America's Got Talent

The final night of judge cuts featuring the final 20 contestants but only 7 will make it through.

Winners announced in 2 HR season finale.

Week 2 brought a new set of contenders delivering inspirational and stunning performances, setting the bar at incredible heights.. The highlight of the night was a deaf singer who defied the odds and moved Simon to press his golden buzzer.

Week 3 brought even more amazing and outrageous acts to the stage, including a set of identical twin magicians and an adorable pack of poodles. The hopefuls delivered on laughter, wonder, tears, and moved Howie to use his golden buzzer.

The next round of auditions if full of laughter and tears, highlighted by a dazzling dance troupe, a mind-bending magician and an emotional 13-year-old singer, and Tyra uses her golden buzzer.

More acts sought a shot at the grand prize this week, including a teen magician, a sword-fighting dog, and two R and B acts who were looking for a comeback that proved it's never too late to fight for your dreams.

Last week of auditions.

Top ten acts perform and the winner will be chosen.

In the Season 13 premiere, variety acts of all shapes and sizes audition for a chance at the $1 million prize.

The auditions continue with Simon Cowell at the judges table with Mel B, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and host Tyra Banks. Only four Golden Buzzers remain for a direct pass to the live shows.

Another episode of auditions take place. Only three golden buzzers remain after this episode.

Another episode of auditions and only two golden buzzers remain.

It's the fifth episode of auditions and there is only one golden buzzer left in play.

It's the last episode of auditions and there is still one golden buzzer in play. Find out which act will get the final golden buzzer of auditions to go straight to the live show.

The best auditions are revisited.

In this first episode of judge cuts, Ken Jeong joins as a guest judge. Find out which act gets his golden buzzer and the other 6 acts that move on to the live show.

In this second episode of judge cuts, Olivia Munn joins as a guest judge. Find out which act gets her golden buzzer and the other 6 acts that move on to the live show.

In this third episode of judge cuts, Martina McBride joins as a guest judge. Find out which act gets her golden buzzer and the other 6 acts that move on to the live show.

In this fourth episode of judge cuts, Chris Hardwick joins as a guest judge. Find out which act gets his golden buzzer and the other six acts that move on to the live show.

This episode shows recaps of judge cuts.

The first 12 acts perform during the live shows

The Acts: Aaron Crow, Brian King Joseph, Joseph O'Brien, Zurcaroh - Tyra's Golden Buzzer, The Future Kingz, Daniel Emmet, Hans, Christina Wells, UDI Dance, Us the Duo, Rob Lake, Michael Ketterer - Simon's Golden Buzzer.

11 acts compete to move on to the Finals

Christina Wells, Da Republik, Noah Gutherie, Daniel Emmet, Angel City Chorale (Golden Buzzer),Aaron Crow, Vicki Barbolak, We Three, Glennis Grace, Brian King Joseph, Courtney Hadwin.

Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough join judges Simon and Howie as contestants and variety acts audition for the chance to win $1 million; recipients of the Golden Buzzer proceed directly to the Los Angeles Live Shows to compete for America's vote.

Auditions continue as contestants of all ages and variety acts of all types audition for the chance to win the $1 million prize; the Golden Buzzer is back, but there are only four chances left for acts to proceed directly to the Los Angeles Live Shows.

Auditions continue as variety acts of all types and contestants of all ages audition for the chance to win the $1 million prize; the Golden Buzzer is still in play, and three more lucky acts have the chance to go directly to the Live Shows.

Auditions continue as variety acts of all types and contestants of all ages audition for the chance to win the $1 million prize; the Golden Buzzer is still in play for two more lucky acts to go directly to the Live Shows in Los Angeles.

Auditions continue as variety acts of all types and contestants of all ages audition for the chance to win the $1 million prize; the Golden Buzzer is still in play for one more lucky act to go directly to the Live Shows in Los Angeles.

Creator and Executive Producer Simon Cowell, alongside celebrity judges Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and Howie Mandel, revisit some of the biggest, best and most show-stopping moments from the 14th season. Hosted by Terry Crews.

Auditions conclude as variety acts of all types and contestants of all ages audition for the chance to win the $1 million prize; the Golden Buzzer will send one more lucky act directly to the Live Shows in Los Angeles.

Country music superstar Brad Paisley joins the panel as a guest judge and gets to send an act directly to the Live Shows with a Golden Buzzer; contestants have one last chance to impress the judges before America votes in the live rounds.

NBA superstar Dwyane Wade joins the panel as a guest judge and gets the opportunity to send an act directly to the Live Shows with a Golden Buzzer; contestants have one last chance to impress the judges before going live for America's vote.

Emmy-nominated actress Ellie Kemper joins the panel as a guest judge and gets the opportunity to send an act directly to the Live Shows with a Golden Buzzer; contestants have one last chance to impress the judges before going live for America's vote.

Comedy legend Jay Leno joins the panel as a guest judge and gets the opportunity to send an act directly to the Live Shows with a Golden Buzzer; contestants have one last chance to impress the judges before going live for America's vote.

Performers take the stage live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood as judging is turned over to the American viewing audience. With Judges Simon Cowell, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough, Howie Mandel and Host Terry Crews.

Seven acts from the previous night's show will move on to the Semifinals round of competition. Viewers will have one last chance to send their favorite performer to the next round by participating in the Dunkin' Save.

Performers take the stage live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood as judging is turned over to the American viewing audience. With Judges Simon Cowell, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough, Howie Mandel and Host Terry Crews.

Seven acts from the previous night's show will move on to the Semifinals round of competition. Viewers will have one last chance to send their favorite performer to the next round by participating in the Dunkin' Save.

Performers take the stage live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood as judging is turned over to the American viewing audience. With Judges Simon Cowell, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough, Howie Mandel and Host Terry Crews.

Seven acts from the previous night's show will move on to the Semifinals round of competition. Viewers will have one last chance to send their favorite performer to the next round by participating in the Dunkin' Save.

Semi-finalists perform live at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for a chance to win $1 million and be named the most talented act in America, with Judges Simon Cowell, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and Howie Mandel and Host Terry Crews.

Only five of the previous night's performers will move on to the Finals; viewers will have one last chance to send their favorite performer to the next round by participating in the Dunkin' Save - also featuring a surprise guest performance.

Semi-finalists perform live at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for a chance to win $1 million and be named the most talented act in America, with Judges Simon Cowell, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and Howie Mandel and Host Terry Crews.

Only five of the previous night's performers will move on to the Finals; viewers will have one last chance to send their favorite performer to the next round by participating in the Dunkin' Save - also featuring a surprise guest performance.

The top 10 acts perform one last time, live from the Dolby Theatre, for their chance to win $1 million dollars and be named the most talented act in America, with Simon Cowell, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough, Howie Mandel and host Terry Crews.

Host Terry Crews reveals who America has chosen as the $1 million winner of America's Got Talent Season 14; the two-hour finale will feature special guest performers and not-to-be-missed surprises.

Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and host Terry Crews return with new judge Sofia Vergara. Variety acts and contestants audition for the chance to win $1 million. The Golden Buzzer offers five acts the chance to go directly to the Live Shows.

The auditions continue as variety acts of all types and contestants of all ages audition for the chance to win $1 million. The Golden Buzzer is back allowing an act the chance to go directly to the Live Shows to compete for America's vote.

The auditions continue as variety acts of all types and contestants of all ages audition for the chance to win $1 million. The Golden Buzzer is back allowing an act the chance to go directly to the Live Shows to compete for America's vote.

The auditions continue as variety acts of all types and contestants of all ages audition for the chance to win $1 million. The Golden Buzzer is back allowing an act the chance to go directly to the Live Shows to compete for America's vote.

The auditions continue with Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, guest Eric Stonestreet and host Terry Crews. The Golden Buzzer is still in play and could send a lucky act directly to the Live Shows to compete for America's vote.

The auditions continue with Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, guest Eric Stonestreet and host Terry Crews. The Golden Buzzer is still in play and could send a lucky act directly to the Live Shows to compete for America's vote.

The auditions conclude with judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and host Terry Crews. Variety acts and contestants audition for the chance to win $1 million. The Golden Buzzer could send a lucky act directly to the Live Shows.

Creator and executive producer Simon Cowell and celebrity judges Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara revisit some of the biggest, best and most showstopping moments from Season 15. Hosted by Terry Crews.

Simon, Heidi, Howie and Sofia review some of their favorite acts from the auditions and reveal who will proceed to the Live Shows. 10 acts are chosen to perform remotely, and five of those acts will also advance for a chance to win $1 million.

Some of AGT's most viral acts over the years, including winners Kodi Lee, Shin Lim and Grace Vanderwaal, as well as AGT: The Champions winner V.Unbeatable and Season 13 performance troupe Zurcaroh, are featured in a celebratory retrospective.

Live from Universal Studios Hollywood, 11 performers compete for America's vote and a $1 million dollar prize as judging is turned over to the viewing audience, with judges Kelly Clarkson, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara and host Terry Crews.

Five acts from the previous night's show move on to the Semi-Finals. Viewers can send their favorite performer to the next round by participating in the Dunkin' Save.

Live from Universal Studios Hollywood, 11 performers compete for America's vote and a $1 million prize as judging is turned over to the viewing audience.

Five acts from the previous night's show move on to the Semi-Finals. Viewers can send their favorite performer to the next round by participating in the Dunkin' Save.

Live from Universal Studios Hollywood, 11 performers compete for America's vote and a $1 million prize as judging is turned over to the viewing audience.

Five acts from the previous night's show move on to the Semi-Finals. Viewers can send their favorite performer to the next round by participating in the Dunkin' Save.

Live from Universal Studios Hollywood, 11 performers compete for America's vote and a $1 million prize as judging is turned over to the viewing audience.

Five acts from the previous night's show move on to the Semi-Finals. Viewers can send their favorite performer to the next round by participating in the Dunkin' Save.

Live from Universal Studios Hollywood, 11 semi-finalists perform for a chance to win $1 million and be named the most talented act in America.

Featuring a surprise guest performance, five acts will move on to the Finals. Viewers can send their favorite act to the Finals by participating in the Dunkin' Save.

Live from Universal Studios Hollywood, 11 semi-finalists perform for a chance to win $1 million and be named the most talented act in America.

Featuring a surprise guest performance, five acts will move on to the Finals. Viewers can send their favorite act to the Finals by participating in the Dunkin' Save.

The top 10 acts perform one last time from Universal Studios for their chance to win $1 million and be named the most talented act in America.

Terry Crews hosts a live special highlighting the show's Top 10 finalists, featuring a sneak peek at the preparations and never-before-seen backstage footage from the season with judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara.

Host Terry Crews reveals whom America has chosen as the $1 million winner of Season 15; the two-hour finale will feature special guest performers and not-to-be-missed surprises; with Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara.

Youth acts: a singer, a comic and his comic dad, and an aerialist. Also a magician, a peacock man, a choir of nurses, a recently acquainted singing trio, a dog act, a man who moves erratically to music.

Young dancers from Texas; dancers on unicycles; a KPop boy band, an escape artist; a magician; a mock lyrics musical act; a family musical group; a comedic dance duo; a comic; a singer-songwriter.

First round of auditions for a talent competition.

First-stage auditions for a talent competition.

First-stage auditions for a talent competition.

First round of auditions for a talent competition.

Preliminary round of auditions for a talent competition.

Highlights of Simon's favorite golden buzzer moments.

The auditions continue as a variety of acts and contestants of all ages audition for the chance to win $1 million; the golden buzzer is back, allowing a lucky act the chance to go directly to the live show to compete for America's vote.

Preliminary round of auditions for a talent competition, with another chance at the golden buzzer.

Final round of preliminary auditions for a talent competition, with another chance at the golden buzzer.

Auditions wrap up and it is time for the judges to deliberate on their picks.

The live shows commence as the acts face elimination on their way toward the million dollar grand prize.

The acts viewers chose to advance from the first qualifying round are revealed.

Round 2 of the qualifiers. Only two acts will go through. Which acts will make the cut?

The results are in. Which two acts will move on to the finals?

Round 2 of the qualifiers. Only two of these 11 acts will go through. Which acts will make the cut?

America's votes are revealed to show which two acts make it to the finals--will your favorites make the cut?

Another 11 acts vie for only 2 spots in the final round. Who will shine and who will flop in their second performance?

The acts who will go on to compete in the finals are revealed. Did your favorites make the cut?

The last 11 acts vie for only 2 spots in the final round. Who will shine and who will flop in their second performance?

The acts who will go on to compete in the finals are revealed. Will your favorites make the cut?

The finalists compete for the million-dollar prize and the chance to headline a show in Las Vegas. Who will outshine the others?

See who America voted for as this season's favorite act, as well as surprise guests.

Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and host Terry Crews return. A variety of acts featuring contestants of all ages audition for the chance to win $1 million. The Golden Buzzer allows a lucky act to go directly to the Live Shows.

The auditions continue as a variety of acts featuring contestants of all ages audition for the chance to win the $1 million prize. The Golden Buzzer is back, allowing a lucky act the chance to go directly to the Live Shows to compete for America's vote.

The auditions continue as a variety of acts featuring contestants of all ages audition for the chance to win the $1 million prize. The Golden Buzzer is back, allowing a lucky act the chance to go directly to the Live Shows to compete for America's vote.

The auditions continue as a variety of acts featuring contestants of all ages audition for the chance to win the $1 million prize. The Golden Buzzer is back, allowing a lucky act the chance to go directly to the Live Shows to compete for America's vote.

The auditions continue as a variety of acts featuring contestants of all ages audition for the chance to win the $1 million prize. The Golden Buzzer is back, allowing a lucky act the chance to go directly to the Live Shows to compete for America's vote.

Judge Simon Cowell and host Terry Crews look back at the most memorable auditions in "America's Got Talent" and "Britain's Got Talent" history.

Contestants from various age groups audition for a chance to win $1 million in a talent competition. More Golden Buzzers grant direct entry to live shows where acts vie for public votes. The season premiere kicks off the audition process.

The auditions continue as variety acts audition for the chance to win $1 million. There's more Golden Buzzers than ever before, each sending a lucky act directly to the live shows to compete for America's vote.

The top 10 acts compete in a final performance round, vying for the grand prize of $1 million in the show.

This episode features the best acts from all four of the audition episodes. Contestants work to perfect their craft and prove to the judges that they deserve to make it into the top twenty.

The Muppets make an appearance on AGT to help out with some acts and sit at the judge's table.

A mysterious magician brings audience members into an extraordinary performance, showcasing incredible feats and earning stunning Golden Buzzer moments, while judges share exclusive backstage moments.

Howie jokes that a group of clown magicians nearly gives him a heart attack. Siblings test their bonds and talent on the audition stage. Sofia and Mel battle it out to be the first to hit the button over a jaw-dropping Golden Buzzer.

The judges are shocked by how many Season 20 auditions bring new firsts to the AGT stage. From an aerialist duo flying under a water rig to the first robot-dog boy band, week three makes show history.

A magician controls the theater and Howie's phone, while another performer gets a Golden Buzzer after perfecting their talent for 45 years.

A trucker from Kentucky performs on AGT far from home, a roller-skating aerial act seeks Simon's approval, and Vanderpump Rules' Tom Sandoval auditions to reveal another side of himself.

A danger-act sidekick goes solo after splitting with her longtime partner. A grandma debuts original music after her granddaughter surprises her with an audition.

Jessica Sanchez returns; a dancer performs ballet on someone's head; an 83-year-old impresses Howie.

Simon, Howie, Sofia and Mel share their most memorable golden buzzer moments.

Top amateur performers compete before celebrity judges for a major prize that could transform their lives.

Contestants fight to leave an impression as auditions close with a very unexpected and messy plot twist. For the first time, the judges immediately reveal the top 44 acts they chose to compete in the live shows for the $1 million prize.

AGT celebrates 20 years of unforgettable talent, iconic, viral moments and global impact. With a new mega-mix performance and judge interviews, the special examines the show's legacy and how it redefined talent.

11 acts perform tonight. One gets a Golden Buzzer to finals. Vote for your top 3 to reach semi-finals via AGT App or NBC.com.

America's votes will reveal which three acts from the previous night's show will move on to the semi-finals One act advances that got sent straight to the finals last night with the new Live Show Golden Buzzer.

Eleven acts take the stage, and a live show golden buzzer will send one act directly to the finals; America can vote for their three favorite acts to advance to the semifinals by using the AGT App or going to NBC.com.

America's votes reveal which three acts from the previous night's show will move on to the semifinals; also advancing is one act that was sent straight to the finals last night with the new live show golden buzzer.

Eleven acts take the stage, and a live show golden buzzer will send one act directly to the finals; America can vote for their three favorite acts to advance to the semifinals by using the AGT App or going to NBC.com.

America's votes reveal which three acts from the previous night's show will move on to the semifinals; also advancing is one act that was sent straight to the finals last night with the new live show golden buzzer.

11 acts perform live. One gets Golden Buzzer for finals. Vote for 3 favorites to reach semifinals via AGT app, NBC app or NBC.com.

Tonight's votes determine three semifinalists, while one act already advanced to finals through last night's Golden Buzzer.

Twelve acts perform live at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, competing for spots in the Finals.

America's votes select six acts to advance to finals. Four quarterfinalist acts with live show golden buzzers plus one new semifinals golden buzzer recipient will join them.

The top 10 acts perform one last time for their chance to win $1 million and be named the most talented act in America. Viewers can vote for their favorite act by using the AGT app, the NBC app or going to NBC.com.

Host Terry Crews reveals who America has chosen as the Season 20 winner in the two-hour finale featuring special guest performers.

This season delivers on its lucky number with a record number of Golden Buzzers in one night. Expect surprises including two non-human dance crews and a crossbow stunt duo.

Auditions continue with a magician seeking redemption, social media stars showcasing their skills, and an opera singer performing a duet with her dog.

Auditions feature a fire-shooting all-female quartet, comedic illusionists with a cardboard box, and a 12-day chain reaction machine using the judges as props.

Auditions heat up with a married mentalist pair wowing audiences, past competitors seeking another shot and a record, and a parkour star breaking new ground.

