang "This is the Moment" from Jekyll & Hyde
- Mr. Big "Who's the Guy" Beal
- Dallas auditions: played "Pick Up the Pieces" by Average White Band on the saxophoneSaxophoneThe saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846...
while dancing. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Not shown, but did not make the Top 20, so presumed eliminated by the judges.
- Dallas auditions: played "Pick Up the Pieces" by Average White Band on the saxophone
- Odysy
- New York auditions: Four member hip hopHip hopHip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
boy bandBoy bandA boy band is loosely defined as a popular music act consisting of only male singers. The members are expected to dance as well as sing, usually giving highly choreographed performances. More often than not, boy band members do not play musical instruments, either in recording sessions or on...
that sang "Real LoveReal Love (Mary J. Blige song)"Real Love" is a 1992 hit single by hip hop soul singer Mary J. Blige. It was the second single off Blige's debut album, What's the 411?. Written and produced by Mark C. Rooney and Mark Morales and built off a drum sample from hip hop duo Audio Two's 1988 track "Top Billin'"...
" by Mary J. BligeMary J. BligeMary Jane Blige is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and occasional actress. She is a recipient of nine Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards, and has recorded eight multi-platinum albums. She is the only artist with Grammy Award wins in Pop, Rap, Gospel, and R&B. Blige has...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Not shown, but did not make the Top 20, so presumed eliminated by the judges.
- New York auditions: Four member hip hop
- The Rascals (not to be confused with the '60s groupThe RascalsThe Rascals were an American blue-eyed soul group initially active during the years 1965–72. The band released numerous top ten singles in North America during the mid- and late-1960s, including the U.S. #1 hits "Good Lovin'" , "Groovin'" , and "People Got to Be Free"...
)- Dallas auditions: A trio of teenage male rock singers.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Only shown briefly in a montage.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Told they had "bright futures" but were "not yet ready."
- Sage
- New York auditions: Seven year old Sage and his grandfather from Novato, CaliforniaNovato, CaliforniaNovato is a city located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, in northern Marin County. Novato is located about north-northwest of San Rafael, at an elevation of 30 feet above sea level . The 2010 U.S. Census estimated the city population to be about 51,904. Novato is about ...
. Sage sang while both played the piano to Cab CallowayCab CallowayCabell "Cab" Calloway III was an American jazz singer and bandleader. He was strongly associated with the Cotton Club in Harlem, New York City where he was a regular performer....
's "St. James Infirmary BluesSt. James Infirmary Blues"St. James Infirmary Blues" is based on an 18th century traditional English folk song of anonymous origin, though sometimes credited to the songwriter Joe Primrose . Louis Armstrong made it famous in his influential 1928 recording.-Authorship and history:"St...
". They were put through by Osbourne and Hasselhoff, while Morgan said beforehand that they were nowhere near close to being a million dollar act. Criticism was harder on the grandfather, who remarked as he left the stage that Sage went on, but that he himself had been fired. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised, but from photos on the AGT web site, it was apparent that Sage is now competing solo, without his grandfather.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Told by the judges, "this isn't the end, it's the beginning." Eliminated.
- New York auditions: Seven year old Sage and his grandfather from Novato, California
- The 3 Redneck Tenors
- New York auditions: A cappella close harmony singing, while dressed as rednecks, performed Beethoven's 5th Symphony.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Eliminated even after being told they will be, "Very big one day."
Part 1
The first episode of the live performance semifinals was broadcast on July 17, 2007. Ten of the remaining twenty acts performed, and audience votes selected five of the ten to continue.Acts that performed, but were eliminated include:
- Johnny Lonestar
- General: Western arts performer.
- L.A. auditions: Trick ropingTrick ropingTrick roping is an entertainment or competitive art involving the spinning of a lasso or lariat. It is particularly associated with wild west shows or western arts in the United States....
act - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Only shown briefly in a montage, but this time had a trick whip act.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 1): Trick ropingTrick ropingTrick roping is an entertainment or competitive art involving the spinning of a lasso or lariat. It is particularly associated with wild west shows or western arts in the United States....
to "Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)"Save a Horse " was the title of a song written and recorded by American country music duo Big & Rich. It was released in April 2004 as the second single from their 2004 debut album, Horse of a Different Color. It reached number 11 on the U.S. Billboard US Country chart...
" by Big & RichBig & RichBig & Rich is an American country music duo composed of Big Kenny and John Rich. Both members alternate as lead vocalists and play rhythm guitar...
. The act culminated with Johnny up on the judge's table twirling a giant lasso around him and all 3 judges. - Semifinals (Part 2): Eliminated.
- Kevin JamesKevin James (magician)Kevin James is an award-winning French-born American magician, known for creating several unique magical effects, such as the "Floating Rose" which is performed by David Copperfield....
- General: A veteran at creating acts for other magicians, He is now pursuing a career as an entertainer in his own right. He has previously appeared at "The World's Greatest Magic Show" in Las Vegas.
- Chicago auditions: In his first routine, he turned a puppet of Charlie ChaplinCharlie ChaplinSir Charles Spencer "Charlie" Chaplin, KBE was an English comic actor, film director and composer best known for his work during the silent film era. He became the most famous film star in the world before the end of World War I...
alive. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): In plain view, cut an assistant in half, with the halves continuing to move about. He then put the assistant back in one piece.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 1):Performed a disembodied hand trick (Inspired by cult film Re-AnimatorRe-AnimatorRe-Animator is a 1985 American science fiction horror film based on the H. P. Lovecraft story "Herbert West–Reanimator." Directed by Stuart Gordon, it was the first film in the Re-Animator series. The film has since become a cult film, driven by fans of Jeffrey Combs and H. P...