It's a quarter-millennium celebration as the judges and Terry look back at their favorite acts from America's biggest talent show, complete with a festive Fourth of July theme fit for the USA's 250th anniversary.

The judges are tougher than ever as auditions continue. Dueling magicians go head-to-head, a multigenerational tumbling team flips into the spotlight and a laser-fueled dance trio ignites the stage.

A fresh wave of hopeful performers takes the stage for the sixth round of auditions, each aiming to impress the judges and advance in the competition.

It's the final night of auditions, and the judges must determine who will be moving on; a Howie lookalike takes the stage and a fluorescent singing act wows the judges with his original song.

The acts that are moving on to the live shows, along with those that were selected to appear in the brand-new Judges' Callback rounds, are revealed.

Simon Cowell and Mel B have their selected acts return to perform during the Judges' Callbacks.

Selected acts return for the callbacks, hoping to impress the judges and secure one of the remaining spots in the live shows.

The third season of "America's Got Talent" kicked off touting more than 200,000 acts that auditioned in front of an audience of thousands in theaters across the country. The new audience component made it so the crowd acted as a fourth judge, cheering and jeering the contestants as they saw fit as the contestants set off on a journey that each hoped would end with the $1 million prize and a show in Las Vegas. Grim Start in The Big Apple: The auditions begin in New York City. Bill B. Curlee aka "Serious Mysterious", a 52-year-old scrap metal worker, was first out of the gate, and his Elvis-inspired rendition of Tom Jones' "It's Not Unusual" made judges David Hasselhoff and Piers Morgan hit their buzzers immediately, but Sharon Osbourne let it linger on and on until the judges had a chance to lambaste him. Curlee's bit was followed by an entire opening montage of terrible performances, including the tongue-stretching antics of 18-year-old Nick Afanasiev. Jonathan Arons, 32 of NYC, was the first contestant to set the crowd on fire, and he was an unlikely one: a classically trained trombonist who tooted along to Donna Summer's "Bad Girls." Jonathan got the three "yes" votes he needed to move to the Vegas callbacks. A pair of 24-year-old, female Romanian twins, who call themselves Indiggo, sang Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" very poorly, but Sharon wanted to give them another chance in Vegas and Piers, who'd buzzed them quickly, changed his mind and decided to give them a pass. Nuttin' But Stringz, violin-playing brothers from Queens received a huge ovation for a high-energy act that "combines classical meets hip-hop with the perfect marriage of R&B and rock 'n roll." Sharon asks, "Do you guys think you can win?" and one of them wittily replies, "I don't think I can lose." Piers said, "This show is about people walking on the stage and doing something fresh, exciting, original and super talented. You two have got the lot." They kicked off a run on "yes" votes that included an illusionist, a puppeteer, a percussion group that beat on plastic drums and PVC pipes, and an all-girl quartet called Jazmin. Mary Bly, an 80-year-old tap dancer, got X's from Piers and The Hoff. Sharon complimented her on her dancing and gave her a "yes," but that was the only vote of approval she got and she was sent home. Do it for the kids! A montage of kids getting turned away led into 4-year-old singer Kaitlyn Maher, who sang "Somewhere Out There" from the "An American Tail (1986)" soundtrack. The crowd cheered and she got no X's. Piers said she might be the best 4-year-old singer in the world. All three judges moved her on to the Las Vegas callbacks, making her the youngest contestant to ever make it that far. Hello, Chicago: The auditions move to Chicago. The Slippery Kittens, a burlesque dance group of mothers, had the crowd shouting "Vegas, Vegas" before the audition ever started. The nine-member group got some huge cheers from the crowd and got three votes from the judges. Big Boos: Host Jerry Springer says that the Chicago audience is proving to be the fourth and most brutal judge of all. Chay Vang, a 32-year-old factory worker, had barely started his performance, using a guitar he'd been building for ten years, before he was X'd off the stage and booed by the crowd. Terry Christensen, a 45-year-old handyman/songwriter, was booed before he could get much of his song beyond the opening lyrics, and he was followed by more performers who fell victim to the crowd. ... the best there's ever been: Jonathan Birkin, 17, mysteriously said that what he does made things difficult for him as a child. Eventually, viewers saw that he was a baton twirler -- and he was a darn good one. He twirled with flames on the ends of his baton to The Charlie Daniels Band's "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." Jonathan was near tears as the crowd stood and cheered. "All those kids who called you names can shove it!" The Hoff said. "I'm proud of you for sticking with your dream." Intoxicating: The auditions move to Los Angeles. Britney Spears impersonator, 24-year-old Derrick Barry -- that's right, Derrick -- knocked Sharon and The Hoff's socks off. His Spears take was enough to win him a spot in Las Vegas, where he'll continue to make The Hoff question his own sexuality. A montage of winners followed, including a gymnast who twirled hoola hoops with her toes, a tap dancing group, a young would-be Whitney Houston singer and another dancing troupe. Extreme Dance FX, another nine-member dance troupe that combined tap and clogging for a modern twist. Piers hated their outfits and told them to change them, but the group got their votes for Vegas, much to the crowd's approval. Neil E. Boyd, a 32-year-old insurance salesman who sang opera, told a heart-wrenching story of growing up poor with a single mother and he wanted to show her that her sacrifices weren't wasted. He got emotional before singing and teared up again after bringing the crowd and the judges to their feet with his huge voice. Host Jerry Springer said that in his two season of doing the show, he hadn't heard better. The Hoff called him the front runner and told him it's OK to be emotional. Sharon told him he won her heart. Piers noticed the crowd's sense of the electricity he Neil brought to the stage. After he got through, Neil called his mom and told her the good news.

"America's Got Talent" got warm and fuzzy again after a raucous season premiere. On a night of impressive displays and stories that tugged at heartstrings, the judges walked away feeling like theyd seen some serious acts that could find themselves in the finals, battling for the $1 million grand prize. Just Beat It: Looking to get rid some of the worst performers right off the top, the night began with a montage of bad performances that had buzzers buzzing and the audience booing. Sing us a song: Eli Mattson just might become the new Piano Man after impressing the judges with his rendition of Marc Cohn's "Walking in Memphis." Before the audition, he told some stories about traveling around the country trying to make something of a career in music, but by the time it was over he had judge Sharon Osbourne wondering why he hadnt already been signed by a record label. Judge Piers Morgan also said that Eli could be a finalist. On my grind: So what if Grinder Girl has been performing on The Late Show with David Letterman for six years? As NBC used to say, if you havent seen it, its new to you! Miss Pussykatt, a 27-year-old bartender, sent sparks flying by tapping a drill against metal plates that she wore. The judges seemed impressed and moved her on to the Vegas callbacks. Survivors: Tumblers Lil Countrie & Page 1NE had the crowd cheering before they even began performing after they shared a story of survivor Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans Ninth Ward. But the applause grew even louder and stronger as they showed some incredible acrobatics, including a headstand/slide across the stage that had the judges in awe. The judges told the guys that theyd just blown the competition wide open and that they have a good shot of winning the whole deal. Raising the bar: The Russian Bar Trio, from Canada (just give that one a minute), unveiled one of the most dangerous auditions the show has seen. A woman did flips on a flexible balance beam, of sorts, that was held by two guys. It was pretty incredible and had viewers and the judges on the edge of their collective seat. Judge David Hasselhoff said the act was perfect for Americas Got Talent and they moved on. The Ozzman Cometh: A 49-year-old self-proclaimed Ozzy Osbourne impersonator got Sharons attention quickly, and quickly lost it. Sharon and The Hoff hit their buzzers almost immediately, but Piers let the man continue butchering Ozzys Crazy Train until Sharon pressed Piers buzzer herself. Kevin from the blocks: In Chicago, Kevin "Big K" Taylor busted through 1,000 pounds of cement that was stacked up in blocks that were set aflame. As he punched the blocks, his own hands caught on fire for a moment, prompting Sharon to vote no on him, because she didnt want him to hurt himself on her watch. Piers and The Hoff put him through, though. Use Your Illusion: After some bad magicians, an illusionist couple, including a guy who took an arrow to the chest two years ago, stole the show at least the magic portion of the show. The Pendragons pulled a combination escape from a locked box and quick changing illusion that made the judges stand up and take notice. Viva Las Vegas: Joseph Hall, a young Elvis Presley impersonator, had the girls going nuts and had the judges all excited as they ushered him into the next round in Sin City.

Another night, another round of boos and cheers and oohs and ahhs from the crowd in three cities where "America's Got Talent" stopped on the way to the Las Vegas callbacks. In another two-hour episode, judges Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff watched all manner of talent, human and non-human, take to the stage in hopes of winning the $1 million grand prize and a chance to perform on the Vegas strip. Hold the line: Professional line dancer Corky Duke kicked off the night with Piers calling him a waste of time. More bad auditions followed, including tap-dancing banjo player and a hula hoop juggler whose only real flaw was her inability to catch the hula hoops she tossed in the air. Good golly, Miss Holly: Holly Hardin, a 19-year-old country singer, tried to play the Kellie Pickler card as she claimed she didn't know how far her hometown was from Dallas. She sang "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" which didn't impress Sharon and the Hoff, although Piers said he liked it well enough. They gave Holly a bit of a second chance, allowing her to sing a couple of lines of Dolly Parton's "9 to 5," and that won her a ticket to Vegas. Rolling in the mud: "Talent" took a pretty sad turn with a potbelly pig named Smithfield attempting to paint. The act, which hardly worked and resulted in the pig refusing to leave the stage, prompted Piers to suggest that the pig would be more useful in his bacon sandwich. Paul West and his dog, Tucker, rocked the house, though, with their Frisbee catching act that drew big cheers from the audience. Ol' Blue Eyes lives? Paul Salos, 71, after 40 years of doing his own version of Frank Sinatra, go a chance to perform "Fly Me to the Moon" in front of the Dallas crowd and had them on their feet. The retired Air Force veteran said he felt like Sinatra on stage, and it showed. He nailed Sinatra's style, sound and manner, smiling all the while before Piers said, Frank Sinatra's going back to Las Vegas. Yellow, goodbye! Zane and Stephanie, a husband-and-wife singing team that appeared to be too in love for their own good, turned the crowd against them with some brutal attempts at harmonizing on The Righteous Brothers' "Unchained Melody." They ended the song with a sloppy kiss that had Sharon telling them that despite their decent individual voices, the performance was overly nice and dated. Got gag reflex? George the Giant, a 7-foot-3 self-proclaimed sideshow freak, promised to show something the judges had never seen. The question was whether they ever wanted to see what he did. Performing his take on the crazy straw, George would a flexible tube around a volunteer from the audience and used it as a straw to suck milk through it. Oh, I failed to mention that he'd also stuffed one end the straw up his nose and pulled it out through his throat before taking in his calcium for the day. Sharon couldn't watch, saying she was going to throw up. She voted no and seemed downright upset by the whole thing. George later set off a string of firecrackers that were taped to his chest, and that appeared to seal the deal for Piers and The Hoff, who sent him on to Vegas. 'I Can't Make You Love Me' Jessica Price, a 24-year-old factory worker and part-time musician, said her father was her idol when she was growing up, but that he one day up and left the family. She said something has been missing since he left and that she still felt a desire to make him proud. She won over the crowd with her version of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me." Backstage, host Jerry backstage milked the sob story a little longer and asked Jessica what her father would have thought. She said she hoped he would be proud. No shirt, no shoes ...: In The Hoff's hometown of Atlanta, Allister McQueen, who called himself Smokin' McQueen, reminded viewers why most of the population is better of clothed, for everyone's sake. The super-skinny McQueen did a burlesque style dance that left Piers especially unimpressed, saying that if you're going to bring an act like that you've got to have the goods to deliver on it, and McQueen didn't. A montage of male and female stripping and pole dancing routines followed, to the tune of Jermaine Stewart's "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off." Someone's got a crush! Busty Hart, a significantly large-breasted woman who promised a unique performance, proceeded to crush aluminum cans with her more than ample bosoms. The Hoff X'd her right away, and said, "If you were on 'Baywatch,' we would've lasted another 11 years." Ring my Belles: The Southern Belles, a four-piece dance group of women from 15 to 31 years old, set the crowd on fire with a crisply choreographed routine that combined Michael Flatley's Riverdance style with some southern tap-dancing and country flair. Piers said it was the best audition of the day. They were moved on to Vegas. A double-edged X: Dan Meyer, a 50-year-old sword swallower, provided the most dangerous audition of the night, swallowing several swords, including a group of at least five of them at once. There was a mildly scary moment, though, when The Hoff had enough and hit his buzzer while Meyer still had a sword in his throat. Meyer visibly reacted and coughed the sword back up quicker than he expected to. He later told Springer that he nearly punctured his stomach when the buzzer went off because he wasn't expecting the interruption. The Hoff couldn't handle it and voted no, but Piers and Sharon gave Meyers a ticket to the next round. A voice worth waiting for? Nine-year-old David Militello didn't speak until around the age of 3 after he'd been diagnosed as autistic. But one day, he began singing and that, it appears, would become his destiny. He sang little Michael Jackson's "Ben" and earned a standing ovation from the crowd. The Hoff told him he's won over the hearts of America with his song. He moved on to Vegas, but what's next? Stay tuned.

Jerry Springer welcomes us to Atlanta, our first location, and we're introduced to Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff, who look ready to send some folks to Las Vegas. Billy Dodson Our first Georgia contestant is Dodson, a 29-year-old health inspector who looks very much as if he could be a bouncer on Jerry Springer's daytime show. But surprise, surprise, he fires off a fully soprano rendition of "Habanera" from the opera "Carmen." Piers hits his buzzer by word No. 5 and Sharon barks that "he should sing like a man." The vote: NO. Alex Pyles Toothy and southern-accented Pyles is next. The 10-year-old and her father (notable for facial hair that belongs in the WWE) essentially perform a mediocre up tempo fight scene with daughter fighting off father with several graphic faux kicks to the groin. One assumes her talent is some combination of self-defense and martial arts. Piers buzzers rather quickly, but David thinks Pyles is "very cool and very different." Sharon is on the fence, eventually letting Pyles talk her into the second vote after promising even more fake attackers down the road. The vote: YES. Sarah Lenore 19-year-old Lenore is the first contestant we're supposed to really care about, and over soft music we hear she has left both family and puppy to pursue a dream of singing. The "American Idol" similarities leave subtle behind with Lenore giving a capable rendition of Carries Underwood's "Before He Cheats." All three judges are modest fans and the young blonde is through to Sin City. The vote: YES. Vignette of "YES": Flambeaux, a 41-year-old Performance Artist fire-breathes to what, according to editing, is a standing ovation. Jerry's mouth is agape and Sharon is "going to say yes." Nicole Romana follows with a pole routine that makes one strongly doubt her job title of 'Fitness Instructor.' Despite removing none of her clothing the lithe 32-year-old is put through. David thinks Giwayen Mata , an approximately eight-member female dance troupe is "awesome and what this show is about." SQ Entertainment We're back to full routines with this 11-member group of cousins that performs a dance routine which looks like an amalgam of gymnastics and breakdancing. Despite one dancer inexplicably wearing oversized Mickey Mouse gloves, David likes the "energy and choreography" and it's a "definite yes" from Piers. The vote: YES. The James Gang We're now in New York City, and our first contestants are the Harlem based group that comes out of the subway wearing 1930s style outfits. T.J.G. tells us they rap and sing and call themselves a "mash-up of old and new." The foursome delivers easily the most entertaining performance of the night, dancing and singing an apparently original song in front of a DJ. If a group could succeed both on the Apollo Theater stage and in "O Brother, Where Art Thou," this is it. David calls them "a great representation of what this town is all about" and the guys are put through unanimously. The vote: YES. Victoria Jacoby If you happened to be thinking, "It sounds like the only thing this show needs is an 11-year-old contortionist who was adopted from China as an infant," you're in luck. The show's second fifth-grader creepily bends her way into the judges hearts, doing things I'd prefer not to describe lest I lose my dinner. David found her "absolutely fantastic" and Sharon believed Jacoby "really deserved to be here." The vote: YES. Polka Today We go from good to bad, beginning with the self-described "No. 1 polka dancers in the country," a 40ish married couple that apparently thinks mixing ballroom, country line dancing and polka is going to impress the judges. Ah, no. Booing from the crowd quickly ensues, and three buzzers come almost simultaneously after about ten seconds. An almost angry David says, "It kind of looked a little bit to me like you were in a blender." We get another zinger from Sharon, who responds to David's thought that the couple at least looked to be having fun with, "You can have fun with a sack race, but we don't want to see a sack race, do we?" No, Sharon. No we don't. The vote: NO. Vignette of "NO": Mr. Phil is the first snapshot of failure. The 59-year comes out in a plaid jacket and large novelty bowtie, singing an original song it's difficult to take seriously. The only amusing part was Pier's buzzer, which prophetically came before Phil had begun to sing. Peter McIntosh, an effeminate ventriloquist with no compunction about blatantly moving his lips, got into a brief obscenity exchange with Piers before leaving us stage left. We're not shown enough of 29-year-old mother Ursula Knudson to know exactly what her high-pitched singing was all about. We do learn that David thought it was "the worst act I ever saw." Rachel Star, a 22-year-old Caucasian college student, jumps up and down on broken glass while rapping. As cool as that sounds, Star got only a "Security!" from David. 51-year-old camp counselor Debra Weiner wouldn't leave the stage after her rendition of "Dancing In The Street" didn't past muster. This led to David awkwardly dancing her off stage. Kyle Rifkin Jerry's soothing voice and gentle piano music is our clue that the much-teased Rifkin is the show's emotional climax. The 36-year-old tells us that after his abused mother left home, he was forced to use singing contests to help put food on the family's table. Now on his feet, reunited with his mother and employed as a wedding singer, Rifkin nearly breaks down before starting a strong "Aint Too Proud to Beg." Eventually Rifkin's mother leaves a weepy Jerry to join her son on stage as applause and judge hyperbole rains down. The vote: YES.