.) that fell flat with the judges. - Semifinals (Part 2): Eliminated.
- Jonny Come Lately
- General: A rockabillyRockabillyRockabilly is one of the earliest styles of rock and roll music, dating to the early 1950s.The term rockabilly is a portmanteau of rock and hillbilly, the latter a reference to the country music that contributed strongly to the style's development...
band consisting of four 15-year-olds. - L.A. auditions: Performed "Hound DogHound Dog (song)"Hound Dog" is a twelve-bar blues written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and originally recorded by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton in 1952. Other early versions illustrate the differences among blues, country, and rock and roll in the mid-1950s. The 1956 remake by Elvis Presley is the best-known...
" by Elvis PresleyElvis PresleyElvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performed "Rock Around the ClockRock Around the Clock"Rock Around the Clock" is a 12-bar-blues-based song written by Max C. Freedman and James E. Myers in 1952. The best-known and most successful rendition was recorded by Bill Haley and His Comets in 1954...
" by Bill Haley & His CometsBill Haley & His CometsBill Haley & His Comets was an American rock and roll band that was founded in 1952 and continued until Haley's death in 1981. The band, also known by the names Bill Haley and The Comets and Bill Haley's Comets , was the earliest group of white musicians to bring rock and roll to the attention of...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Told, "We can only let acts in who are ready. So you're going through."
- Semifinals (Part 1):Performed "Crazy Little Thing Called LoveCrazy Little Thing Called Love"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" is a song by the rock band Queen. Written by Freddie Mercury in 1979, the track featured on their 1980 album The Game, and also appears on the band's compilation album, Greatest Hits...
" by QueenQueen (band)Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor...
. - Semifinals (Part 2): Eliminated.
- General: A rockabilly
- Mohammad Kashif
- General: A "BollywoodBollywoodBollywood is the informal term popularly used for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai , Maharashtra, India. The term is often incorrectly used to refer to the whole of Indian cinema; it is only a part of the total Indian film industry, which includes other production centers producing...
-inspired" dancer from PakistanPakistanPakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
. - Chicago auditions: Performed the dance from the song "Ek Pal Ka Jeena" from the movie Kaho Naa... Pyaar HaiKaho Naa... Pyaar HaiKaho Naa... Pyaar Hai is a 2000 Bollywood film directed by Rakesh Roshan. The film marks the debut of his son Hrithik Roshan and also the debut of Ameesha Patel. Hrithik played a double role in the film, and became an overnight superstar in India.Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai won many awards, including...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performed the dance from the song "Dil Ne Dil Ko Pukara" from the movie Kaho Naa... Pyaar HaiKaho Naa... Pyaar HaiKaho Naa... Pyaar Hai is a 2000 Bollywood film directed by Rakesh Roshan. The film marks the debut of his son Hrithik Roshan and also the debut of Ameesha Patel. Hrithik played a double role in the film, and became an overnight superstar in India.Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai won many awards, including...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Sharon liked that he 'brought his own culture" to the show, and he was passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 1):Danced to "Say Shava ShavaSay Shava Shava"Say Shava Shava" is a song from the Bollywood film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, directed by Karan Johar. The music was composed by the Aadesh Shrivastava and lyrics were given by Sameer and sung by Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Sudesh Bhonsle, Aadesh Shrivastava, Sunidhi Chauhan, Amitabh Bachchan.-Music...
" from the movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhie GhamKabhi Khushi Kabhie GhamKabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... is a Bollywood film released in India and countries with large NRI populations on 14 December 2001....
. - Semifinals (Part 2): Eliminated.
- General: A "Bollywood
- Manuel Romero
- General: 18-year-old singer
- L.A. auditions: Sang "My Cherie Amour" by Stevie WonderStevie WonderStevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 1):Sang "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?"Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" is a 1995 song written by Bryan Adams, Michael Kamen and Robert John "Mutt" Lange for the film of the same year Don Juan DeMarco...
" by Bryan AdamsBryan AdamsBryan Adams, is a Canadian rock singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist, producer, actor and photographer. Adams has won dozens of awards and nominations, including 20 Juno Awards among 56 nominations. He has also received 15 Grammy Award nominations including a win for Best Song Written...
. - Semifinals (Part 2): Eliminated.
Part 2
The second episode of the live performance semifinals was broadcast on July 24, 2007. The ten semifinalists who did not perform in the first part of the semifinals performed, and audience votes will select five of the ten to continue. Also, the results of the audience voting for the first semifinal group were announced.Acts that performed, but were eliminated include:
- Luigi Padilla (performed under the stage names Boy Shakira and Boy Britney)
- General: Female impersonator/dancer.
- Chicago auditions: Boy Shakira, ShakiraShakiraShakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll , known professionally as Shakira , is a Colombian singer who emerged in the music scene of Colombia and Latin America in the early 1990s...
impersonation, Luigi was advanced to the second round over Hasselhoff's objections. Hasselhoff stormed off the stage in protest. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Hasselhoff describes his performance as the "longest three minutes of his life", but Morgan thinks he has improved.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Passed through, to Hasselhoff's apparent amazement.
- Semifinals (Part 2): Boy Britney, Britney SpearsBritney SpearsBritney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
impersonation, danced to "Baby One More Time". Morgan said Luigi was becoming his guilty pleasure. Every time Morgan reached to buzz Luigi, he ended up laughing instead. - Top Ten episode: Eliminated.
- The Fault Line
- General: Progressive vocal rock band.
- Chicago auditions: , Sang "Some Kind of Wonderful" by Grand Funk RailroadGrand Funk RailroadGrand Funk Railroad is an American rock band that was highly popular during the 1970s. Grand Funk Railroad toured constantly to packed arenas worldwide. A popular take on the band during its heyday was that, although the critics hated them, audiences loved them...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Only shown briefly in a montage.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 2): Performed "The Way You Make Me FeelThe Way You Make Me Feel"The Way You Make Me Feel" is a song by American recording artist Michael Jackson. Released by Epic Records in November 1987, it was the third single from Jackson's seventh studio album Bad. Written and composed by Jackson, and produced by Quincy Jones , the song is credited as being a pop and R&B...
" by Michael JacksonMichael JacksonMichael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
. They were criticized for selecting the wrong kind of song for their group. - Top Ten episode: Eliminated.
- Gregory Popovich's Comedy Pet Theater
- General: Trained animal act
- L.A. auditions: trained cat act.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Only shown briefly in a montage. This time he did a trained dog act.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 2): Performed a skit titled "The Homeless Clown". Popovich was criticized by the judges for making the act more about himself, and less about the animals.
- Top Ten episode: Eliminated.
- Second Story Guys
- General: Dance group on stilts.
- Chicago auditions:
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Only shown briefly in a montage.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 2): Performed to "Turn the Beat AroundTurn the Beat AroundIn 1994 , the song was recorded by Gloria Estefan for the soundtrack to the film The Specialist. Released as a single, it became a hit reaching #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is also featured on Estefan's fourth solo album Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me. She also sang the song as her opening...
by Gloria EstefanGloria EstefanGloria María Milagrosa Fajardo García de Estefan; known professionally as Gloria Estefan is a Cuban-born American singer, songwriter, and actress. Known as the "Queen Of Latin Pop", she is in the top 100 best selling music artists with over 100 million albums sold worldwide, 31.5 million of those...
. They were generally praised by the judges, with Osbourne calling them "pure variety" and "infectious". - Top Ten episode: Eliminated.
- Southern Girl
- General: Three female singers.
- Dallas auditions:
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 2): Sang "If I Ain't Got YouIf I Ain't Got You"If I Ain't Got You" is a song recorded, written, and produced by American recording artist Alicia Keys for her second studio album, The Diary of Alicia Keys. Released in February 2004 as the album's second single, the song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Keys' second...
" by Alicia KeysAlicia KeysAlicia Augello Cook , better known by her stage name Alicia Keys, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and occasional actress. She was raised by a single mother in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan in New York City. At age seven, Keys began playing the piano...
. They were citicized by the judges for being a little flat, and for lacking an identifiable lead singer. - Top Ten episode: Eliminated.
Top Ten
The top ten episode of the live performance finals was broadcast on July 31, 2007. The results of the previous week's voting were announced, revealing the remaining five slots in the top ten. Audience votes narrowed the contestants down to the top eight.- Calypso Tumblers
- General: Reggae-inspired dance group from Saint KittsSaint KittsSaint Kitts Saint Kitts Saint Kitts (also known more formally as Saint Christopher Island (Saint-Christophe in French) is an island in the West Indies. The west side of the island borders the Caribbean Sea, and the eastern coast faces the Atlantic Ocean...
. - Chicago auditions:
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Only shown briefly in a montage.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 2): Performed to "Hot Hot Hot" by ArrowArrow (musician)Alphonsus Celestine Edmund Cassell MBE was a calypso and soca musician who performed under the stage name Arrow, and is regarded as the first superstar of soca from Montserrat.-Early years:...
. They were lightly criticized for having less tumbling in their act this time, but otherwise were generally praised by the judges. - Top Ten episode: Performed to "CongaConga (song)"Conga" is the first single released by the American band Miami Sound Machine led by Gloria Estefan on their second English language album, and ninth overall, Primitive Love.-Song history:...
" by Gloria EstefanGloria EstefanGloria María Milagrosa Fajardo García de Estefan; known professionally as Gloria Estefan is a Cuban-born American singer, songwriter, and actress. Known as the "Queen Of Latin Pop", she is in the top 100 best selling music artists with over 100 million albums sold worldwide, 31.5 million of those... - The Final Eight: Eliminated.
- General: Reggae-inspired dance group from Saint Kitts
- The Duttons
- General: A family countryCountry musicCountry music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
band of nine adults, with five children joining the group near the end of the performance. - Dallas auditions: Morgan voted "no" because he thought they couldn't afford to bring in every single member of the family, as he put it, but Hasselhoff and Osbourne put them through.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Only shown briefly in a montage, though they appear to have taken Morgan's advice and left out the youngest family members.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 2): Performed "La BambaLa Bamba (song)"La Bamba" is a Mexican folk song, originally from the state of Veracruz, best known from a 1958 adaptation by Ritchie Valens, a top 40 hit in the U.S. charts and one of early rock and roll's best-known songs...
" by Ritchie ValensRitchie ValensRitchie Valens was a Mexican-American singer, songwriter and guitarist....
. They were strongly criticized for selecting the wrong song, and for putting too much emphasis on everyone getting solo moments, making the performance a "bit frantic". - Top Ten episode: Performed "The Devil Went Down to GeorgiaThe Devil Went Down to Georgia"The Devil Went Down to Georgia" is a song written and performed by the Charlie Daniels Band and released on their 1979 album Million Mile Reflections....
" by the Charlie Daniels BandCharlie DanielsCharles Edward "Charlie" Daniels is an American musician known for his contributions to country and southern rock music. He is known primarily for his number one country hit "The Devil Went Down to Georgia", and multiple other songs he has performed and written. Daniels has been active as a singer...
. - The Final Eight: Eliminated.