Apparently there's no need to formally introduce our judges (who I've heard are Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff) this week. Let's just get started. Michelle Wallace: A banker who considers her voice "a gift to share with the whole world" takes a long time imploring the crowd to get on its feet and wave its hands then officially stinks at singing "All By Myself." Three quick buzzers, followed by Sharon recommending Michelle listen to a recording of her voice. The vote: NO Bruce Block: Block is back for a second year, having gone through to Vegas last year as a magician but being dealt the tough break of an assistant quitting right before his second round performance. This year he's laying on a bed of nails with an assistant (has he learned nothing?) singing and dancing on top of his shirtless body. David goes on stage and stands on Block himself to prove the nails were sharp. Piers votes 'no' but he's in the minority. The vote: YES. Dorae Saunders: Host Jerry Springer tries to fool us with female pronouns, saying that our next performer is "known around the world" as "one of the most successful female singers of all-time." Saunders is actually a male(ish) Tina Turner impersonator on stage to lip sync and dance to "Proud Mary." David found Saunders very entertaining and Sharon wanted to see more of her/him, Piers intelligently wondered whether a limp sync act to be put through and says 'no.' Ultimately the deciding vote is cast by David, who looks via editing to be swayed to the positive by the studio audience. The vote: YES Vignette of YES: Tropidanza, a colorfully costumed collection of college students looking fresh off the parade route of Carnivale is put through, with David adding they are "my kind of act." 43-year-old entertainer Fast Wally juggles a few silvery shiny objects before being told by Sharon that he is "sensational." We're told Bryan Cheatam, 30, is an exotic dancer. Cheatham's biceps clearly made up for a mediocre Aerosmith cover and the young man is on to Vegas. If you've ever seen the sausage race at a Milwaukee Brewers game you've got a sense of what Zooperstars' aerobatic dance troupe' is all about. The crowd goes insane and the last image is of Jerry jumping for joy as they are sent on to Las Vegas. Dallas Desperados: We get some back story on these cheerleaders, learning that they are a close-knit group consisting of "mothers, students and professionals." The dozen or so ladies perform an up-tempo routine similar to that of a NBA halftime show. After David tells us he's "moving to Dallas," we learn Piers think the girls are "brilliant" and Sharon likes the group's energy. The vote: YES Xclusive: We learn Kenneth Par-something (we don't get a spelling) is an 18-year-old college student performing in public for the first time. He does an amusing mime-like routine over top of original music that all the judges seem to appreciate. The vote: YES Barry Collier: The 56-year-old warehouse worker tells the judges he's going to perform barnyard animal noises. If that sets off alarm bells for you then you've clearly seen the show before. The chicken draws David's buzzer, the hound dog Piers', but for some reason Sharon sits through the coyote and the "rottweiler and wild hog having a disagreement." Ultimately the lack of a third buzzer doesn't matter. The vote: NO Vignette of NO: The people who have told Nance Upchurch they've gotten chills when she sings are liars. Performance artists The Freak Show weren't much better, and if Salt-n-Pepa were dead they would have rolled over in their graves at what they did to "Push It." Accordion playing duo Music Makes the World Go Round is told by Piers that the "only thing worse than one accordion is two accordions." David tells dancer Mac Jay he is very strange. Advertising rep Fancy Ray McCloney informs us he is "too pretty for this show" while leaving the stage. Donald Braswell: Our final performer is the requisite heartstring-tugger, a former professional singer and father of three who had his vocal chords severed 11 years ago in an accident. There's certainly no way this guy can perform after that. I guess its time to end the show and roll the cre---wait . . . hold the phone! It turns out those idiot doctors were wrong and Braswell has learned to talk and sing (Josh Groban) again. Lets just see how this turns out, shall we? Braswell's ''You Raise Me Up'' is perfectly capable by A.G.T. standards, though for some reason the blood-thirsty crowd boos the bejesus out of him for the first 30 seconds. Check your watches, studio audience, this is NBC's last performance of the show. All three judges say yes to the teary-eyed Braswell and we're done for the night. The vote: YES

Jerry Springer tells us the show is in the Big Apple (New York City) for the very last time. We meet our three judges Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff and it's time to begin Perry Zanett: We learn Zanett thinks he is "among the greatest actors the country has ever had," a claim difficult to believe given that he's dressed like King Friday from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Zanett launches into some "Richard II" and is greeted almost instantly by a buzzer. Piers thinks the thespian is a "complete waste of space" and Sharon and David, for the most part, agree. The Vote: NO After Zanett is run off stage we go right into a . . . Vignette of "NO" -- Animator Inflatable Theater, essentially a guy inside a strange Q*bert-looking cube costume (you had to be there) is first, and isn't allowed more than a few seconds into his dance thingy. Next is Sweet-Lou Fusco, and one hopes Sweet-Lou is better at inspecting pharmaceuticals than he is at singing Michael Jackson. For David, it was "one of the weirdest things I've seen in three years." The Power Team is described to us as Youth Motivational Speakers, which apparently translates to large men braking things which are either frozen or on fire. "You're all completely bonkers, aren't you?" comes the response from a confused Piers. Seed and Feed is a (and I quote) 'Marching Abominable' which basically means 60 people in Mardi Gras costumes pranced around on stage with no discernible organization. Sixty-two-year-old performer Anita Aloha spins a few things around and flails on the ground before being thoroughly buzzered. Fun With Shadows : The monotony of the vignette format is broken by two pleasant-looking middle aged fellows who appear to have driven straight from their cubicles to the show. "I do hand shadows," one tells Piers. But as buzzerrific as that sounds, renditions of three presidents and a pontiff go over swimmingly with the judges. David's "You've taken shadow puppetry to a whole new level," is the most memorable bit of what was unanimously positive feedback. The Vote: YES X.L.: Over soft piano music we're told the $1 million prize will provide this 25-year-old warehouse assistant a chance to provide his wife and baby son a better life. X.L. performs some rock-solid John Legend, and the swaying arms of the audience are all we need to see. "I actually prefer your version to Johns Legend's," says Piers and the other two agree. The Vote: YES Texas State Strutters: Los Angeles is the finals stop of the tour and our first contestants are a "precision dance team" from Texas State in San Marcos. The 20 or so female college students give us essentially a Rockettes routine which David thinks is a "good act". Peirs doesn't think the Strutters immediately translate to a Vegas act, but found them "fun." Fortunately for the girls, Sharon is the lone 'no' vote. The Vote: YES Vignette of "YES" -- Too-cute 10-year-old hip hop dancer Shakes was a shoo-in from the word go. The bit of dance troupe we see from The Awakening looks like a pretty straight-forward up-temp routine, solid enough to get a "definite yes" from Sharon. Georgia Force (the Strutters with tighter outfits) is put through as well, mauling Jerry with glee before exiting the stage. Ronny B.: The choice of Lionel Richie probably should have proven unlucky here, but somehow the atrocious Ronny gets way too much love from the judges with his thoroughly creepy "All Night Long" rendition. "The worst act I've seen" says David correctly, while Piers and Sharon inexplicably put him through based on some affinity for kitsch. The Vote: YES The Snake Kissers: We're told this will be the most dangerous act in the history of the show. The father/son pair performs the "Kiss of Death," during which son holds a cobra's tail while father kisses (licks, really) it on the head. Dangerous or not none of the judges are impressed. Piers humorously points out the act would only have been entertaining had the snake killed one of the two men. The Vote: NO Michael Harrison: More soft piano music as we take a look back at Season 2 winner Terry Fator, who we're told has signed a contract making him the most successful ventriloquist in the world. This leads into the 42-year-old Harrison, who is trying to follow in Fator's hand-up-a-dummy footsteps. Harrison's act is easily the most polished of the last few weeks, even getting a "he's very good" from Jerry. All three judges emphatically concur and Harrison is through. The Vote: YES Queen Emily: If you were wondering when NBC was going to try and make us cry, I give you Queen Emily. As a single mother caring for her children, the 40-year-old tells us through tears that she never had time to pursue a life-long dream of singing. To the delight of the crowd, judges and Jerry, Emily knocks "Chain of Fools" out of the park. "You were awesome" says David, before thanking Emily for coming on the show. Sharon wonders where Emily has been hiding and Piers tells her she has "a great chance of winning America's Got Talent." The Vote: YES

The seventh and final week of opening auditions on "America's Got Talent" proved, mostly, that what happens on MySpace should stay on MySpace. After visiting six cities across the land, Tuesday night's episode gave a chance at the $1 million prize to people who had uploaded their auditions on MySpace.com. It would be the last chance for contestants to make it to the Vegas callbacks for a shot at glory. The result was mixed, but mostly unfavorable as only a couple of heartwarming stories emerged from a crowd of mediocre or worse performances. Best of the night: The biggest crowd pleaser of the night went to the show's big finish, Army Sgt. Daniel Jens, whose story of spending 15 months in Iraq, got the crowd on his side quickly. Jens said his guitar playing and singing helped keep morale high for him and his fellow soldiers in the desert and that he was proud to have a chance to perform in front of such a large crowd and on national television. Jens sang Edwin McCain's "I'll Be," with Bryan Adams-esque gusto and earned himself a trip to a more desirable desert location in Las Vegas. A tear-jerker of a tale came from Holly Stone, a 44-year-old nurse who said she'd always wanted to be a singer but had to give up those dreams when she got pregnant at 18. Stone gave the baby up for adoption and ended up using MySpace to find her long lost daughter. The social networking site also scored her the audition on "America's Got Talent," and she made the most of it by singing Martina McBride's "A Broken Wing." Judge Piers Morgan said he honestly wasn't expecting much, but praised Stone's performance and gave her an enthusiastic pass to the next round. David Hasselhoff cried out that "only in America" could someone find their loved one online and then parlay that into a national TV performance and a chance at $1 million and a show on the Las Vegas strip. That's probably true. A percussion group of six guys banging on drums and buckets blew the crowd away with its precision and high-energy display. Judge Sharon Osbourne actually gave the group a "no" vote because she didn't think the act could sustain a 90-minute show. The Hoff was totally behind the group and Piers, while skeptical, decided to give them another shot in Vegas and voted "yes." The most fun of the night came courtesy of Randy Hanson, a 47-year-old carpenter who offered up an Ozzy Osbourne impersonation that had Sharon questioning what her eyes and ears were showing her. "Could you take your trousers down so I could check you're not my husband?" Sharon asked. Far be it from the judges to have Sharon ask the guy to drop trou and not send him to Vegas. He got through. Worst of the night: The night started badly with a hobbit-looking, self-proclaimed "rock 'n' roll magician" named Michael Trixx. He strung together a bunch of amateurish gags -- a feather turning into a baton, matches turning into handkerchiefs, making a burning candle disappear -- to the tune of Judas Priest's "You've Got Another Thing Coming." The only thing he had coming was a trip home. Eloy Rendon reinforced Rule #1 on "America's Got Talent": Spoken word doesn't fly. Especially when it's "motivational" spoken word talking about holes in people's souls. He was quickly buzzed and booed off stage, but we've got a pretty good hunch he'll get over it. Just plain weird: A mother-daughter act that wasn't too specific about its talent proved to be the oddest performance of the night, whistling "Climb Every Mountain" from "The Sound of Music." Mom, age 79, and daughter, age 38, forced some piercing sounds out of their pursed lips for much longer than necessary as the crowd booed mercilessly and eventually to to chanting, "Off! Off! Off!" Piers called the act "irritating, pointless, childish and a waste of our time." Harsh, but true. On to Vegas, baby! The episode wrapped the preliminary audition process and next week brings the Vegas callbacks, where more hopes and dreams will be smashed and others will continue on the road to $1 million.

It was such a lackluster night on "America's Got Talent" that even had judge Sharon Osbourne admit, "I can't take this anymore." In fact, the judges all got up and made a trip backstage at one point to fire up the performers, who were failing to live up to the expectations that got them to the Las Vegas callbacks in the first place. The episode took the contest's 113 remaining acts and cut the group to 60. Those will be cut to 40 in a special 90-minute episode at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT Thursday that will determine which acts will continue to the performance rounds in Hollywood. The lack of anyone in the audience contributed to the lack of energy in the Vegas round, which started with an interesting twist: Some of the acts would be sent packing without getting a chance to perform. The judges went back over the first-round audition tapes and and came up with a list of what appeared looked like a few dozen who got an early ticket home. One dramatic moment came when the judges divided the 113 acts into four groups and sent one of those four groups home before getting one chance to perform in Vegas. Of the first batch of variety acts, only martial artist/brick breaker Kevin "Big K" Taylor went home. A fire eater, a grinder girl, a sword swallower, and a couple of freak show and contortionists were pushed on through. A big show was made of the impressionist drag queens, Derek Barry as Britney Spears and Dorae Saunders as Tina Turner, going head to head. In the end, though, they both got through, along with early favorite Paul Salos, a 71-year-old Frank Sinatra imitator, and young Elvis impersonator Joseph Hall. Illusionist David Martin slipped up with his trick, despite claiming otherwise. A false wall accidentally dropped in the middle of his routine, apparently revealing how the trick worked. The opera showdown between four singers gave no solid results. Michael Strelo-Smith; Donald Braswell II, who wowed fans with his story of having his vocal cords severed in a freak car accident; Chiquita, a drag queen opera singer who showed off a remarkable vocal range; and Neal E. Boyd, the opera singer who doubles as an insurance agent from the season premiere, squared off. But, despite the hype, all four of the singers made it to the next round. Four-year-old Kaitlin Maher and 9-year-old David Millitello became friends and both got tickets to the next round. They took spots that might have been better used by Mia Boostrom, a 15-year-old singer-pianist who was impressive enough to merit staying in the competition. Mia sobbed later when she got the news that she'd be going home. Daniel Jens, the Army sergeant who won over the crowd and the judges earlier in the season with his vocals and guitar playing, let nerves get the best of him by forgetting his lyrics midway through the song. It didn't cost him much, though, as the judges moved him on to the next round. Holly Hardin, the Kellie Pickler wannabe, was sent home. In case you missed it: These performers weren't big on face time, but were good enough to move on: Singer-guitarist Jessica Price; urban violinists "Nuttin' But Stringz"; Ukrainian twins "Indiggo"; bluesy pianist-singer Eli Mattison; and The Tapping Dads.

A special 90-minute episode of "America's Got Talent" on Thursday narrowed the field of contestants down from 60 to 40. The episode aired on a special date and time in order to wrap up the Vegas portion of the competition before going on a three-week hiatus for NBC's coverage of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. When the show returns on Sept. 2, it will be for the live semifinal round in Hollywood. After the taping of the auditions, one semifinal act, the Russian Bar Trio, had to forced to drop out of the competition because one member, Christine, suffered a serious injury while trying to do a jump. Fans have been asked to vote online for that act's replacement from a list of eight wild-card picks laid out by the judges at nbc.com/AmericasGotTalent. There was only enough room for one R&B singer, so when it came down to Bryan Cheatham and Kyle Rifkin, it went to Bryan, the former Chippendales dancer. Paul Salos, the 71-year-old Frank Sinatra impersonator, talked about this show being his last chance at success before being told he was moving on. He was joined by 4-year-old singer Kaitlin Maher, and Army sergeant Daniel Jens. Also moving on: * Elvis impersonator Jonathan Hall * Urban violinists Nuttin' But Stringz * Freak show performer George "The Giant" MacArthur * The Russian Bar Trio, who eventually had to drop out * Hip-hop quartet The James Gang * Tina Turner impersonator Dorae Saunders * Impressionist Matthew Piazzi * Singer-pianist Eli Mattson * Dancer Ronny B. * Ukrainian twin sisters Indiggo * Magician Shimshi * Pyromaniac Flambeaux * 10-year-old martial artist Elite * Drag queen opera singer Shequida Percussion group Plastic Musik * Magician Bruce Block * Trombonist Jonathan Arons. * Queen Emily, the 42-year-old single mom singer * Jonathan Burkin, the 17-year-old baton twirler * Jessica Price, the 24-year-old singer-guitarist whose father abandoned her family * Britney Spears drag queen impersonator Derrick Barry Jagged edge: Sword swallower Dan Meyer was praised for being one of the best in the world at what he does, but the judges didn't believe he had the good to sustain a full show and cut him. New Orleans street performers Lil Countrie and Page 1NE were on a mission to rebuild their city, but their journey ended too soon. Xclusive, a popper who might have fit better on that "Dance" show on Fox, wasn't invited into the exclusive group of semifinals. Donald Braswell, whose inspiring story of returning to singing after a car accident severed his vocal cords was enough for judge David Hasselhoff to call it "the comeback story of all time," didn't make it through. The year of the dance: The Zooperstars, a group of inflated animal mascots dressed in sports uniforms, broke through to the next round despite judge Piers Morgan's early opposition. Ironically, he was the one who got to deliver the news. Other dancing groups moving on include the Slippery Kittens; the Dallas Desperados dance team; Sickstep; The Tapping Dads; the DC Cowboys; and Beyond Belief Dance Company, which won out over the Sterling Silver clog group for the final dancing spot. The main event: After showcasing the duel as a head-to-head battle for two episodes, the two big opera singers, Michael Strelo-Smith and Neal E. Boyd, faced off at the end of the night. The trick was on the viewers, though, as the judges put them both through to the next round, preferring to let the viewers decide rather than taking on the job themselves. On the disabled list: With the Russian Bar Trio's departure from the competition, viewers were asked to vote on nbc.com/AmericasGotTalent for one act to take their place. The choices are: singer Donald Braswell III; 11-year-old contortionist Victoria Jacoby; salsa dancers Junior and Emily; street performers Lil Countrie & Page 1NE; sword swallower Dan Meyer; grinder Miss Pussykatt; singer Kyle Rifkin; and popper Xclusive.