- General: A family country
Final eight
The "final eight" episode of the live performance finals aired on August 7, 2007. Audience votes narrowed the contestants down to the top four.- Robert Hatcher
- General: Sewer worker from Cincinnati, OhioCincinnati, OhioCincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
. Singer. - New York auditions: Only shown briefly in a montage.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Only shown briefly in a montage.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 1):Sang "Run to You" by Whitney HoustonWhitney HoustonWhitney Elizabeth Houston is an American singer, actress, producer and a former model. Houston is the most awarded female act of all time, according to Guinness World Records, and her list of awards include 1 Emmy Award, 6 Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards, among...
. - Semifinals (Part 2): Passed through.
- Top Ten episode: Sang "Because You Loved MeBecause You Loved Me"Because You Loved Me" is a song from Céline Dion's album Falling into You, released as the first single on February 19, 1996 in North America and Japan. In other parts of the world it was released in May 1996 as the second single, after "Falling into You"....
" by Celine DionCeline DionCéline Marie Claudette Dion, , , is a Canadian singer. Born to a large family from Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record...
. - The Final Eight: Sang "Let's Stay TogetherLet's Stay Together (song)"Let's Stay Together" is a song by Al Green on his 1972 album of the same name. Released as a single in 1971, the song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and remained on the chart for 16 weeks and also topped Billboards R&B chart for nine weeks. It was ranked the 60th greatest song of all time...
" by Al GreenAl GreenAlbert Greene , better known as Al Green, is an American gospel and soul music singer. He reached the peak of his popularity in the 1970s, with hit singles such as "You Oughta Be With Me", "I'm Still In Love With You", "Love and Happiness", and "Let's Stay Together"...
. - The Final Four: Eliminated.
- General: Sewer worker from Cincinnati, Ohio
- Side Swipe
- General: A martial artsMartial artsMartial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
dance act. They made it to the second round in 2006America's Got Talent (Season 1)The first season of America's Got Talent premiered on June 21, 2006 and concluded on August 17, 2006. The audition tour took place in April 2006, stopping at Los Angeles, California, New York City, New York, Chicago, Illinois, and Atlanta, Georgia. Regis Philbin was the host for this season and...
, but had to withdraw because of a foot injury to one of the group's members. - Chicago auditions:
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Was encouraged to add more dance to their act and passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 1): They seemed to follow the judge's advice and put more dance into the act.
- Semifinals (Part 2): Passed through.
- Top Ten episode: Performed to the can-canCan-canThe can-can is a high-energy and physically demanding music hall dance, traditionally performed by a chorus line of female dancers who wear costumes with long skirts, petticoats, and black stockings...
. Midway through the performance they added several of their students to the performance. Morgan harshly criticized them for this choice (at which point Osbourne told him "not to start with the children"), saying that bringing out the kids will likely cost the group its chance at the million dollars. - The Final Eight: Performed a "swashbuckling" pirate skit.
- The Final Four: Eliminated.
- General: A martial arts
- The Glamazons
- General: Four plus-sizedBig Beautiful Woman"Big Beautiful Woman" is a term most frequently used in the context of, affirmation of or sexual attraction to overweight or obese women...
ladies from Astoria, New York who sing and burlesque dance. (Not to be confused with the drag act of the same name.) - New York auditions: Performed "Lady MarmaladeLady Marmalade"Lady Marmalade" was also covered by Italian pop star Sabrina. It was released in 1987 as the album's second single by Baby Records. In some countries, including France and the Netherlands, the song was known as "Voulez-vous coucher avec moi? " and was released in 1988.-Track listings:7" maxi#...
" by Patti LaBellePatti LaBellePatricia Louise Holte-Edwards , better known under the stage name, Patti LaBelle, is a Grammy Award winning American singer, author and actress who has spent over 50 years in the music industry...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performed "Big SpenderBig Spender"Big Spender" is a song written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields for the musical Sweet Charity, first performed in 1966. It is sung, in the musical, by the dance hostess "girls"; it was choreographed by Bob Fosse for the Broadway musical and the film...
" by Peggy LeePeggy LeePeggy Lee was an American jazz and popular music singer, songwriter, composer, and actress in a career spanning six decades. From her beginning as a vocalist on local radio to singing with Benny Goodman's big band, she forged a sophisticated persona, evolving into a multi-faceted artist and...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 1):Sang and danced to "Hot StuffHot Stuff (Donna Summer song)"Hot Stuff" is a hit single released by American singer Donna Summer in 1979 as the first single release from her Bad Girls album through Casablanca Records...
" by Donna SummerDonna SummerLaDonna Adrian Gaines , known by her stage name, Donna Summer, is an American singer/songwriter who gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s. She has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. Summer is a five-time Grammy winner and was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach...
. - Semifinals (Part 2): Passed through.
- Top Ten episode: Performed "FeverFever (1956 song)"Fever" is a song written by Eddie Cooley and Otis Blackwell, who used the pseudonym John Davenport. It was originally recorded by Little Willie John in 1956. It has been covered by numerous artists from various musical genres, notably Peggy Lee in 1958....
" by Peggy LeePeggy LeePeggy Lee was an American jazz and popular music singer, songwriter, composer, and actress in a career spanning six decades. From her beginning as a vocalist on local radio to singing with Benny Goodman's big band, she forged a sophisticated persona, evolving into a multi-faceted artist and...
. - The Final Eight: Performed "It's Raining MenIt's Raining Men"It's Raining Men" is a song written by Paul Jabara and Paul Shaffer in 1979 originally for Dave Balfour's album Stars , and originally recorded by The Weather Girls in 1982...
" by The Weather Girls. - The Final Four: Eliminated.
- General: Four plus-sized
- Jason Pritchett
- General: Singer/guitar player from Independence, MissouriIndependence, MissouriIndependence is the fourth largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri, and is contained within the counties of Jackson and Clay. It is part of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area...
. Cruise shipCruise shipA cruise ship or cruise liner is a passenger ship used for pleasure voyages, where the voyage itself and the ship's amenities are part of the experience, as well as the different destinations along the way...
performer. - Chicago auditions: Performed the song "Live Like You Were DyingLive Like You Were DyingLive Like You Were Dying is the eighth studio album by American country music artist Tim McGraw. It was released on August 24, 2004, by Curb Records and was recorded in a mountaintop studio in upstate New York. It entered the Billboard 200 chart at number one, with sales of 766,000 copies in its...
" by Tim McGrawTim McGrawSamuel Timothy "Tim" McGraw is an American country singer and actor. Many of McGraw's albums and singles have topped the country music charts with total album sales in excess of 40 million units in the US, making him the eighth best-selling artist, and the third best-selling country singer, in the...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Only shown briefly in a montage.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Unable to appear for the show, he was phoned by Sharon Osbourne, who told him he made it to the Top 20.
- Semifinals (Part 2): Sang "Life is a HighwayLife Is a Highway"Life Is a Highway" is a song written by Tom Cochrane, from his 1991 album Mad Mad World. The song was Cochrane's most famous song, as it was a number one hit in his native Canada. The song also peaked at number six on the Billboard charts in the United States in 1992...
" by Tom CochraneTom CochraneTom Cochrane, OC Canadian musician and humanitarian, best known for his hit songs "Life Is a Highway", "Lunatic Fringe", "Human Race" and "I Wish You Well". Cochrane fronted the Canadian rock band Red Rider and has won seven Juno Awards...
without his guitar. Morgan criticized him for selecting the wrong song and "pretending to be Bon JoviBon JoviBon Jovi is an American rock band from Sayreville, New Jersey. Formed in 1983, Bon Jovi consists of lead singer and namesake Jon Bon Jovi , guitarist Richie Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, as well as current bassist Hugh McDonald...
", but Osbourne liked the performance. - Top Ten episode: Sang "When You Say Nothing at AllWhen You Say Nothing at All"When You Say Nothing at All" is the debut solo single by Irish singer-songwriter Ronan Keating. The song was recorded in 1999 for the soundtrack of the film Notting Hill. It also appeared on Keating's debut solo album, Ronan. The song was released on July 26, 1999 in the United Kingdom. It peaked...
" by Keith WhitleyKeith WhitleyJackie Keith Whitley , known professionally as Keith Whitley, was an American country music singer. Whitley's brief career in mainstream country music lasted from 1984 until his death in 1989, but he continues to influence an entire generation of singers and songwriters...
. - The Final Eight: Sang "If Tomorrow Never ComesIf Tomorrow Never Comes"If Tomorrow Never Comes" served as the first single from Irish singer/songwriter Ronan Keating's second studio album, Destination. The song was produced by Steve Mac. The song peaked at #1 on the UK Singles Chart, as well as making the Top 10 in Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Germany,...
" by Garth BrooksGarth BrooksTroyal Garth Brooks , best known as Garth Brooks, is an American country music artist who helped make country music a worldwide phenomenon. His eponymous first album was released in 1989 and peaked at number 2 in the US country album chart while climbing to number 13 on the Billboard 200 album chart...
. - The Final Four: Eliminated.
- General: Singer/guitar player from Independence, Missouri
Final four
The final four episode of the live performance finals aired on August 14, 2007. Audience votes decided the season's winner. The final four acts performed twice: once with their own act, and once with a performance chosen by the judges.In the live results finale, broadcast on August 21, 2007, all four finalists performed duets with a celebrity guest. There were also special performances by Quick Change, Stomp Out Loud
Stomp (dance troupe)
Stomp is a percussion group that uses the body and ordinary objects to create a physical theatre performance.-History and performances:...
, and David Hasselhoff
David Hasselhoff
David Michael Hasselhoff is an American actor, singer, producer and businessman. He is best known for his lead roles as Michael Knight in the popular 1980s US series Knight Rider and as L.A. County Lifeguard Mitch Buchannon in the series Baywatch...
.
Fourth Place
- Julienne IrwinJulienne IrwinJulienne Irwin is an American singer from Bel Air, Maryland. Irwin was a finalist on the second season of America's Got Talent.-Biography:...
- General: 14 year old country singer from Bel Air, Maryland.
- New York auditions: Sang "How Do I LiveHow Do I Live"How Do I Live" is the title of a song written by Diane Warren. It was originally recorded by LeAnn Rimes in 1997 and shortly afterward by Trisha Yearwood...
" by LeAnn RimesLeAnn RimesLeAnn Rimes is an American country/pop singer. She is known for her rich vocals and her rise to fame as an eight-year-old champion on the original Ed McMahon version of Star Search, followed by the release of the Patsy Cline-intended single "Blue" when Rimes was only age 13, resulting in her...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Only shown briefly in a montage, but she sang "At LastAt Last"At Last" is a 1941 song written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren for the musical film Orchestra Wives, starring George Montgomery and Ann Rutherford. It was performed in the film and on record by Glenn Miller and his orchestra, with vocals by Ray Eberle and Pat Friday...
" by Etta JamesEtta JamesEtta James is an American blues, soul, rhythm and blues , rock and roll, gospel and jazz singer. In the 1950s and 1960s, she had her biggest success as a blues and R&B singer...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 1): Sang "Bless the Broken RoadBless the Broken Road"Bless the Broken Road" is a song that has been recorded by several American country music artists. It was co-written by Marcus Hummon and members of the country music group Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1994, and recorded by Hummon a year later...