In the first live show of the third season of "America's Got Talent," host Jerry Springer got things moving by announcing that the 40 contestants in the semifinals are vying for a $1 million prize and a chance to headline a show on the Vegas strip, saying "the prize is the biggest, ever, anywhere in the world." Ten acts performed Tuesday night, five will move on to the next round. Those will be announced Wednesday night before 10 more acts hit the stage. It was also announced that Donald Braswell, the singer whose vocal chords were severed in a freak accident 11 years ago, won the viewer vote that determined the 40th spot in the semifinals that opened when the Russian Bar Trio had to bow out due to injury. Best of the best Neal E. Boyd: The insurance salesman turned opera singer stole the evening with a powerful performance of "Somewhere (There's a Place for Us)." He got a standing ovation from the all three judges, who scooped praised upon him by the shovel full when he was done. Judge Piers Morgan told Boyd, You have become the Michael Phelps of this competition. You have become the man to beat, and whoever beats you is going to have to give the performance of their life. Jessica Price: Singer and guitarist Jessica Price, who has long shared her story of her father abandoning her family, gave a genuine performance of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time," bringing the crowd to its feet. The judges loved it, as well, only telling her that she needs to embrace her talent and show a little more confidence on stage. Derrick Barry: The Britney Spears impersonator promised to raise the controversy stakes a bit and came through to some extent, embracing a version of the schoolgirl outfit Spears wore in the video for "Hit Me Baby One More Time." Barry lip-synced and danced to the tune and received a quick "X" from Morgan. The judge later told him, Its nothing personal, and Im sure the entire audience will not agree with me. I dont think, personally, that grown men should be wearing school girl outfits and pretending to be Britney Spears. David Hasselhoff didn't seem to mind, admitting, "I'm questioning my sexuality." Worst of the night Ronny B., who The Hoff said had "Zero voice. Zero danceability. Zero talent," did his best impression of William Hung, circa 2004, performing Ricky Martin's "She Bangs." It just wasn't funny anymore -- which begs the question of whether it ever was. Morgan told Ronny, "The show is about fun and entertainment. And youre funny and entertaining." Sharon Osbourne followed by saying, You are an absurd little man, but I do like you. Will America? The D.C. Cowboys were pretty much a mess. The choreography wasn't good, which drove Osbourne to the Paula Abdul-esque comment, "What you lack with your dancing abilities, you make up with your personalities." She might as well have said, "You look great!" Even The Hoff, one of the dance group's biggest supporters during the audition phase, said, "Tonight, you were just a little off." The James Gang: The 1920s music and hip-hop hybrid thrilled the crowd with its performance during the audition, but went too far to try to impress on Tuesday. They included a couple of attempts at cheap magic tricks, including some pulling of doves from their jackets, which ended with some of one of the doves escaping from a pocket at the end of the routine. Morgan suggested that if they got through, they should slow down and focus on singing instead of such gimmicks. But will America give them a second chance? On the bubble Extreme Dance FX: A nine-person precision clog dancing group performed to Salt & Pepas Push It. The group put forward a solid effort, performing first in the season's first live show. Morgan, who reminded them that he wasn't the group's biggest fan, said it was "terrific." Cadence: The group of percussionists from Missouri took the judges' advice by adding music to their routine, but the judges struggled to see what was special about the group and different from what the Blue Man Group is already doing in Vegas. Shimshi: The previously impressive illusionist opted to do what was ultimately a card trick -- albeit a pretty mind-blowing one. He asked a volunteer from the crowd to pick a card from an oversized deck, then picked the woman's card after suspending the deck eight feet above the ground, doing a backflip and kicking the deck in such a way that the woman's chosen card was the one that stuck to tape he'd put on his foot. It was remarkable, but Morgan and The Hoff questioned the decision to do a card trick at such a critical point in the competition. Elite: The 10-year-old martial artist put together a pirate-themed presentation that had her kicking, punching and tossing her faux-foes around the stage in a highly choreographed routine. It was mildly entertaining, but came off a little hokey.

The semifinals were in full swing Wednesday night on "America's Got Talent" as five performers from Tuesday's show moved ahead in the competition while five others discovered the end of the road. America's vote proved in favor of true talent, with the gimmicks being cast aside in favor of true performers, including Neal E. Boyd, the opera singer; Jessica Price, the singer/guitarist; modern clog dancers Extreme Dance FX; and percussion group The Cadence. The judges picked the fifth and final act to move on, and they were left to choose between 10-year-old martial artist Elite, and the 1920s and hip hop fusion group The James Gang. With a heavy heart, judges Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne gave The James Gang the two votes they needed to move on and dashed the hopes of the young girl who kicks some choreographed butt. She cried, then smiled, then left. On to Wednesday's performances... Best of the night: The evening was again stolen by the final act, and this time it was Queen Emily. The single mother who'd put her singing dreams on hold to raise her children captured the attention of the judges, who the previous night had labeled Boyd the man to beat in the competition. Judge David Hasselhoff told Emily that she was now the front-runner. Paul Salos, the elderly Frank Sinatra impersonator, put forth another swinging performance, this time singing "My Way" Sinatra's way. It's clear the judges love him, but will the voters feel the same way? Beyond Belief Dance Company, a group of what appears to be nearly two dozen young dancers, pulled it together and put on a high-energy display to work their way into contention. Missed the mark: George the Giant left the judges speechless, befuddled and less than impressed with an odd act that included him hanging upside down while getting beat by kids who thought he was a pinata. The end was awkward as the judges weren't really sure the act was over, but once they started talking, they didn't say anything good. Morgan called it childish and embarrassing, Osbourne called it "silly," and The Hoff thought it was just plain strange. Kazual, an R&B group that showed promise while singing ballads during the audition process, went upbeat and crashed hard. They sang The Jackson 5's "Can You Feel It?" and the judges didn't, for the most part. Morgan railed against all the singers but one, insisting that only one was good enough to be a lead singer and that the rest should back him up. Daniel Jens, the Army sergeant with a heart-warming story, opted not to wear his military uniform and looked pretty ordinary. He promised he wouldn't forget his lyrics again, which he did in the audition phase, but he stumbled over some and compelled Morgan to say that he hadn't heard a singer all night who was deserving of a Vegas show. (Queen Emily had not yet performed). The ZOOperstars, the inflatable sports mascots, danced around but could be losing a good amount of their appeal. What will America think? On the bubble:The Wright Kids were cute, singing The Monkees' "Daydream Believer" rather than perform something along the lines of their traditional bluegrass roots. Jonathan Arons, trombonist and dancer extraordinaire, was playing out of tune and the judges called it out, but he might have been high energy to save himself for another round. The Slippery Kittens burlesque dancer group from Utah got the blood pumping a bit with a star-spangled strip show that had Morgan saying he wanted them to put their clothes back on.

Last week: Five finalists were determined, five were sent home and 10 more awaited their fate. The 10 performers from Wednesday's show were the first to find out if their journey toward the $1 million prize would end or continue. Four voted by America and one voted by the judges would continue on the path to the big prize. After a quick recap of all 10 acts, the performers were asked to step to the front of the stage in pairs. The acts continuing with America's votes were: Frank Sinatra impersonator Paul Salos (over the Slippery Kittens); The Wright Kids (over trombonist Jonathan Arons); Daniel Jens (over George the Giant); and Queen Emily (over R&B quartet Kazual). That left the judges to decide who would continue between Beyond Belief Dance Company and he Zooperstars, who came fifth and sixth in the public vote. Piers went with Beyond Belief Dance Company and Sharon, after some hesitation and admitting that "every show needs silliness," voted for the Zooperstars. That left the deciding vote to The Hoff, who went with the Zooperstars, leaving the 21 girls in Beyond Belief Dance Company to congratulate five inflatable mascots. Best of the night: Baton twirler Jonathan Burkin put on quite the pyrotechnic display, twirling as many as three batons with flames on their ends at one time and putting on some impressive flips and acrobatic displays in between tosses. Piers said Jonathan was the kinds of act, "like Terry Fator last year" who nobody thinks can win until they do. The Taubl Family did a wild nine-part harmony to Rhianna's "Umbrella" to try to prove they aren't as old-fashioned as folks might have thought they were. Piers said, "it works." Sharon said it was "all looking very grim tonight until you lot came on." Worst of the night: The Texas State Strutters got buzzed by all three judges, but the performance didn't immediately stop. The choreography was a bit off, and just Piers Morgan said "it was boring." Judge Sharon Osbourne wondered what they could do to sustain a whole 90-minute show and The Hoff said he just said goodbye to some dancers that he thought were better. Magician Bruce Block said he'd put his life's savings into Tuesday's performance. Bruce made a pony appear in a box that didn't appear to have come from anywhere. Piers, who buzzed Bruce, called it "the oldest trick in the book." The Hoff called it "very confusing" and said it "just didn't come together." Impressionist Matthew Piazzi had a tough mountain to climb as Piers declared that "to get into the finals as an impersonator, you can't just be good, you've got to be great." The judges wanted Matthew to do more than impressions and he offered up a bit that included takes on George Clooney, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Vince Vaughn and others into a piano-inflused "Great Balls of Fire." It fell apart at the piano section, which Piers noted, saying that as soon as Matthew went to the piano, the audience went dead. The Hoff loved it. On the bubble: Michael Strelo-Smith, the big competition to Neal E. Boyd for the mini-battle as "America's Favorite Opera Singer." Strelo-Smith, who gave up his teaching job to sing full-time, got buzzed by Piers and Sharon. Piers said Michael seemed "karaoke," and Michael fired back, telling Piers he was "sorry" that he couldn't see "what's inside and what drives me." Sharon told Michael, "It's not good to answer back." She said his performance "screamed to me: music teacher." He again talked back, saying being a music teacher was an admirable thing, and she again told him to be quiet. The Hoff liked about Michael that he never gave up. Shequida, the drag queen opera singer, tried her hand at an operatic version of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" and didn't. Piers buzzed her, and that the extent of the buzzer use. Piers called it a "very, very, very high-pitched noise." Sharon said Shequida looked stunning, which is never a good sign. The Hoff said it seemed campy because Shequida didn't show the different levels of her voice. Sarah Lenore, a singer and acoustic guitarist competing with Jessica Price for that title, was excited about performing for her father, who was in the audience. She took a chance on the Dixie Chicks' "I'm Not Ready to Make Nice," which might split her heartland votes -- not to mention the fact that she didn't sing it very well. Piers said it started rough, but picked up toward the end. The Hoff said her daddy should be really proud and predicted she'd be in the top 10. SickStep, a 10-piece dance crew, put on a decent display. Piers praised the choreography and said they've proven to him "that they are more than street entertainers." Joseph Hall, the young Elvis impersonator, got another chance to feed off the crowd. It didn't work. He tried a rendition of "Jailhouse Rock" with the assistance of black and white TV effects that had the crowd split. He didn't get buzzed, but the performance seemed like less of a tribute to Elvis and more like some Disney Channel-esque take on The King. Piers told him to relax and Sharon empathized with the difficulty in singing and dancing at the same time. She asked him to bring back the naughtiness.

Judge Piers Morgan, who buzzed half of the 10 performers on Tuesday night, said he "should have buzzed at least two more." Sharon Osbourne said the stakes are higher now and that there's "no more Mrs. Nice Woman anymore. This is serious, and we are looking for a superstar." To the results...: It was time to eliminate five acts and let five continue to the next round. After a night that was mostly disappointing, it was anyone's guess as to who would make it through. Magician Bruce Block wasn't there because of illness. To add insult to ill health, he was booted. The acts voted through by America were: baton twirler Jonathan Burkin (over the Texas State Strutters); singer and guitarist Sarah Lenore (over drag queen and opera singer Shequida); Elvis impersonator Joseph Hall (over impressionist Matthew Piazzi); and the Taubl Family. That left the judges to decide who would continue between the dance group SickStep and opera singer Michael Strelo-Smith, who had talked back to the judges Tuesday night, to Sharon's dismay. Piers told Michael, "your problem is that you're probably half as good as you think you are," and added that "a bit of humility goes a long way in this business." He gave his vote to SickStep. Sharon followed suit, ending Michael Strelo-Smith's second run on the show. Best of the night: Donald Braswell, who got a second chance thanks to America's vote when a spot in the top 40 opened up because another act pulled out because an injury. He promised he wouldn't let America down. He gave a powerful rendition of "The Impossible Dream" from "The Man of La Mancha" that had the crowd roaring with approval. He was the sixth act of the night, and was the first performer over the age of 4 that Piers didn't buzz. Piers told Donald that America's vote for him was "absolutely right." "You've got a great chance now," Piers told him. Sharon said he sang beautifully but wondered if there was a place for him in today's music business. She also told him to lighten up and smile and enjoy the journey. The Hoff said he "nailed it." Eli Mattson, a bluesy pianist and singer, sat at the piano and played "Nobody Knows It But Me," made famous by Babyface. Piers had one word for him, "Sensational." Sharon, equally impressed, said, "No dancers, no fire, no backing track. Just talent." The Hoff predicted Eli would make it to the top 10. Nuttin But Stringz burst onto the stage and closed the show by earning the rare standing ovation from the crowd and the judges. "For emotion, for intensity, for professionalism, for commanding the stage, for electricity, you guys are my favorite act in the competition." Piers said it was brilliant and that he was "trembling." The Hoff loved that the guys were able to move him with their music. Sharon defended the move to put 4-year-old Kaitlyn Maher into the top 40 because she was deserving. "She is unique, she's confident and she's talented," Sharon said. Kaitlyn came out and gave her rendition of Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World." Kaitlyn got a standing ovation despite looking a bit nervous. She said she felt good and sang well. Piers acknowledged that "a lot of people say a little girl of your age shouldn't be in this show or shouldn't be on this stage. You have more charm, more star quality, more professionalism than almost all of the other acts I've seen. You're incredible. You deserve to be here." Sharon told Kaitlyn she was pitch perfect again, but suggested that she could add some movement to her performance and Kaitlyn simply repeated, "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." The Hoff said Kaitlyn should run for president. He told her, "You bring the world together." Worst of the night: Flambeaux put on a big dramatic display that was full of flames and fire and boredom. All three judges buzzed him and the crowd turned completely against him, showering him with boos. American Transylvania-born identical twin sisters Indiggo qualified for the top-40 semi-finals on Season 3 of America's Got Talent. The show began with an audition in New York City, which the twins passed performing "New York, New York", Sharon Osborne voting "yes" and calling Indiggo "wild, crazy and fantastic". With the audience cheering and clapping, Piers Morgan gave his "yes" so that they were then promoted to the next stage of Las Vegas callbacks where the twins performed Elvis Presley's "Viva Las Vegas". Indiggo's audition was strong enough for the judges to send them to the Top 40 Quarterfinals in Episode 309. They were then promoted in the competition to the semi-final Los Angeles rounds where they performed "I Don't Need No Georgie Clooney", written for them by Germany's pop-titan Dieter Bohlen. The Dallas Desperados Dancers seemed completely out of step and Piers and Sharon quickly buzzed them. The Hoff later said he only let them continue to the end because they'd worked so hard. On the bubble: R&B singer Bryan Cheatham took on Barry White's "The First, the Last, My Evereything," which seemed a little out of his range. Piers buzzed him, but the crowd seemed pleased. Piers told Bryan that rather than being a headline act in Vegas, he's "more likely to be a headline act on a cruise ship." Sharon told the ex-Chippendale's dancer to "cut the cheese," meaning the winking and faux sexy moves. "Cut the crap and use your voice," she said. The Hoff said he nailed the second half of the song. Drag queen Tina Turner impersonator Dorae Saunders tried "Burn Baby Burn," lip-synced and shimmied through a high-energy performance. Piers buzzed her and later said that he didn't think it would be fair to put her through to the next round when the other tribute acts in the competition actually sing. Nonetheless, Sharon and The Hoff loved it. The Tappin' Dads set out to prove Piers wrong after he said they simply lacked the talent to continue in the competition. Piers buzzed them quickly, but the crowd was into it. Piers told them that Fred Astaire would "turn in his grave." Sharon apparently didn't like it, as she proceeded to slap Piers and tear up sheets of paper after smacking him with them. She told him to shut up after he cut her off, and told the dads "What you lack, technically, you make up for in heart, and I love you. You're brilliant."