" by Rascal FlattsRascal FlattsRascal Flatts is an American country music band that originated in Columbus, Ohio, United States of America. Since its inception, Rascal Flatts has been composed of three members: Gary LeVox , Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney...
. - Semifinals (Part 2): Passed through.
- Top Ten episode: Sang "Til I Can Make It On My Own" by Tammy WynetteTammy WynetteVirginia Wynette Pugh, known professionally as Tammy Wynette , was an American country music singer-songwriter and one of the genre's best-known artists and biggest-selling female vocalists....
. She was told by all the judges that it was not her best performance, and to pick an easier song next time. - The Final Eight: Sang "CrazyCrazy (Willie Nelson song)"Crazy" is a ballad composed by Willie Nelson. It has been recorded by several artists, most notably by Patsy Cline, whose version was a #2 country hit in 1962....
" by Patsy ClinePatsy ClinePatsy Cline , born Virginia Patterson Hensley in Gore, Virginia, was an American country music singer who enjoyed pop music crossover success during the era of the Nashville sound in the early 1960s...
. - The Final Four - Judge's Choice: Sang "What Hurts the MostWhat Hurts the Most"What Hurts the Most" is the title of a song written by American songwriter Jeffrey Steele and English songwriter Steve Robson. Initially recorded by country music artist Mark Wills in 2003 on his album And the Crowd Goes Wild, it was covered by Bellefire a year later...
" by Rascal Flats. - The Final Four - Contestant's Choice: Sang "Over the RainbowOver the Rainbow"Over the Rainbow" is a classic Academy Award-winning ballad song with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg. It was written for the movie The Wizard of Oz, and was sung by Judy Garland in the movie...
" by Judy GarlandJudy GarlandJudy Garland was an American actress and singer. Through a career that spanned 45 of her 47 years and for her renowned contralto voice, she attained international stardom as an actress in musical and dramatic roles, as a recording artist and on the concert stage...
. - The Season Finale - Celebrity Duet: Sang "Teardrops on My GuitarTeardrops on My Guitar"Teardrops on My Guitar" is a song by American country pop singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. The song was co-written by Swift, alongside Liz Rose and produced by Nathan Chapman with Swift's aid. "Teardrops on My Guitar" was released on February 24, 2007 by Big Machine Records, as the second single...
" with Taylor SwiftTaylor SwiftTaylor Alison Swift is an American country pop singer-songwriter, musician and actress.In 2006, she released her debut single "Tim McGraw", then her self-titled debut album, which was subsequently certified multi-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America...
.
Third Place
- Butterscotch
- General: Antoinette Clinton, stagename Butterscotch, is a beatboxerBeatboxingBeatboxing is a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one's mouth, lips, tongue, and voice. It may also involve singing, vocal imitation of turntablism, and the simulation of horns, strings, and other musical instruments...
and singer from Davis, California. - Chicago auditions: Performed "Love to Love You BabyLove to Love You Baby (song)"Love to Love You Baby" is a song by American singer Donna Summer released in 1975 . It became one of the first ever disco hits to also be released in an extended form.-Song information and original release:...
" by Donna SummerDonna SummerLaDonna Adrian Gaines , known by her stage name, Donna Summer, is an American singer/songwriter who gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s. She has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. Summer is a five-time Grammy winner and was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Began by singing while also playing the piano. Midway through her performance, she switched vocally to beatboxing, but continued to play the piano as well.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Told that she had to "act like a star" and passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 1): Performed "SummertimeSummertime (song)"Summertime" is an aria composed by George Gershwin for the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess. The lyrics are by DuBose Heyward, the author of the novel Porgy on which the opera was based, although the song is also co-credited to Ira Gershwin by ASCAP....
" by Ella FitzgeraldElla FitzgeraldElla Jane Fitzgerald , also known as the "First Lady of Song" and "Lady Ella," was an American jazz and song vocalist...
. - Semifinals (Part 2): Passed through.
- Top Ten episode: Performed "It's Your ThingIt's Your Thing"It's Your Thing" is an influential funk single by the Isley Brothers. Released in 1969, the funk anthem was an artistic response to Motown chief Berry Gordy's demanding hold on his artists after the Isleys left the label in late-1968....
" by The Isley BrothersThe Isley BrothersThe Isley Brothers are a highly influential, successful and long-running American music group consisting of different line-ups of six brothers, and a brother-in-law, Chris Jasper...
. - The Final Eight: Performed "My Funny ValentineMy Funny Valentine"My Funny Valentine" is a show tune from the 1937 Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart musical Babes in Arms in which it was introduced by former child star Mitzi Green...
" from Babes in ArmsBabes in ArmsBabes in Arms is a 1937 musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart and book by Rodgers and Hart. It concerns a teen-age boy who puts on a show with his friends to avoid being sent to a work farm.- Production history:...
, again adding piano playing to her beatboxing and singing. - The Final Four - Judge's Choice: Sang "What's Going OnWhat's Going OnWhat's Going On is the eleventh studio album by soul musician Marvin Gaye, released May 21, 1971, on the Motown-subsidiary label Tamla Records...
" by Marvin GayeMarvin GayeMarvin Pentz Gay, Jr. , better known by his stage name Marvin Gaye, was an American singer-songwriter and musician with a three-octave vocal range....
. - The Final Four - Contestant's Choice: Beatboxed "Dance to the MusicDance to the Music (song)"Dance to the Music" is a 1968 hit single by the influential soul/funk/rock band Sly & the Family Stone for the Epic/CBS Records label. It was the first single by the band to reach the Billboard Pop Singles Top 10, peaking at #8 and the first to popularize the band's sound, which would be emulated...