The "America's Got Talent" crop for 2008 was narrowed on Tuesday night to the 20 semifinalists still in the running for the $1 million grand prize and a headlining gig in Las Vegas. To the results: In the results everyone wanted to know about, 4-year-old singer Kaitlyn Maher made it through to the next round, advancing over Flambeaux thanks to America's vote after Wednesday's performances. The other three acts to make it by popular demand were urban violinists Nuttin But Stringz (over Indiggo); pianist and singer Eli Mattson (over Dorae Saunders); and singer Donald Braswell (over The Dallas Desperados Dancers). The judges were left to decide the fate of R&B singer Bryan Cheatham and The Tappin' Dads. The vote was split, at first, with Piers Morgan giving his vote to Cheatham while Sharon Osbourne supported the Dads. That left David Hasselhoff to break the tie and, after complimenting both acts and telling Cheatham he could headline a Vegas show, The Hoff voted for The Tappin' Dads and moved them into the semifinals. On with the show! Percussion group The Cadence promised to bring everything they had; Queen Emily told viewers to prepare to be surprised; The Wright Kids said they were going to win it all; The James Gang acknowledged that last time things fell apart and vowed to redeem themselves; Army sergeant Daniel Jens said it's now all about making the Top 10; The Zooperstars said they were "ready to rock again"; opera singer Neal E. Boyd said he believed he was the best new act in America and was going to prove it; Jessica Price said she wanted this "more than ever" and that she didn't want her journey to end; Extreme Dance FX promised to take their act to a whole new level; and Frank Sinatra impersonator Paul Salos said that performing in Vegas had always been a dream and "now I want the reality." Best of the night: Neal E. Boyd got another chance to show America what he could do and told the audience that people from his hometown bought a plane ticket for his mother to make the trip and watch him perform live. Neal sang Il Divo's "Mama" as a dedication to her. Piers directed his comments to Neal's mom and told her that all her work and sacrifice gave him "a brilliant chance of winning 'America's Got Talent.'" Sharon said she loved the song choice and called him a "superstar." The Hoff said he wondered before Neal performed whether an opera singer was enough to sustain a show in Vegas. "I scratched that all out," he said. "You've got it, man." The Wright Kids gave themselves another pop music challenge with The Jackson 5's "Rockin' Robin." Piers said the middle kid's singing was miles better than last week. Sharon said she thought this week was as far as they could take it, but they surprised her again. The Hoff said "I know you're going to get voted back" and told them they could win the whole competition. Queen Emily took on Mariah Carey's "Hero" and gave it her powerful treatment. Piers said he wasn't sure if she could handle it, but said parts of her performances are like riding on a rocket, which is probably a good thing. Sharon said she couldn't wait until the finals when Queen Emily would be able to sing a full-length song. Extreme Dance FX offered what Jerry Springer called "the hippest synchronized clog dancing you've ever seen" -- which I personally thought was a huge assumption about my experience watching synchronized blog dancing. Piers complimented the leader of the group, and Sharon jumped on board saying that the leader could take the group all the way to Vegas. Worst of the night: The James Gang might have wanted to avoid a tune like "Hit the Road, Jack" on what will probably become their final night in the competition. The judges went right at them, with Piers first telling them the vocals were off. Sharon said she loved their smoothness, but that they seemed to have gone backward since the first time the judges saw them. Even The Hoff told them "it's just not there" like it was earlier in the competition. The Zooperstars took the stage by storm with some tremendous singing and dancing, but the judges didn't seem to be digging it. Piers said the time has come for the act to go home. Sharon agreed, saying that they made her laugh at first, but they don't anymore. She said it was time for someone to come alone with a big needle to put the inflatable sports mascots to rest. The Hoff even said it was likely the end of the road for them, even though the kids seem love. On the bubble: The Cadence tried to add some new dimensions to their act, including some flips and tumbles and some piggy-backing on each others' shoulders as they played "You Really Got Me." Piers praised them for listening to the judges' advice and said, "tonight, for the first time, I saw an act that could play in Vegas." Sharon, who'd been most critical of the group, said they'd come a long way and she wanted to see more attitude. Daniel Jens said that since he last performed, the Army had asked him to re-enlist, leaving him with some tough decisions to make. He said, "tonight America holds my destiny in its hands." He sang Lonestar's "I'm Already There" and looked a bit uncomfortable without holding his guitar. He looked nervous walking down the steps and Piers told him, as a singer, he doesn't think Jens compares to the others remaining. He said that if Jens has to choose between following his singing dream and serving his country, he should serve his country. Sharon said she liked Jens and even though he wasn't the greatest singer, she liked him. She also told him "don't go back" and that he's already served his country. THe Hoff something about having heart. Singer and guitarist Jessica Price said her confidence has grown throughout the competition. She sang Colbie Caillat's "Bubbly" (that "starts at my toes then I crinkle my nose" song). Sharon's buzzer went off as soon as she was introduced, but it apparently was a mistake (it was cleared, but it must've freaked Jessica out a bit). Piers buzzed her for real toward the end and called it "a bit cheesy." Sharon said she could have put more sassiness into the performance, then she told her to take off all her clothes. The Hoff said she has more talent than that song. Frank Sinatra impersonator Paul Salos combined his two loves, Frank and flying, with a rendition of "Come Fly with Me." The performance was a little off and the judges let him know. Piers said it didn't quite work for him as it had in the past. Salos said he couldn't hear the music through the monitor speakers, but refused to make it an excuse.

The second half of the top 20 got their chance to perform for a shot at the top 10 on "America's Got Talent" on Wednesday. The first half of the final 20 performed on Tuesday night, and the final 10 would be announced during a special results show on Thursday night. After a time-killing montage all about how great it would be for the winner to get a show in Las Vegas, last year's winner took the "America's Got Talent" stage for a special appearance. Fator got a nice plug in for his headlining show at The Mirage that starts on February 14, and his new book called, "Who's the Dummy Now?" It was a night that would separate the skilled from the less deserving, and one judge even had a dose of reality for the 4-year-old fan favorite Kaitlyn Maher. Some of the best performers in the competition stepped their games up even further, while a small handful made some decisions that could backfire when the results are revealed. Best of the night: Donald Braswell, who Sharon thought was "dated," wanted to prove that he was more than what the judges thought he was. He took on "Music of the Night" from "The Phantom of the Opera." Piers said he was "hating the sight of" Braswell because every time he shows up and does better than the week before, it reminds him of how the judges left him out originally and the voters brought him back. He called Braswell the Rocky Balboa of the show. Sharon loved the song choice and asked him to do something younger and sassier next week. The Hoff told Braswell he took his breath away. Urban violinists Nuttin' But Stringz talked about dedicating their performances to their cousin, who was killed on the streets of New York. They took a risk with a new style of music that was a little dark. And, while The Hoff danced awkwardly in his seat, they rocked the house again. Piers said they were "electrifying" and said they bring two worlds together. Sharon said that if they weren't voted into the next round it would be "such an injustice." The Hoff said, "Four words: Nuttin' but the finals!" Singer and pianist Eli Mattson, who host Jerry Springer said has been receiving fan mail from all over the country, gave himself a new challenge with his own take on Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You." A bold move. What did the judges think? Piers said that if every one of the singers in the competition put an album out today, he'd buy Mattson's. Sharon loved it, but suggested he work on his intonation when singing in his lower register. The Hoff agreed, but said Mattson really is "the piano man." Elvis impersonator Joseph Hall was looking to bounce back from a shaky "Jailhouse Rock" performance the previous week. After Hall's rousing performance of "Suspicious Minds," Piers said "Elvis is back in the building" and praised Hall for bringing back the swagger and confidence. Sharon said he was all showbiz and was "what the show needs." The Hoff said the only difference between Hall and Elvis is that Hall is much thinner. Baton twirler Jonathan Burkin said he felt more pressure after Piers said last week that he never makes mistakes. With such a specialized skill, Burkin knew that if he ever did drop his baton, "it could be all over for me." He again wowed the crowd with his stunts, juggling three batons lit at both ends and doing flips in between each toss. Piers said he was "absolutely sure" that Burkin would drop a baton, but he didn't. He told Burkin the only challenge he'd have would be from the rest of the competitors, who did great. Sharon said he was unique and that she hoped to see him next week. The Hoff said watching Burkin makes him nervous because he's so afraid to watch him drop a baton -- but he never has. Worst of the night: Singer Sarah Lenore cried as she talked about how much she wanted to win the competition. She vowed to show a softer side of her voice, which tends to get shouty when she's nervous. She took on Leona Lewis' "Keep Bleeding." Piers said it was a brave song choice and she sang it well, "but not brilliantly." He said her best-suited type of music is country and that the song exposed her weakness. Sharon told Sarah "you tried to make it your own, but you didn't." The Hoff stepped over the line and asked America to vote Lenore back because she simply picked "the wrong song." The Taubl Family talked about the challenge of picking the right song and they seemed out of sync in their harmonies as they tried "When You Believe," originally sung by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston on "The Prince of Egypt" soundtrack. The girls mostly took the vocal parts. Piers buzzed them and said the first half was boring, but said the second half was great after they got their harmonies together. The Hoff encouraged the group to sing together because that is their strength. On the bubble: Kaitlyn Maher said she wasn't nervous performing live the previous week, she was just having fun. She said she was getting a chance to do something no other 4-year-old in America had the chance to do, "and that makes me feel really special." She sang "Beauty and the Beast" and waved her arm up on a part about the sun rising, after Sharon had asked her to move her arms a week earlier. Piers said he was going to play the role of the beast, telling her she'd done brilliantly and said she's been the princess but she might not be ready to be the queen. Sharon mysteriously asked Kaitlyn to tell her daughter, Kelly Osbourne, to cheer up because she was not very happy. The Hoff said it didn't matter whether Kaitlyn won the competition because she's brought the country together. The Tappin' Dads were looking to prove Piers Morgan wrong after he said that they didn't have the talent to pull through in the competition. They offered a high energy, well choreographed performance that had Sharon and The Hoff both standing at the end. Piers noted that something held him back from buzzing them because they seemed to be having more fun. He admitted that there was something about their spirit and dedication that was beginning to get to him, which was a good thing. Sharon said their dancing was hugely improved. The Hoff said he was "so glad" he didn't vote them off last week. Martial arts/dance group SickStep promised to take its act further than ever with more stunts and moves. The group delivered, but was it the kind of performance that could propel it to the top 10? Judge Piers Morgan said he was going to be extra tough and that he didn't think the group did much better than last week. Sharon Osbourne agreed, saying the dancers have to continue to step it up.

The final 10 performers were announced on a special, action-packed, 30-minute episode of "America's Got Talent" on Thursday, and the results came with a few shocking moments. The big question on many viewers' minds was whether 4-year-old Kaitlyn Maher would make it into the finals. Judge Piers Morgan suggested on Wednesday night that it had been fun, she was their princess, but it was probably time for her to go home and make way for a more deserving finalist. Did America heed his words? No. Kaitlyn stood nervously at first but became very excited when host Jerry Springer called her name over the dance group SickStep for a spot in the final 10. The last push to the $1 million grand prize and a headlining gig in Las Vegas begins for Kaitlyn and the nine other finalists on Tuesday night. So, who were they? To the results...: Thursday night's special results show broke the final 20 into the groups in which they performed. Tuesday night's performers were the first to hear the results of America's vote. The Wright Kids took center stage along with The Zooperstars, who appeared with all but one of them not in costume for the first time. The judges had suggested the Zooperstars' antics had run their course and America agreed. That meant The Wright Kids moved into the first spot in the top 10. Next to center stage were single mom Queen Emily and insurance-salesman-turned-opera-singer Neal E. Boyd, two fan favorites who earned an uproar of boos and gasps as they were called to the stage at the same time. The judges appeared shocked as well, with Sharon Osbourne mouthing something along the lines of, "Are you serious?" Springer ramped up the drama long enough, announcing, "The next act to move into the final 10 is ... (pause) ... (pause and camera zooms on each of their faces) ... (pause just to pause a little longer) ... BOTH OF YOU!" The crowd roared and Sharon's heart began to beat again. The flip side of that fun little bit was that when Extreme Dance FX, "the hippest synchronized clog dancing you've ever seen," met at center stage with The James Gang, who had been a disappointment for a few weeks. Both acts went home. Finally, Springer called Frank Sinatra impersonator Paul Salos and percussion group The Cadence forward. Salos took a deep breath and crossed his fingers as Springer made the announcement that confirmed Salos' spot in the finals, sending The Cadence home. That left the fates of Army sergeant-turned-singer Daniel Jens and singer/guitarist Jessica Price in the hands of the judges. David Hasselhoff made his choice first, which surprised him. He told Jens not to go back to Iraq as a solider, but as an entertainer, and he complimented both performers before picking Jessica. Sharon said she wasn't sure if either act could sustain his or her own show in Vegas so she made her choice "as a mother" and picked Jens. Piers, who clarified that when he suggested Jens continue to serve his country he meant it in a noble way, said his choice was made with the utmost respect to both singers and picked Jessica. She broke down in tears and hugged Jens before joining the other finalists. The Wednesday crowd: After first announcing that Kaitlyn Maher made it into the final 10, Springer asked Donald Braswell and The Tapping Dads to come forward. Braswell, who originally didn't make it into the top 40 and got his spot after America voted to replace another act that had to drop out due to injury, made it into the final 10. Nuttin' But Stringz and The Taubl Family came to the middle of the stage, where Nuttin' But Stringz got the good news they were hoping for, and The Taubl Family discovered the end of the road. Singer Sarah Lenore's face said it all when she was asked to join pianist and singer Eli Mattson for their results. Mattson has emerged as a crowd favorite and earned rave reviews from the judges for his rendition of Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You." Lenore, meanwhile, was told by every judge that she picked the wrong song on Wednesday with Leona Lewis' "Keep Bleeding." Mattson went on, Lenore went home. Only Elvis impersonator Joseph Hall, baton twirler Jonathan Burkin and one spot in the final 10 remained. The judges would have to make the choice and Sharon simply laid her head face down on the judges' table because she could stand the pressure. Piers made his decision first and, though he praised Burkin for his skill and the fact that he's never made a mistake, he worried that he's already seen the best Burkin has to offer. He said his choice of Hall was based on feeling like he had more to offer. More to offer? An Elvis impersonator in Vegas? Really? Sharon didn't say much, but fumbled over the names of the two contestants, both of whom she likes very much. She first said "Jonathan" then "Joseph," then asked, "Which one is Jonathan?" Finally, she said, "The baton boy" and laid her head back down on the table. That left the decision to The Hoff. The credits on the packed episode were already beginning to roll by the time he finally let out his choice: Joseph Hall.

The top 10 finalists on "America's Got Talent" took the stage Wednesday night as America would cut the group in half, deciding the final five that would be announced in a special results show on Thursday. With no more judges' picks remaining, it would be up to America to make the right choices. Judge Piers Morgan said voters would have to make "responsible choices tonight. The games are over, the sympathy votes are over. This is the real deal." He seemed to be clearly talking about 4-year-old Kaitlyn Maher, who has skated through into the top 10, possibly taking the spot of someone more deserving. What would America do? Luck be a top 5 finish? Frank Sinatra impersonator Paul Salos talked about his long-time admiration of Ol' Blue Eyes and said he was going to "knock 'em out" with his rendition of "New York, New York." Piers buzzed him about halfway through and later told Salos he'd done Sinatra with style and it had been a pleasure watching him. Piers said Salos is "a million-dollar guy, but not a million-dollar act." Sharon said she thought he was "just fabulous." David Hasselhoff said it was a "very, very difficult song ... and you nailed it." Daddy's little girl: Kaitlyn Maher, 4, said she was singing her song for her dad because it always puts a smile on his face. It was The Jackson 5's "I'll Be There." She tried to offer up a little more movement, sitting on some steps before walking to the front of the stage to sing her song. Piers said it was amazing for her, at 4, to remember all the words. He said he didn't think it would be fair to her to put her on a Las Vegas stage. He advised voters, "Just bear that in mind, America." Sharon said Kaitlyn looked great in red and that she loved her song choice. The Hoff told her she did great job and that he enjoyed watching her journey. It was a speech that sounded like a send off. Ultimate fighter: Donald Braswell recounted the story of having his vocal cords severed in a freak motorcycle accident in 1995, and credited his wife for making him strong enough to fight his way back. The Hoff said in the taped bit before Braswell's performance he needs to connect with the audience more. Well, the crowd went nuts for his stirring, strong performance. Piers said there are "lots of great singers" and that he wasn't sure if Braswell was as good as the others, adding that he wasn't sure he'd buy Braswell's album or pay to see him perform. Sharon told Braswell he looked very sexy and said he was "fabulous" and "lovely." The Hoff said he loved Braswell's story and that he kept coming back, and added that he would buy Braswell's album. Factory girl: Jessica Price told her story of working in a factory in Michigan and how different her life is now with a chance to win $1 million and a show in Vegas. Price dedicated her song, Sarah McLachlan's "Angel," to her mother, her angel. Her mom cried as she sang. Piers said that every time he'd seen Price perform, he thought there was something missing. "But tonight, finally, it all came together," he said. Sharon said McLachlan would "love" what Price did and said she'd finally found a style for her that fits. The Hoff, getting a little emotional as he spoke, said she channeled all her pain and heartache into the song. It's now or never: Elvis impersonator Joseph Hall talked about paying tribute to his hero and listening to The King's music on road trips with his father. He took on the challenge of performing "A Little Less Conversation," a remix he said Elvis didn't perform very often. He had the fans going nuts, for sure. Piers said that judging purely on his singing, "that was terrible." "You sing Elvis like I would sing Elvis in a karaoke bar while I'm drunk." But he said there was something about Hall that was "incredibly entertaining." Sharon praised him for getting more confident with his performance. The Hoff said he didn't know what Piers was smoking because Hall "absolutely nailed it." Lonely boy? Neal E. Boyd said he was going to sing "All By Myself" because he was "always the fat kid" in school and that meant he was lonely a lot. He dedicated his performance to his school choir teacher because once he started singing, nobody made fun of him anymore. It started off a little slow, but Boyd brought it home for the big finish. Piers called it a big risk but said it was like watching a volcano because nothing was going on before it erupted. Sharon said she was worried when he first started singin, but she got goose bumps when he hit the chorus and showed his strength. The Hoff said Boyd is "absolutely the front runner." The Wright stuff: The Wright Kids planned to perform "ABC" by The Jackson 5. They dedicated their song to their music teacher. The performance came off a little flat. Piers said it would be very tough for the family band to get into the top five, but they didn't themselves and their family proud. Sharon said they made the song their own and said they should be happy with themselves. The Hoff seemed to be closing the book on the group, telling them, "Look how far you got!" Is she going? Queen Emily decided to take on "And I Am Telling You" by Jennifer Holliday (popularized even further by Jennifer Hudson in her Oscar-winning performance in "Dreamgirls"). Piers said "there's always a moment in this show, normally around this time, when somebody comes out and they just rip that stage to pieces. You just did that." He said Queen Emily just jumped ahead of Neal E. Boyd. Sharon said Emily had the voice and the stage presence to be a born entertainer. The Hoff told her she knocked it out of the park. No stringz attached: Violin-playing brothers Nuttin' But Stringz took a risk by performing a song they created themselves in honor of their mother. Piers acknowledged that it was a big risk performing a song they wrote themselves. He said they were up against nine other singing acts, but "if I ask myself ... which of all the acts would I pay my own money to see perform in Vegas? It's you two. Every time." Sharon said she wanted to meet their mom "because she did a hell of a job." The Hoff said it's almost like Led Zeppelin on violins and "we'll see you in the final." Rocket Man: Eli Mattson said Elton John is one of his heroes and he remembered, at the age of 11, watching John perform. Mattson gave his rendition of "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word." Piers said it felt pretty great. He thought Mattson held back a little bit, but this week he let loose and "the piano playing was just ridiculous." Sharon said she knew Elton John was watching and "I know he will not be disappointed in that performance." The Hoff said he really nailed it.

Thousands of auditions led to the top 10, and Thursday night, America's votes decided which five performers would still have a shot at the $1 million grand prize and a headlining show in Las Vegas. It was a packed 30-minute results show that somehow still had time for Natasha Bedingfield to perform her current single "Angel." Host Jerry Springer promised "some very major shocks" with the results. Would the promise hold true? To the results: Jerry first asked uran violinists Nuttin' But Stringz and family band The Wright Kids to come to center stage. One safe, one going home. Nuttin' But Stringz lived on, leaving The Wright Kids to cry a little as they watched their journey on the show. Next up were Elvis impersonator Joseph Hall and single mom Queen Emily. Joseph was all shook up when he got news that he'd be going home. Apparently, America could help falling in love with him. Queen Emily moved on. Joseph kept a strong smile on his face and threw up the Hawaiian "hang loose" sign with his right hand. Be our guest...: As promised, Natasha Bedingfield stopped by and sang "Angel." Back to business: Jerry got back to the results by bringing back the biggest and smallest performers in the competition: 4-year-old Kaitlyn Maher and opera singer Neal E. Boyd. Neal had a concerned look on his face as he looked across and saw Kaitlyn walking to her spot across from him. Judge Sharon Osbourne's jaw dropped in disbelief. Jerry called out Neal's name and he rejoiced while Kaitlyn sweetly walked right over to him and gave him a congratulatory hug. Up next were Paul Salos and Donald Braswell, meaning a fan favorite was sure to get dumped. Paul gave a quick "awww, shucks" look as Donald's name was called. Donald seemed unable to contain his disbelief at his good fortune. At one point, he was out of the competition as the judges didn't pick him among the top 40. A bad break for another contestant gave him another shot and there he was, now with a 20 percent chance at winning the whole deal. Paul watched with a huge smile as the highlight reel showed how he did it his way. The final spot came down to pianist and singer Eli Mattson and guitarist and singer Jessica Price. Jessica appeared resigned to a doomed fate while Eli looked focused and hopeful. There was good cause for both of their looks. Jessica went home and Eli claimed the final top five spot. Jessica said she never thought she'd get as far as she did, "so, thank you." In the end, Jerry's "major shocks" claim didn't really pan out. This was a prety solid top five, and while it was sad to see acts like Jessica Price and Paul Salos go, it's tough to argue with the final crop of Donald Braswell, Eli Mattson, Neal E. Boyd, Nuttin' But Stringz and Queen Emily.

America may have talent, but it doesn't have much money these days. Therefore the first part of "America's Got Talent" was pre-empted on the east coast by an address from President George W. Bush about the failing economy and the $700 billion banking bailout plan. After 15 minutes, it was time for Jerry Springer to get the show started. He addressed the Presidential interruption and said the one-hour performance finale would be done quicker to accommodate the last-minute change. First, some deep thoughts from each of the five finalists... Queen Emily: I never thought that life could be this way. You see if on television all the time. But when it's happening to you, it's... wow. Donald Braswell: I've gone through incredible challenges, and to be at this place in my life is just unbelievable for me. I am so close to fulfilling my dreams right now. Nuttin' But Stringz: We started out going against hundreds of thousands of acts in America. Now it's down to five. We came from two kids playing in the subway, and now we could have our name in lights in Las Vegas. Eli Mattson: For the past 10 years, I've been lost. Everything that I've gone through in life and on the show has all come up to this last performance. And that's a big deal. Neal E. Boyd: There have been a lot of songs sung. There's been a lot of proving that I deserve to be on that stage. I came from nothing, but now here I am. I've come here to win this and fulfill my lifelong dream. On with the show... Nuttin' But Stringz was the first act to perform and they promised to bring one of the first songs they ever composed. Judge Piers Morgan wondered in their pre-performance tape whether we'd already seen everything they had to offer, or if they had one more surprise left in them. They got a huge standing ovation from the crowd. Piers said, "I hope the President is still watching this show. Because there may be a lot that's going wrong in America right, but there's not much wrong with a country that can take two guys like you from the subways of New York to a stage like and do that -- that was incredible." He said, "The winner of the show should be the act that has the most unique talent, most creativity, most dynamism. And unless I'm wrong, unless one of these singers comes along and does something sensational, I'm looking at the next winners of 'America's Got Talent.'" Judge Sharon Osbourne agreed, and David Hasselhoff said, "I'm going to make it real short: Nuttin' But Vegas!" Deja vu Donald?: Singer Donald Braswell decided to look backward and sing "You Raise Me Up," which he sang earlier in the audition process. In the pre-performance tape, Sharon said Donald was a nice guy with a nice voice, "but is he nice enough to win this competition?" It was another strong performance, but didn't draw the reaction that Nuttin' But Stringz did. Sharon said it was nice, but she didn't think his personality was as nice as the voice. She said he should go on Broadway, where he could play someone else with his voice. The Hoff praised him for bringing it. Piers congratulated him "for proving the judges wrong and America right." Donald agreed that no matter what happened, he'd had a great time. Opera Man: Decked out in a tuxedo for the big night, Neal E. Boyd went back to his opera roots after a near-disaster with Eric Carmen's "All By Myself" last week. The Hoff said, "whether you win or not, I am honored to be on this show with you. Because you are what this show's about." He said Neal would go a long way whether he wins or not. Piers said, not believing he was saying it on national television, "I totally agree with David." Sharon said she'd heard that song performed so many times by so many singers, but never like she heard him sing it." Take a look at him now...: Eli Mattson chose to sing Phil Collins' "Against All Odds" because it was a reflection of his life and his journey. It seemed like the nerves got to Eli a bit as he stumbled over some lyrics in the first chorus. Piers said he liked that Eli can take some classic songs and give them his own twist. He said Eli's odds of winning improved dramatically with that performance. Sharon heaped a little more praise on him, saying he would be a terrific representative for the show if he won it, not only in America but also around the world. The Hoff praised Eli for being "real." Reigning Queen: Queen Emily said that after 25 years of trying to make it as a singer, "you begin to give up." And she was so glad she didn't as she found herself in the top five of "America's Got Talent." She promised to sing from the depths of her soul. She gave a powerful rendition of Whitney Houston's "One Moment in Time." Piers said she sang it "with amazing passion" and thought it was her best performance in the competition. But he thought she might struggle to overcome the competition. Sharon called her a diva, but in a good way. She said she "nailed it." The Hoff said she looked like a princess and said that whether she won the competition or not, she was going to have an amazing career. The results of the vote will be announced during a special one-hour finale at 9 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.

In what host Jerry Springer called the closest vote the show has ever had, a champion for the third season of "America's Got Talent" was crowned Wednesday night. The finalists -- singers Donald Braswell, Eli Mattson, Neal E. Boyd and Queen Emily, along with violinists Nuttin' But Stringz, brother Damien and Tourie Escobar -- had the judges baffled as to who would win. David Hasselhoff said it was impossible to call a winner before Springer introduced the top 10 finalists first-ever joint performance. They all contributed to a rendition of Kelly Clarkson's winning "American Idol" song "A Moment Like This." It started and ended with 4-year-old Kaitlyn Maher singing solo. Sharon Osbourne said all of the people on the stage would go on to have amazing careers in the entertainment industry. Leona Lewis, a Simon Cowell discovery, stopped by to perform her single, "Better in Time." Terry Fator, this season's winner and "all of your favorites" from Season 3 will perform together on Oct. 17 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Springer introduced special messages for each of the finalists, and the first was from the members of Il Divo, who congratulated opera singer Neal E. Boyd on his success and told him they especially enjoyed his version of their song, "Mama." He just about passed out. Brian McKnight, a Queen Emily fan, wished her luck and suggested that one day they might work together. She looked a little confused at first, but flashed a huge smile when she figured out what was going on. Marc Cohn was rooting for Eli Mattson, who previously sang his song "Walking in Memphis." Cohn said that when Mattson gets a record deal, he'd write a song for him. Andrew Lloyd Webber had a message for this season's big-voiced Donald Braswell, who sang Webber's "Music of the Night." Webber said he'd love to work with Braswell and noted that the Phantom's new show is in Las Vegas. Wyclef Jean, a producer and former member of the Black-Eyed Peas, had a shout out for Nuttin' But Stringz. "Let's take it home, baby," Jean told them. As another time-killer, er, touching flashback on the season, Springer introduced the "America's Got Talent" audition all-stars, which included Ozzy Osbourne, Rod Stewart and Dionne Warwick impersonators, hula-hoop dancers, and way too much more. To the results: After a montage that ran through the long summer, Springer announced that the fifth-place finisher was Queen Emily. The fourth-place finisher was Donald Braswell. He mouthed, "Oh, man" as his name was called. The man who the fans brought back after he was left out of the final 40 had a wild ride to the finale, and seemed satisfied with a fourth-place finish. Finishing in third place was Nuttin' But Stringz. The Hoff just about fell out of his chair, and Piers Morgan looked a little angry as Springer read the result. "We didn't even think we could get this far, and we made violin cool and we brought a new culture of music to America," one of them said.They looked a bit sad and disappointed as they watch highlights of their journey on the show. That brought it down to Eli Mattson and Neal E. Boyd for the $1 million prize and headlining show in Las Vegas. Neal said, "It would change my life. This competition, coming in, I didn't think that I would make it this far. I didn't think people would respond to opera, but they have. And I love America so much for getting me to this point." Eli said, "It means I can take care of my family, and I can do what I love for the rest of my life. And, no matter what, Neal's going to be around forever." Neal cried as he watched his highlight reel before the announcement was made. His hands shook and face crinkled. Eli, who shook with nerves when he landed in the top two, smiled as he watched his journey on the "Talent" stage. From more than 200,000 acts, it came down to two. There was less than one-half of one percent between the two singers. Springer finally announced that the winner of $1 million, the headlining show in Las Vegas and the title of "best new act in America" is ... Neal E. Boyd. "I love you, Mom. I love you Sikeston. I love you, Missouri," Neal said. Placido Domingo had a special, pre-taped message for Neal, telling him that he should be proud to have brought opera to America's ears. "What has happened to my life?" Boyd said, laughing at the thought that Placido Domingo had just congratulated him on winning $1 million and a new career in opera. That's exactly what he did moments after being crowned, singing what's now his signature song, "Nessun dorma."

"America's Got Talent" returned for a fourth season on Tuesday night, and it was less than 30 seconds into the opening montage before there was a Susan Boyle sighting. New host Nick Cannon, replacing Jerry Springer -- who'd replaced Regis Philbin two years ago -- promised the biggest and baddest season to date, and we got started with a two-hour season premiere. The stakes once again are a $1 million grand prize and a chance to perform in Las Vegas. The unruly crowd was back for the audition round, which started in New York City. A singer and dancer named Ray Schwarz got it all started for the summer season. Poor Ray was doomed from the start, hitting notes that were as wobbly as his dance moves. A montage of bad performances followed, ending on a hot note when a fire dancer's hair went up in flames and stage hands had to run out on stage with extinguishers to put out the blaze. Just like that, we were whisked away to Chicago, where we found Moses Lam, who claimed to have a talent that could only be done by him. He warned viewers not to try it at home. His talent: walking with his feet turned a full 180 degrees. He was sent home. A dance group calling themselves the Footwork Kings came on with an inspiring story about getting out of a bad neighborhood and following their dream. The Chicago crew put on an impressive display of high-speed choreography that brought the crowd to its feet instantly. The judges loved it and put the group through -- the first "yes" vote of the season, 20 minutes in. And what inspiring story on "America's Got Talent" would be complete without R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" playing in the background? The "C'mon Get Happy" soundtrack could only mean one thing -- a family act from Wisconsin named Shine was up next. They butchered "Walking on Sunshine," and David and Piers X'd them quickly, but Sharon held out and let them finish. Another montage of bad acts followed. Peter Peterkin, a Barack Obama impersonator calling himself "The Rock n Roll President." After a funny intro, he launched into James Brown. Peter said he does about 300 impersonations and plays about 15 instruments. The crowd was chanting for him to be sent to the next round in Vegas, and the judges finally relented and put him through. Forty minutes in, two "yes" votes. But the Obama impersonator brought hope with him, kicking off a group of acts that were put through by the judges, including a percussion group, a vocal percussionist and a dance group. Debbie Victor said she had a talent that would blow the judges away, which rarely turns out to be true. She went on stage and said she does animal sounds. It took about two seconds of Debbie's barking dog for Sharon to hit her "X" button. Tony Hoard, a factory worker with an impressive friend, Rory, took the stage and put on an amazing display. Rory is Tony's Australian shepherd, and was trained to catch Frisbees tossed in any manner of ways. The crowd roared its approval and Tony and Rory were on their way to Vegas. The auditions moved on to Seattle -- technically Tacoma, but few people outside the Pacific Northwest would get the distinction. Brad Byers said his dream was to leave his job and perform full-time. His skill: putting things through his nostrils. First, he put a large hook through his left nostril and coiled it through his throat and out of his mouth. Then, he pulled out an electric drill and put it through his nose. Sound bizarre? Then, how about the fact that Piers and The Hoff voted to put him through to Vegas. The acts got even stranger as the Seattle audition wore on, but a trio of sisters were ready to unleash their singing skills. The EriAm Sisters, ages 11 to 15, thrilled the audience with their rendition of the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back." The Hoff said they were the most talented group of kids he's seen on the show "since the beginning." They're on to Vegas. A tumbling group, an urban choir and a fire act all got green lights. A guy named David Johnson performed an original song about a crush he'd developed while watching "Baywatch" in high school. It was all about his admiration for David Hasselhoff. After "X"-ing him early in the performance, The Hoff gave the guy a "yes," but Sharon said she couldn't stand to hear that song again, but Piers let David through to Vegas. It was an "America's Got Talent" love story when aerialist Bruce and his assistant (and soul mate) Simone took the stage. The act consisted of the soul mates writhing around on each other inside a suspended hoop, a device Nick said he might have to get for his bedroom. The Hoff said no, but Sharon said yes. Piers said yes, and they were going to be hooping it up in Vegas. And it was back to New York, where the NYC Gay Men's Choir got things started on a positive note. Joseph Maracina said his impersonation skills were unmatched. He was right, but probably not in the way he'd hoped. It was a resounding no from the judges. A married acrobatic dance duo calling themselves "Paradizo Dance" stunned the crowd with some moves that involved the wife lifting her husband, who was at least twice her size. Piers asked, flat out, how much they each weighed. Her: 100 pounds. Him: 240. Piers said it was one of the most extraordinary things he'd ever seen in his life. With 10 minutes left and one act remaining and soft piano music playing, it was time for the most heart-warming story of the night -- and this one didn't disappoint. The family group called themselves Voices of Glory -- two brothers ages 16 and 13, and their 9-year-old little sister. The oldest brother explained that their mother was in a head-on collision with a drunk driver and they started singing to her as a group when she slipped into a coma. Their mother made it through and was in the wings of the stage watching her kids wow the crowd with their harmonies on "God Bless America." The audience and the judges rose to their feet in applause and Sharon cried. Piers called them "the pride of America, tonight." Their mother was brought on stage in her wheelchair and Sharon wept as she told their mother how proud she must be of her children. The judges gave a unanimous yes, with Piers calling it one of the most powerful moments the show has ever seen.

The search for America's greatest new act continued Wednesday night on "America's Got Talent," and the second night of the fourth season started in Seattle. Manuela Horn, a mother of two, said she wanted to show her kids what mommy could do besides washing clothes and taking care of them. Then she walked on stage in a patent leather suit and a whip, saying she was going to dominate us "in a very special way." The singing started very ominously, but kicked into an odd bit of yodeling that the crowd didn't seem too keen on the act but also didn't "boo." The judges let her finish and, somewhat surprisingly put her through to Vegas. A trail of "yes" votes followed, including the Comic Bots, a robot group variety act; Tom Durnin, a retired firefighter turned dancer and magician; and G-Force, an all-girl rock band trio, ages 7 to 11. Rafael Serrano, a 40-year-old bouncer who talked about having to be tough to do his job, wanted to show the world what he could do. When it came time to sing his song, he tore into Donna Summer's "Last Dance." He ended it with an impromptu splits. Sharon said yes, leaving Rafael's fate in the hands of Piers and The Hoff, who both said no. Erik and Rickie, 8-year-old dance partners who'd danced together for four years, impressed the socks off the crowd and the judges on their way to a unanimous "yes" vote and a trip to Las Vegas. Welcome to Miami...: From the northwest corner of the country to the southeast, Miami got a chance to show what it had to offer. Up first was Jennifer Guadix, who rolled a suitcase on stage and declared she was going to do something totally different, she opened the suitcase and inside was contortionist Jessica Guadix. Drew Thomas, a 40-year-old illusionist who'd worked several odd jobs to support his wife and son, said his dream was to perform in front of a packed theater every night. His act thrilled the judges. The Hoff said "finally" there was a magician on the show worthy of a $1 million Vegas act. Sharon called him one of the best illusionists she'd ever seen, and Piers said Drew had a real shot at winning the whole thing. A trio of blond sisters from Poland dressed in white and carrying violins called themselves Alizma turned in a raucous version of "The Devil Went Down to Georgia." The judges didn't care much for the singing, but their violin playing was impressive enough to earn them a ticket to Vegas. Janifer James, a 30-year-old dance teacher, did African bohemian dance, was X'd out by the judges before she finished her shaking and shimmying routine. With the sparkling, indigenous costume, The Hoff said he felt like he was being attacked by a rosebush. A string of terrible performers followed. Arcadian Broad, a 13-year-old kid who said he lacked confidence and was bullied in school before he found dance. He wanted to "show everyone that I do have something great inside me to give out." He was an American take on Billy Elliot, really, and the crowd rose to its feet in approval. The judges gave a unanimous yes, and The Hoff shed a bit of a tear as he saw Arcadian running and jumping around the stage afterward.