" by Sly & the Family StoneSly & the Family StoneSly and the Family Stone were an American rock, funk, and soul band from San Francisco, California. Active from 1966 to 1983, the band was pivotal in the development of soul, funk, and psychedelic music...
. - The Season Finale - Celebrity Duet: Sang "Beautiful GirlsBeautiful Girls (Sean Kingston song)"Beautiful Girls" is a song by reggae-influenced musician Sean Kingston from his eponymous debut. The song samples Ben E. King's classic "Stand by Me" and uses digital pitch correction technology on the vocals. The song is about a boy who is suicidal over the failure of his relationship with a...
" with Sean KingstonSean KingstonSean Kingston is a Jamaican-American singer. He pursued a music career and debuted in 2007 with the album Sean Kingston.-Early life:...
- General: Antoinette Clinton, stagename Butterscotch, is a beatboxer
Second Place
- Cas HaleyCas HaleyCas Haley is an American singer/guitarist who was the runner-up on Season 2 of America's Got Talent.-Career:His self-titled album charted as the #8 Best selling reggae album of 2008 on the Billboard Charts....
- General: A stay-at-home dad from Arlington, TexasArlington, TexasArlington is a city in Tarrant County, Texas within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census results, the city had a population of 365,438, making it the third largest municipality in the Metroplex...
. Singer/guitar player. - Chicago auditions: Performed the reggae-inspired song "Walking on the MoonWalking on the Moon"Walking on the Moon" is a 1979 song by The Police, from their second album, Reggatta de Blanc. The song was The Police's second number-one hit single in the United Kingdom. It reached number nine in Australia but did not chart in the United States...
" by Sting. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performed "Living for the CityLiving for the City"Living for the City" is a 1973 hit single by Stevie Wonder for the Tamla label, from his Innervisions album. Reaching #8 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart and #1 on the R&B chart, the record is driven by a slow bass synth groove that manages to exude a certain amount of tension, an appropriate...
" by Stevie WonderStevie WonderStevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 2): Performed "Higher and Higher" by Jackie WilsonJackie WilsonJack Leroy "Jackie" Wilson, Jr. was an American singer and performer. Known as "Mr. Excitement", Wilson was important in the transition of rhythm and blues into soul. He was known as a master showman, and as one of the most dynamic singers and performers in R&B and rock history...
. Morgan called it the best performance that he had seen so far. - Top Ten episode: Performed "Bring it on Home to MeBring It On Home to Me"Bring It On Home to Me" is a 1962 soul song written and recorded by R&B singer-songwriter Sam Cooke. The song, about infidelity, was a hit for Cooke and has become a pop standard covered by numerous artists of different genres. It is one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped...
" by Sam CookeSam CookeSamuel Cook, , better known under the stage name Sam Cooke, was an American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is considered to be one of the pioneers and founders of soul music. He is commonly known as the King of Soul for his distinctive vocal abilities and...
. Was told by Morgan to stick to his reggae-type songs, as the blues was not his "thing". - The Final Eight: Sang a reggae-styled version of "Easy" by The Commodores.
- The Final Four - Judge's Choice: Sang "Can't Help Falling in LoveCan't Help Falling in Love"Can't Help Falling in Love" is a pop song originally recorded by American singer Elvis Presley and published by Gladys Music, Elvis Presley's publishing company. It was written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss. The melody was based on "Plaisir d'Amour" but with a different...
" by UB40UB40UB40 are a British reggae/pop band formed in 1978 in Birmingham. The band has placed more than 50 singles in the UK Singles Chart, and has also achieved considerable international success. One of the world's best-selling music artists, UB40 have sold over 70 million records.Their hit singles...
. - The Final Four - Contestant's Choice: Sang "Sir DukeSir Duke"Sir Duke" is a song composed and performed by Stevie Wonder, from his 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life. Released as a single in 1977, the track topped the U.S...
" by Stevie WonderStevie WonderStevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
. - The Season Finale - Celebrity Duet: Sang "Red Red WineRed Red Wine"Red Red Wine" is a song written and originally recorded by Neil Diamond. It has been covered by Tony Tribe, Jimmy James & the Vagabonds, and more famously by British reggae group UB40, whose version topped the U.S. and UK singles charts...
" with UB40UB40UB40 are a British reggae/pop band formed in 1978 in Birmingham. The band has placed more than 50 singles in the UK Singles Chart, and has also achieved considerable international success. One of the world's best-selling music artists, UB40 have sold over 70 million records.Their hit singles...
- General: A stay-at-home dad from Arlington, Texas
Winner
- Terry FatorTerry FatorTerry Wayne Fator is a ventriloquist, impressionist, comedian, and singer from Dallas, Texas. Fator is capable of doing over 100 ventriloquial impersonations, and uses 16 different puppets in his act. He was the winner of Season 2 of America's Got Talent, and received the million dollar prize...
- General: ventriloquistVentriloquismVentriloquism, or ventriloquy, is an act of stagecraft in which a person manipulates his or her voice so that it appears that the voice is coming from elsewhere, usually a puppeteered "dummy"...
/impressionistImpressionist (entertainment)An impressionist or a mimic is a performer whose act consists of imitating the voice and mannerisms of others. The word usually refers to a professional comedian/entertainer who specializes in such performances and has developed a wide repertoire of impressions, including adding to them, often to...
from Dallas, TexasDallas, TexasDallas is the third-largest city in Texas and the ninth-largest in the United States. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the largest metropolitan area in the South and fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States...
. - Chicago auditions: His puppet Emma Taylor sang "At LastAt Last"At Last" is a 1941 song written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren for the musical film Orchestra Wives, starring George Montgomery and Ann Rutherford. It was performed in the film and on record by Glenn Miller and his orchestra, with vocals by Ray Eberle and Pat Friday...