The "America's Got Talent" auditions headed back to New York City on Tuesday night in search of the country's greatest new act and the eventual winner of the $1 million grand prize. Carol Lugo, a 62-year-old supermarket cashier from Jersey City, N.J., who said dancing was her soul, was ready to prove you're never too old to follow your dream, gave some kind of mish-mash collection of dance moves that sent the crowd into hysterics. The Hoff said she had "amazing talent" and that she was terrific. Piers Morgan was ready to crown Carol the savior of America"s recession. With three "yes" votes, Carol was heading to Vegas. A montage of green lights followed, including a 21-year-old yo-yo spinner named "Yo-Yo Joe," a group of drag-queen dancers called The Diva League and a guy named "Coney Island Chris." Jay Mattioli, a 27-year-old guy who was hanging on to his dream of becoming a famous magician, dazzled the crowd and the judges with some illusions in which he made the microphone stand float and one in which he disappeared in a box. The judges liked his upbeat stage presence. All three judges voted "yes," sending Jay on to Vegas to continue his dream. The auditions jumped to Chicago, where we found a county judge from Detroit named Franklin Sane who rejoiced in the opportunity escape from a stressful courtroom through music. The crowd didn't waste any time turning in their verdict, heckling and booing Franklin shortly after he started singing. Thia Megia, a 14-year-old singer from Tracy, Calif., took on Jennifer Holliday's "I Am Changing." Piers said it was a "big song," but she showed a strong, mature voice that surprised everyone and earned her a standing ovation. Piers said, "Right now, you are the best singer I've seen in the competition." Thia got through with a unanimous vote from the judges. A short guy named Jeffrey kicked off a montage of "Talent"-less contestants whose dreams ended quickly. A group of sisters calling themselves The Fab Five, ages 23 to 35, put on an impressive display of high-energy, choreographed tap dancing that ignited the crowd and the judges. With three "yes" votes, the Fab Five were headed to Vegas. It was the end of the night, which meant it was time for an inspiring story. Kevin Skinner, a singer and acoustic guitarist, said he used to work as a chicken catcher. He made the crowd in Chicago giggle with his country boy shtick, but it went silent as he captivated the audience with his rendition of Garth Brooks' "If Tomorrow Never Comes." Piers, perhaps shooting for that Susan Boyle parallel, said that there's a moment every season when someone comes on stage and appears to be a "total car crash" and wows everyone with his or her voice. He said this was that moment, and called it "one of the most emotional, powerful performances I've seen in a long time." Sharon said she could tell Kevin was a "very genuine man," and The Hoff said "America deserves to see you." They will ... in Las Vegas.

The journey across the country to find the next great act continued Wednesday night on "America's Got Talent." The show ventured deep into the heart of Texas for the first time, landing in Houston to see what the south had to offer this year. Divani, a 29-year-old Russian who now lives in New York, brought her unique voice to the stage with a rendition of Whitney Houston's "Queen of the Night" that sent Piers Morgan reaching for his buzzer. Divani was quickly on her way. Host Nick Cannon said Houston's record turnout didn't make for record talent, kicking off a montage of bad performers that included a guy balancing a running lawn mower on her his chin while Nick tossed produce into its blades. Lake Houston Performing Arts Center, 27-member dance team from Houston, all girls from 8 to 14 years old donning big, puffy, orange wigs, wowed the judges and the crowd with their high-energy group routine. The choreography was impressive, and the judges loved it. The Hoff called them an inspiration to all kids across America, and they got through to Vegas with a unanimous vote. Pam Martin, a widow who came to dance with her dog, Viva, amazed the crowd with the moves her dog was able to do, including standing on her front two feet, jumping onto Pam's back and spinning around in circles. The Hoff called it one of the best dog acts he'd seen. "There's one thing I want to say," Piers said. "Viva ... Las Vegas." It was off to Miami for the second half of the show, to see if the beach town had the talent the show was looking for. Up first was Marti Brill, who was convinced he was the best undiscovered talent in the country. He said the magic world will never be the same. It was a pretty awkward routine that earned buzzer hits from Piers and Sharon, and the crowd booed relentlessly. "The reason they're booing is because you're the most annoying man in Miami," Piers said. A guy named Brandon hit the stage reading what he called poetry about ex-girlfriends. That was a bad sign, and so were the three X's the judges sent his way. A couple more terrible acts followed, including some wrestlers who vaguely threatened to take out Piers after he said they weren't exactly "spring chickens." Joseph Constantine and his wife, an illusionist pair that has fallen on hard times because of the recession, had a compelling story and his act wasn't bad, either. The judges enjoyed it, but The Hoff played tough guy and said he'd seen it a bunch of times before and ultimately said it wasn't worth it. He voted no. Piers, who'd said the show was all about giving ordinary people a chance, voted yes. Sharon, of course, gave the second yes vote that was needed to send Joseph to Vegas. A series of dance acts, which all earned tickets to Vegas, followed. They included a belly dancer named Fuchsia FoXXX, a teenage trio of girls called Circus R Us, and a martial arts dance crew of ripped dudes called The Hurricane Tricksters. A breakdancer named Hairo Torres from Grants Pass, Ore., made the journey across the country to prove he had what it takes to win the million dollars. He vowed to show the judges something they'd never seen before. He did it, impressing the crowd with jumps straight onto his upper back, and displays of double-jointedness that made Nick Cannon utter at one point, "I don't think he's got any bones!" Three yes votes later, Hairo was headed to Las Vegas.

A third week of "America's Got Talent" auditions kicked off with the show's typical, odd approach of having its host inflate the show's viewership numbers, with Nick Cannon saying that 46 million "people" have watched the show since the start of the season. That, of course, adds the audience from show to show, which is likely the same 11 million, or so, people every time. The auditions touched down in Los Angeles, where they were sure to find some talent -- right? "Nasty Nate" Watkins was the first to try out, and he promised charisma and "sex appeal," which was a bad sign from the outset. He said he stays "at home with my mother" for a living. As soon as he started singing Tina Turner's "Simply the Best," the crowd hit him with a chorus of boos, letting him know he wasn't. The Hoff called it "simply the worst." A group of bad acts followed, including a "one-man instrument," a mime (who used a piece of paper as a prop), and the "world's fastest poet." The first batch of contestants were so bad, they had Sharon Osbourne hoping the talent would arrive some time after lunch. Hasselhoff even donned his "Baywatch" lifeguard jacket in hopes of salvaging something positive out of L.A. The next act up was a couple from San Francisco calling themselves "Footworks Fitness," who turned a step aerobics step into a drum. They tapped around on it for a few moments before the judges all buzzed them and voted them off the stage. Yet more bad auditions followed, including a kite flier whose kite wouldn't fly, a bad breakdancing duo, a guy dressed as a monkey, and a rapper who ripped his shirt off. The final audition of the first day in L.A. was Terri Willis , a nurse-turned-singer who appeared to be vying for "America's Got Talent's" version of Susan Boyle ... until she started singing. She was so bad, Piers and Sharon hit their buzzers and walked out to end the first day in L.A. Piers called it "the worst day in the history of 'America's Got Talent.'" The judges arrived the next day, hoping a new sunrise would results in a new batch of talent. The first act of the second day was 17-year-old singer BRI, who was looking for some approval from "rock chick" Sharon. She sang and played on keyboard, "Burnin' Up," by The Jonas Brothers. More than 25 minutes into the one-hour show, Nick declared, "Finally, some talent in Los Angeles." Sharon said it was refreshing that she had her own identity and wasn't mimicking anyone else. With three "yes" votes, she was on her way back to her hometown of Las Vegas -- but for the next round of "America's Got Talent." A dance group of kids, ages 6 to 9, "TJ & The Little Mamas," took the stage to show off their moves. The crowd certainly enjoyed the upbeat change of pace. The judges did, too, and put the little dancers through to Vegas. More talented acts followed, including a fire eater named Miss Germany; aerial performer and violinist Janice Martin; and a "cartoon-style popping act" named The Scott Brothers. Another dance act went through to Vegas before 55-year-old Monsieur Pedicure claiming he had a unique style of dancing, which is rarely a good sign. He put a wig on his toe and tried to make it dance. It didn't work. "You know what?" The Hoff said. "Every time I think the worst act in history is on our show, you are definitely Number 1." Husband and wife duo Mario Ferrera and his wife Jenny came out promising a dangerous act that could possibly kill Mario. With his scantily clad wife at his side, Mario juggled chainsaws that were turned on, firing up the crowd. The Hoff called it sexy and dangerous, and Piers said Mario looked like he was born to perform in Vegas. With the judges' votes done, The Hoff declared, "Sexy and dangerous, you're going to Vegas!" Lawrence Beaman was a bundle of nerves before he took the stage, but he wowed the crowd with his booming, deep, bass voice, singing "Old Man River." Lawrence became emotional as soon as he finished, and the judges immediately called him classy. Piers teased the crowd, saying he wasn't sure how much they liked him, which prompted them to cheer even louder than they'd already been cheering. Three "yeses" sent Lawrence to Vegas.

"America's Got Talent" headed south to Houston to see if the talent was as big as the state of Texas. The Hoff made a special, Texas-sized entrance, and away we went. The first act was a trio of cowboys promising to make something big happen. They called themselves "The Texas Tenors," and admitted they put the group together about three months earlier. They got the crowd on its feet and clapping along. The Hoff liked it, and Sharon said they were still a little rough around the edges. Piers said he was worried when he heard they'd only been together for three months, but enjoyed it. They could work out the kinks between audition time and the next round in Las Vegas. Bruce Thomas, a 51-year-old handyman-turned-musician talked about his unique talent and promised the judges would be flabbergasted. They were, but not in a good way. Three buzzer hits sent Bruce on his way, and started a string of bad acts, including an urban burlesque dance group that fell all over the stage, and a guy who had assistants staple dollar bills to his chest and forehead, and hung a 40-pound weight off his nipples. A group calling themselves "Acrodunk" offered up a high-flying slam dunking routine. The judges and crowd loved it, and The Hoff said they were by far the best dunking act the show had seen. Sharon said she could watch them all night. They're next aerial routine would be flying to Las Vegas for the next round of "America's Got Talent." A group of green-lit acts came next, including a belly dancer and a rapper. Eight-year-old Eleisha Miller, who Nick Cannon called a little girl with a big personality, brought her precociousness to the stage and sang and played piano to "Proud Mary." The Hoff said she was cute and funny, but her singing needed a little work. Sharon voted no, but Piers said he didn't care whether the girl would sing or not and voted yes. The Hoff voted yes, and sent little Eleisha on to Vegas. An R&B duo named "Timez 2" said they could be huge. The crowd got up and danced as they served up a rendition of Usher's "Yeah!" The Hoff liked their "raw talent" and energy. Sharon suggested they spend more time on their vocals than their grinding. The Hoff said yes, Piers said no. That left it up to Sharon, who gave them the yes they needed to send them to Vegas. "Grandma Lee," a 75-year-old retired phone operator, took her last shot at her dream at being a comedian. The crowd roared with laughter at her quick wit. Sharon liked it and Piers said she might his favorite contestant of the season, so far. Grandma Lee said she thought Piers was cute, then slipped in "I'd do him." With three yeses, Grandma Lee's dream will last at least another round. Barbara Padilla, a 36-year-old full-time mom who said she never gave up her dream of being a singer, busted out some impressive operatic vocals that brought the crowd and the judges to their feet. Barbara opened up afterward, saying she believed in miracles and was living one as a cancer survivor in remission for five years. Three yes votes later, Barbara can keep living her miracle in Vegas.

Another Tuesday night in early summer meant another hour of auditions on "America's Got Talent." The tryouts were back in New York City for at least the third time this season. A 38-year-old government contractor named Jeffrey Widom said his singing made him feel good inside. He came on stage rockin' a government contractor-style suit. He took on Shaggy's "Mr. Boombastic," but the crowd and the judges weren't having any of it and Jeffrey was on his way home. The requisite bad acts montage followed Jeffrey, starting with a run of the mill trickster who pulled items out of his shit and played a recorder with his nose. It also included a terrible opera singer, a contortionist, a standard bouncer turned bad singer. A 9-year-old guitar player named Tallan Noble Latz was ready to wow the judges and said that if he won the million dollars he'd want his mom to work less so he could spend more time with her. He brought the crowd to its collective feet with his bluesy six-stringing and was a clear shoo-in for the next round. This isn't his first run on TV. Tallan made an appearance earlier this year on "Rachael Ray." Tony Ferrante, a 74-year-old retired barber, was chasing his dream of making it big. Wearing a shimmering gold shirt, black pants and patent leather boots, Tony showed off some groovy dance moves that proved to be more of a quick laugh than a million-dollar act. Piers wanted more for a million-dollar talent competition. The Hoff voted yes, leaving it up to Sharon. After a dramatic build up, Sharon voted yes, and Piers' head dropped into his hands before he shook it in disbelief. A group of solid performances came next, including a fast-dancing contortionist, an illusionist and a high-flying African dance group. Kelli Glover, a singer who just missed making the Top 10 during the first season of "American Idol," was back after six years and trying her shot one more time. The Hoff said she was great and was proof that one should never give up. With three yes votes, Kelli was on her way to Vegas. The Bad Girls, a singing and dancing trio from Philadelphia, proved their name right as they were buzzed by all three judges within seconds of when they began singing. Another threesome, a group of brothers named the Platt Brothers, stormed the stage wearing track suits. The variety dance act was part mime, part choreography, part gymnastics, and enough to set the crowd on fire. They got through with three yes votes, but Piers told them to step up their game a bit as they get further into the competition. A singing group of postal workers from Richmond, Va., called themselves Spiritual Harmonizers and took on some Boyz II Men with "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday." The crowd loved it. Nick Cannon loved it. The judges loved it, and singled out the lead singer of the group for his strong vocals. Sharon said the reason she loves this show is because it gives everyday people the chance to perform to millions, "and that's you." All three judges voted to move them into the next round.

The "America's Got Talent" auditions returned to the Pacific Northwest, claiming to be in Seattle but really taking place "in nearby Tacoma." Without wasting any time, we were introduced to Keg "The Lone Ranger of Rock," who said it was his passion and calling to follow in the footsteps of some of Seattle's rock legends. The crowd showered the stage with boos before the judges even began speaking. He was gone quickly, starting a montage of bad acts, including a bad singer, an "indestructible man" who did dangerous things with knives, and a stripping pink gorilla. Kari Callin, a 43-year-old woman who'd grown up with a cleft pallet, said she'd never had a boyfriend and people didn't believe she was a singer. She told Piers she once auditioned for a singing gig on a cruise ship and was sent away before she even sang. She sang "Somewhere" from the "West Side Story" soundtrack. The crowd and judges rose to their feet during the performance and The Hoff told her to go back to that cruise ship and charge the talent scout $40,000 a night. Sharon said it was one of those moments where the hair stands up on the back of your neck. Piers said he's learned not to judge a book by its cover, and the judges sent her to the next round in Las Vegas. Apparently, Kari was all Seattle had to offer because 20 minutes into the hour, the auditions went back across the country for yet another stop in New York. The first set of auditions were good ones, including a guy doing "fire acrobatics," a singer/guitarist and a group of gymnastics girls. A quintet named Reality didn't get to finish before all three judges buzzed them. Piers called it "one of the uncoolest things I've ever seen." Sharon said the act was something they should "take to an elderly persons' retirement home." It was a no. A hip-hop dance crew, Destined 2-Be, from Indiana said they were looking for a chance to prove themselves after getting shut down in their hometown repeatedly. The judges love their heart and their style, and put them through to the next round. Rashida Jolley, a 29-year-old singer and harpist who wanted to honor her deceased father's memory, sang and played "Killing Me Softly," evening bringing a rhythmic twist to it by drumming the beat on the base of the massive harp. Sharon liked the singing and the harp playing, but said she as a little confused by the combination. Piers said she "made the harp quite sexy." All three judges voted to move her on to the next round. A couple of guys who were college roommates decided to give their music a shot. Their names were Anthony and Matt, but they didn't have a name for their duo. Matt played acoustic guitar and danced while Anthony sang. The Hoff and Sharon praised the tap dancer, especially, and Piers said it was "totally unique -- I've never seen anything quite like that in my life." With three yes votes, they were headed to Vegas. A montage of good dancers followed, including a couple performing an Argentine tango, a father and son performing some interesting acrobatics, and a guy who whipped his wife -- but in an artistically acceptable way. Mia Boostrom, 16, said she was devastated after getting cut during the Las Vegas round on last season's installment of "America's Got Talent." She came back ready to make her mark. She sat at her keyboard and played and sang "Georgia on My Mind." Sharon said it was amazing how far Mia came in a year, remarking on her newfound confidence. Piers said Mia was a much better singing now with more range. The Hoff said she did great, but "it wasn't perfect." Still, he said it got everybody's attention. She made it through to Vegas, but, you know, she's been there before.

The "America's Got Talent" provided a significant piece of information on Tuesday night: Apparently people still use MySpace. The hour consisted of acts that submitted their auditions on the once popular social networking site. Jerry "El Vegas" Katz gave the Internet a bad name by coming out and doing a terrible Elvis impersonation. The Hoff said he wanted to see what was going to happen. "I didn't know what was going to happen," he said. "I still don't know what happened." The first montage of bad auditions followed El Vegas, including a group of jump ropers who kept getting themselves tangled up, a bad singer, a Shakespeare soliloquist, and a flamboyant, bald and glittery man wearing a T-shirt that read "I (Heart) Boys Who Sparkle" who sang The Pussycat Dolls' "Don't Cha." An 18-year-old singer named Ashley who said she had a fan club on MySpace, which didn't bode well. Piers buzzed her almost immediately, followed closely by a bored-looking Sharon. David let her keep singing long enough to hear Ashley let out some loud shrieks that reminded everyone of Linda Blair, a la "The Exorcist." A group of 1- to 23-year-old college friends calling themselves Ishaara proclaimed their goal of becoming the first Bollywood headlining act in Las Vegas. Their high-energy performance had the crowd from the opening notes. Piers called it "unbelievably exciting to watch" and he called it original and fresh. Three yes votes later, Ishaara was on its way to Vegas. A couple of bald, shirtless men from Poland calling themselves Duo Design promised a physically strenuous act. The crowd loved it when they did some extreme Cirque du Soleil-type contortions, balancing on each other, including a moment when one of them did a one-armed handstand on the other man's head. Piers thought it was too weird and voted no, but The Hoff and Sharon gave them the votes they needed to go to Vegas. Eddie Green, 52, said he started doing his act in a small club, and his venues weren't going to get any bigger anytime soon. His puppet routine consisted of him running around stage with a life-size Tina Turner doll while "Proud Mary" blared in the background. Marcus Terell and the Serenades took the stage looking to pay tribute to "classic feel-good music. They sang "Hit the Road, Jack," while the crowd half-heartedly clapped along. Some of the crowd seemed to enjoy it. Piers told Marcus he was "a star" but that his backup singers were a problem. Piers asked if he was going to fire the singers and Marcus said he wouldn't because they've been friends since middle school. The Hoff and Sharon agreed the Serenades' vocals were subpar, but figured they could work on them. Piers relented and voted yes along with Sharon and David to send the group to the next round. Singer Charles DeWayne Dorsey wanted to entertain people around the world and start his mother's retirement. Sitting at some keyboards, he belted out Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" to the crowd's delight. Sharon said he ticked all the right boxes. The judges all loved it and sent him to the next round. We got a peek at some good acts, including a dance crew, a stand-up comedian, a violin-and-piano-playing duo, and a brother-and-sister singing and guitar act. To end the night, a plus-sized, 19-year-old dancer named Vanessa, calling herself Heavy Vee, said she had the courage and self-esteem to win. All three judges buzzed her and voted no. Host Nick Cannon then decided to take matters into his own hands, saying she came up short because she needed a partner. He went on stage and busted a few moves along with her. Nonetheless, it was a no, but she smiled all the way home.