" impersonating Etta JamesEtta JamesEtta James is an American blues, soul, rhythm and blues , rock and roll, gospel and jazz singer. In the 1950s and 1960s, she had her biggest success as a blues and R&B singer...
. - Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 1): Performance was not televised.
- Las Vegas Callbacks (Part 2): Passed through.
- Semifinals (Part 2): Performed "What a Wonderful WorldWhat a Wonderful World"What a Wonderful World" is a song written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss. It was first recorded by Louis Armstrong and released as a single in 1968. Thiele and Weiss were both prominent in the music world . Armstrong's recording was inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999...
" with his turtle puppet Winston impersonating Kermit the FrogKermit the FrogKermit the Frog is puppeteer Jim Henson's most famous Muppet creation, first introduced in 1955. He is the protagonist of many Muppet projects, most notably as the host of The Muppet Show, and has appeared in various sketches on Sesame Street, in commercials and in public service announcements over...
, and doing Louis ArmstrongLouis ArmstrongLouis Armstrong , nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, was an American jazz trumpeter and singer from New Orleans, Louisiana....
himself. - Top Ten episode: Performed "UnforgettableUnforgettable (song)"Unforgettable" is a popular song written by Irving Gordon. The song's original working title was "Uncomparable". The music publishing company asked Irving to change it to "Unforgettable". The song was published in 1951....
" by Nat King ColeNat King ColeNathaniel Adams Coles , known professionally as Nat King Cole, was an American musician who first came to prominence as a leading jazz pianist. Although an accomplished pianist, he owes most of his popular musical fame to his soft baritone voice, which he used to perform in big band and jazz genres...
as a duet between himself and his puppet Emma Taylor impersonating Natalie ColeNatalie ColeNatalie Maria Cole , is an American singer, songwriter and performer. The daughter of jazz legend Nat King Cole, Cole rode to musical success in the mid-1970s as an R&B artist with the hits "This Will Be ", "Inseparable" and "Our Love"...
. - The Final Eight: His puppet Johnny Vegas sang "That's AmoreThat's Amore"That's Amore" is a 1952 song by composer Harry Warren and lyricist Jack Brooks. It became a major hit, signature song for Dean Martin in 1953. Amore means "love" in Italian....
" impersonating Dean MartinDean MartinDean Martin was an American singer, film actor, television star and comedian. Martin's hit singles included "Memories Are Made of This", "That's Amore", "Everybody Loves Somebody", "You're Nobody till Somebody Loves You", "Sway", "Volare" and "Ain't That a Kick in the Head?"...
and "I Left My Heart in San FranciscoI Left My Heart in San Francisco"I Left My Heart in San Francisco" is a popular song, written in 1954 by George Cory and Douglass Cross, and best known as the signature song of Tony Bennett...
" impersonating Tony BennettTony BennettTony Bennett is an American singer of popular music, standards, show tunes, and jazz....
. - The Final Four - Judge's Choice: His puppet Walter T Airdale sang "Friends in Low PlacesFriends in Low Places"Friends in Low Places" is a song released by American country music artist Garth Brooks. It was the first single from his second album, No Fences. The song spent four weeks at #1 on the U.S...
" impersonating Garth BrooksGarth BrooksTroyal Garth Brooks , best known as Garth Brooks, is an American country music artist who helped make country music a worldwide phenomenon. His eponymous first album was released in 1989 and peaked at number 2 in the US country album chart while climbing to number 13 on the Billboard 200 album chart...
. - The Final Four - Contestant's Choice: His turtle puppet Winston sang "Crying" impersonating Roy OrbisonRoy OrbisonRoy Kelton Orbison was an American singer-songwriter, well known for his distinctive, powerful voice, complex compositions, and dark emotional ballads. Orbison grew up in Texas and began singing in a rockabilly/country & western band in high school until he was signed by Sun Records in Memphis...
. Piers gave him a standing ovation. - Season Finale - Celebrity Duet: With guest Kermit the FrogKermit the FrogKermit the Frog is puppeteer Jim Henson's most famous Muppet creation, first introduced in 1955. He is the protagonist of many Muppet projects, most notably as the host of The Muppet Show, and has appeared in various sketches on Sesame Street, in commercials and in public service announcements over...
(and four Muppet chickens), his puppet Johnny Vegas sang "You've Got a FriendYou've Got a Friend"You've Got a Friend" is a song from 1971, originally written and performed by Carole King. It was included in her album Tapestry of 1971, but was made famous by James Taylor's cover version the same year...
" impersonating James TaylorJames TaylorJames Vernon Taylor is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Taylor was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000....
.
- General: ventriloquist
Season summary
- Of the ten finalists, eight of them have singing as some part of their act, whether as solo singers, groups, or (in Fator's case) as part of a ventriloquism show. This contrasts with the larger variety of acts that were finalists in the first season.
- For the audition and callback shows, audiences could participate by way of the "Lucky X" game. Viewers were asked to select which of the judges would press the X. All correct answers were entered in a random drawingSweepstakesThe United States consumer sales promotion known as a sweepstake has become associated with marketing promotions targeted toward both generating enthusiasm and providing incentive reactions among customers by enticing consumers to submit free entries into drawings of chance...
with three winners winning $United States dollarThe United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
10,000 per episode. Entries were accepted online at NBC.com and by way of text messagingText messagingText messaging, or texting, refers to the exchange of brief written text messages between fixed-line phone or mobile phone and fixed or portable devices over a network...
. - The white buttons to activate the checks from last season are still on the judges' desk, despite it being eliminated from the game.
- Morgan buzzed at least one performance in every episode, except for the finale.
- As with the previous season, the final division of contestants included people who incorporated singing in their act.