The "America's Got Talent" auditions hit Los Angeles on Wednesday night and things started quickly with a breakdancing act on roller skates calling themselves Break Sk8. The crowd seemed to love it, but Piers Morgan did not. He said the problem with their routine was the skates. He voted no. Sharon voted yes. The Hoff, who said he needed time to think about it, said, "I'm going to give you guys a break and say yes." That kicked off a montage of green-lit acts, including an a cappella group, a burlesque dance group, percussionists beating on ladders, a flying-fingers, high-energy pianist, a high-flying dance crew, and a big-voiced singer. An 8-year-old singer named Ciana Pelekai with a smile that lit up the room went out on stage ready to wow the judges. She told Piers she would buy her mom and dad and her whole family a new house if she won the million dollars. With that, she launched into a silky-smooth performance of Etta James' "At Last." Piers told him she should start picking a house for her parents. He called her voice "absolutely extraordinary." Sharon said it was "really amazing." The Hoff told her "there's nowhere to go but up." She got through with three yes votes. Choir director Joseph "JoJo" James, 40, vowed to sing like he's never sung in his life, "and the judges will have no other choices but to pick me." That's rarely a good sign. From the first shrieking notes of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," it was clear JoJo was a no-no. The Hoff said it sounded like when you squeeze the air out of a balloon. With three no votes, JoJo was gone. At 25 minutes in, it was time for a montage of bad acts, including a pair of piano playing brothers who pushed each other on and off their bench while playing, an opera singer who sang alongside an electric guitarist, a "comedy circus" duo, and a guy who stuck straws into a potato. The final audition of the process came from a group of friends from Memphis who performed a high-intensity dance routine. The Beale Street Flippers did a series of fast flips around the stage. The crowd and the judges were blown away, and three yes votes met you could soon find Beale Street in Las Vegas. With that, the "America's Got Talent" auditions were finished. The rest of the hour was dedicated to Meredith Vieira's interview with "Britain's Got Talent" sensation Susan Boyle.

More than 160 acts were given passes to the Las Vegas round on "America's Got Talent," and Tuesday night we finally got there. The performers landed at the Las Vegas airport, where it was decided that some of them wouldn't even leave the tarmac. Some of the acts would be cut by the judges as soon as they got off the plane. The rest would continue in the running for the final 40 spots in the Hollywood round. The airport hangar setting made for some increased drama as the judges debated during their flight from Los Angeles to Vegas about the futures of some of the contestants. Host Nick Cannon split the hopefuls into four groups and he said the news they'd get from the judges wasn't going to be good for some of them. A private jet carried the three judges from L.A. to Vegas, and a pair of Hummer limos flanked the jet as the judges disembarked -- and how's your carbon footprint feeling today? David Hasselhoff delivered good news to the first group o f performers, which included the high-flying group "Acrodunk." Sharon Osbourne told the second group they'd be going home. It included Kari Callin, the 43-year-old singer from the Seattle auditions who'd grown up with a cleft pallet, and and 9-year-old guitarist Tallan Noble Latz. Piers Morgan built up the drama as he announced the judges' decision to the remaining two groups. As slowly as he could, he finally told them that both groups would remain in the competition. The initial cut removed 25 acts from the process before they even left the airport, and the rest were off to discover the wonder of the Vegas strip. While they were off enjoying themselves, the judges were huddled up making more decisions. Finally, the judges called for a some individual acts. The first was singer/guitarist Keith Johnson and impressionist Pete Peterkin. Piers told an emotional Keith that the judges "concluded there are better singers," and that he would not be moving on to the next round. Peterkin was in. Next up to see the judges was 13-year-old dancer Arcadian Broad. He swung a triumphant fist in the air as The Hoff told him he was moving to the Hollywood round. Other acts joining him (in a montage): Acrodunk; the Platt Brothers (mimes, acrobats and dancers); Recycled Percussion; David Johnson (The David Hasselhoff song guy); singer 14-year-old singer Thia Megia (who sang "I Am Changing"); G Force (the young girl rock band that sang Pink's "So What?"); 8-year-old dance couple Erik & Rickie; a capella group Mosaic; the Texas Tenors; yodeling dominatrix Manuela Horn; and clogging sisters The Fab Five. Anthony Ferrante, a 74-year-old retired barber turned dancer, went to see the judges next. He talked about what a dream come true it would be for him to continue to the next round. He was out. Three dance crews -- Euphoria, Destined 2 Be and BreakSk8 -- were called to the judges' room, where they were told they wouldn't all go through and would have to face each other in a dance-off. They were given the same piece of music and asked to come back later to vie for a spot in the next round. Similarly, a couple of illusionist acts -- Drew Thomas and Joseph Constantine -- were put next to each other. Piers questions whether there was room for two such acts in the Top 40. Piers broke the news to Joseph, who hoped to bounce back financially from this show, that he would not continue to the next round. Drew, on the other hand, was sent through to Hollywood. A capella group "The Spiritual Harmonizers," a group of postal workers who have sung together for 10 years, were told they didn't make it to the next round. A montage of acts who were sent home followed. Breakdancer Hairo Torres was put through torture by Sharon before she finally told him he would be moving through to the next round. Singers Lawrence Beamen (the deep-voiced Southerner who sang "Old Man River") and Kevin Skinner (the chicken farmer and guitarist who sang Garth Brooks' "If Tomorrow Never Comes") were the last two acts to learn their fate. Lawrence was told first that he was through to the next round while viewers waited and wondered what happened with Kevin. The Hoff finally told him he was going through, as well. The Las Vegas round concludes Wednesday.

The second day of the Las Vegas round on "America's Got Talent" would determine which acts would make it to Hollywood to compete among the final 40 for the $1 million prize and a chance to have their own act in Vegas. The first act to see the judges was husband-and-wife dancing duo, Paradizo Dance, who were told they made it through to the next round. Up next were Isharra, the Bollywood dance group made of college friends from Berkeley. Another dance group, FootworKINGz, hoped for a spot in the finals. Piers drew out the drama before telling both groups they were going to L.A. High-intensity pianist Jeffrey Ou and harpist Rashida Jolley had become good friends and were up to see the judges together. Sharon strung Rashida along before telling her she wouldn't be going to the next round. Rashida, stunned, still reached over and congratulated Jeffrey with a warm hug. A montage of acts going home followed, including the husband-and-wife whip act from Christopher and Laura Camp; bald-headed balancers Duo Design; father-and-son acrobats The Kalinins; jugglers and acrobats The Flash; contortionist Arthur Gulkarov; and brother-and-sister guitar and singing duo Kara and Corey Britz (although Corey was gone to pursue another opportunity, and Piers said the act wasn't strong enough without him). Precocious 8-year-old singer and keyboardist Eleisha Miller went to see the judges. Piers remembered how funny she was at her audition. She squealed when Piers told her she'd be moving on to the next round. Chainsaw juggling act Mario & Jenny learned they would be going through. The next act was Marcus Terrell and the Serenades, who earned mixed reviews in the first round as Piers suggested Marcus might one day have to ditch his backup singers, but Marcus said they'd go all the way to the end together. It was time to make the choice. Sharon told Marcus "it's the girls that are bringing you down." As Marcus cried, one of his backup singers stepped up and asked if the judges would put him through alone, and the judges said they would. The other backup singers agreed, and sent Marcus through to the next round alone. The three dance acts that the judges had previously challenged to a dance-off were back to show their stuff. U4IA went first, followed by BreakSk8 and Destined 2 Be. In the end, it was BreakSk8 that made it through. Singing sibling trio Voices of Glory got a green light from a giddy David Hasselhoff. More green lights were handed out to opera singer Barbara Padilla; light-bulb eater Chris Allison; Frisbee-catching dog act Rockin' Rory; dancing dog act Pam Martin and Viva; 62-year-old dancer Carol Lugo; singer/keyboardist Charles DeWayne Dorsey; gymnastic dancers Pixie Mystere; dancers African High Flyers; singers EriAm Sisters; singer and tap-dancer Anthony Morigerato and Matt Lucas; and comedian Grandma Lee. Blond triplet violinists Alizma, who played "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," started to bicker a bit before the judges announced their decision -- they were through to the next round. Mia Boostrom, who made it to the Vegas round last season and came back for another shot, pleaded with the judges about how much she'd worked this time around. Kelli Glover, who'd missed the top 10 in the first season of "American Idol," stood next to Mia as they learned their results. Kelli broke down in tears when Piers told her she wouldn't be moving on. She later shouted at the camera, "It's not fair. I can sing better than anybody here." Mia, meanwhile, broke down in tears when the judges told her she was moving on. As the judges flew back to L.A. on their private jet, they received a phone call from executive producer Simon Cowell, who said that after reviewing their choices for the Top 40, "we have a very, very serious problem here." The judges didn't react, and the credits rolled. Guess we'll find out next week.

The judges picked the final 40 contestants last week for "America's Got Talent," but the episode ended with an ominous phone call from executive producer Simon Cowell, who said, "We have a very serious problem here." He sent them a list of the acts he thought they should reconsider. Host Nick Cannon might have given something away in the intro, when he declared that 12 acts would perform Tuesday night. Twelve doesn't go into 40 in any even way. Could we be looking at 48 finalists? "For the first time ever in 'America's Got Talent' history, eight acts have been given the ultimate second chance," Cannon said after Simon's full message was revealed. The Diva League and Lake Houston Dance were the two wild cards given another chance. They would compete with singer Thia Megia; the Platt Brothers; dancer Arcadian Broad; AcroDunk; comedian Grandma Lee; singers Mosaic; dancers BreakSk8; Drew Thomas Magic; yodeling dominatrix Manuela Horn; and singer Kevin Skinner. The 12 acts on Tuesday would perform for five spots in the next round, and it started with BreakSk8. BreakSk8: The roller-skating dance crew pulled out all the stops, with props and extra dancers for their quarterfinal performance. With a bit of a tribute to the King of Pop, they performed to Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal," and included some his signature moves -- including a moonwalk on roller skates. Piers said there was a reason Michael didn't dance on skates, "it slows it all down. It's too slow." Sharon thought they were great and asked them to bring "longer, faster," and whatever Piers wanted next time. The Hoff said he wanted to see "more radical skating." Thia Megia: The 14-year-old singer dreamt about the chance she now had in front of her and Piers wanted her to try to step out on her own rather than trying to imitate more famous people. Thia sang Miley Cyrus' "The Climb." It actually made Miley sound good. Sharon said Thia "did not disappoint." The Hoff called her "a shooting star" and said she "nailed it." No comments from Piers? After the spiel about the phone numbers, Nick went back to Piers, who called it "brilliant." Really? The Platt Brothers: The acrobatic dancing brothers had to answer the question of whether they were good enough to sustain a full Vegas show. They certainly left nothing out of bounds, running through a seemingly haphazard mix of dance moves. The Hoff liked the humor and physicality. He suggested they throw the lip-synching out of the act. Piers said, "I don't know what your act is" and called it "unfocused." Sharon agreed, understanding they were "trying to cram it all in" and told them to slow it down and pace it better. The Diva League: The drag queen crew promised something "dark and creepy." The dark lighting didn't help, and Piers buzzed them shortly into the routine. Piers said, "a bunch of lipsticky old drag queens who can't dance is not what America needs right now." Sharon said she loved them and told them to "go for it -- fabulous." The Hoff agreed with Sharon and called it "very entertaining, and I think you guys could sustain a show in Las Vegas." Manuela Horn: The yodeling dominatrix looked remarkably different without her black wig. She decided to bring her two worlds together -- her mom world and her naughty side. She gave her own twist to the Pussycat Dolls' "Don't Cha," changing the words and the meaning to something about moms. The Hoff and Sharon buzzed her about halfway through. Piers finally did, too, giving us the first trifecta of the quarterfinals. The judges said she changed too much from the character that they put through in Las Vegas. She told Nick she was "devastated." Grandma Lee: The 75-year-old comedian cracked some more jokes about dating at her age before pulling out British-flag boxers and telling Piers she found them in her room that morning. Then she pulled out a patent leather Speedo and told The Hoff she found it in her limo. The Hoff said she was heading to Vegas. Piers praised her wit and stage presence. Sharon told Grandma Lee she was "so naughty," but she loved her very much. Mosaic: The a capella group talked about having tried to make it in Las Vegas. The Hoff said before their performance that they had a lot to prove because they were "good, not great." They dressed in their best newsboy outfits and performed Stevie Wonder's "Superstition," coupled with "I Wish." The Hoff said it started off light, but it got better and better until they "kicked it in at the end." Piers said it was "nearly very good." Sharon agreed it was haphazard at the beginning, but was "smokin'" at the end. AcroDunk: AcroDunk wondered where they'd go after their first audition, but created a routine specifically for this round. Piers gave a warning before the performance that he'd buzz them for one mistake. They didn't get buzzed. With a flurry of flips and a guy walking sideways on a brick wall and big finale, the group nailed it and sent the crowd into a frenzy. Sharon said they proved that they could sustain their act for a 90-minute performance. The Hoff said he didn't think in their wildest dreams they could do better, but they "were awesome." Piers questioned whether they got the last dunk in, but called it "one of the most extraordinary acts I've ever seen on a live show on 'America's Got Talent.'" Arcadian Broad: The 13-year-old dancer vowed to take the chance he'd been given, and talked about adding a new element to his act and he wasn't sure how people were going to take it. He started out playing the piano, showing some fancy fingerwork before slamming the cover down over the keys and surging into a dance routine to the music of "Footloose." The Hoff said "all those kids who teased you at school are watching you now." He told Arcadian "might even win this competition." Piers agreed, but said he never wanted to see Arcadian playing piano again. He said he nearly buzzed him early on. Sharon said, "I love you so much." She said it was nice to see that he wasn't one note, but she agreed the piano playing was a bit too long. Drew Thomas Magic: The magician said he was taking a huge chance by trying something that's never been done before -- and even he hadn't done it before. He first put three ladies into a crate, then Drew had himself packed into a crate. Three masked workers blowtorched the girls' crate and Drew's crate shut before, suddenly, Drew's crate exploded and exposed that no one was inside. Then the workers revealed themselves to be the girls who'd been locked into the crate, and their crate opened to revealed three dudes inside wearing just their boxers. Drew, meanwhile, jumped up from behind the judges' table, shocking The Hoff and Sharon. Piers told him he enjoyed it, but told Drew to step up his wardrobe if he wanted to be the next David Blaine or David Copperfield. Sharon said it was fantastic, and agreed with Piers about the clothing. "Look like a star," she said. The Hoff said he could win the whole thing. Kevin Skinner: The country singer said he'd never been out of Kentucky and was soaking up Hollywood. He again went with Garth Brooks -- or, at least, Brooks' version of Bob Dylan's "To Make You Feel My Love." The crowd enjoyed it and the judges applauded. Sharon loved that Kevin was such an honest man and she liked his new haircut (without a ball cap). The Hoff said every time Kevin sings, he gets a little choked up. Piers said Kevin gave "the performance of the night." Lake Houston Dance: The young dancing group that was memorable for its big orange wigs in the first audition got a second chance to impress and promised to dance their hearts out. It turned into a pajama dance party when they started grooving to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." The Hoff said he was glad they were back on the show and the judges made the biggest mistake of their lives voting them off in the first place. Piers said he didn't think it was as good as the audition. Sharon loved the song choice, but suggested there were just too many of them to focus on.

The first 12 quarterfinalists on "America's Got Talent" offered up their best on Tuesday, and Wednesday was the night to see which of them made it to the Top 20. First, a little housekeeping. Judge Piers Morgan doubted on Tuesday night that Acrodunk, the high-flying group of trampoline-jumping slam dunkers, missed their final dunk on Tuesday. He stood by his claim Wednesday before host Nick Cannon went to the replay and proved, without a doubt, that the final dunk was nailed just like all the other before it. Piers apologized. Dunking the competition: To add to the dunking crew's elation, they were the first act to learn they were moving into the Top 20. Acrodunk came to the stage alongside BreakSk8, the roller-skating dance group, which was eliminated. Be our guest: Season 2 "Talent" winner Terry Fator, who signed what the show keeps calling a $100 million contract to perform in Las Vegas, popped by to perform a couple of songs with his dummies and thank the show and Simon Cowell for giving him his start. Later, Nick's wife Mariah Carey visited to perform her latest single, "Obsessed." Nick said, "I don't care what anybody says, that song is about me, because I am obsessed with this beautiful girl right here!" Hubby's new broadcast platform continued to push Carey's new album, with Nick even telling viewers to go to nbc.com to buy it. More results: Nick called three more acts to the stage: Lake Houston Dance, Drew Thomas Magic, and yodeler Manuela Horn. Only one of the three acts would make it to the Top 20. Nick announced that the first of the three acts to be eliminated was Lake Houston Dance. That left Manuela Horn and Drew Thomas Magic to vie for the Top 20 spot. The act advancing to the next round was Drew Thomas Magic. Next up were singer Kevin Skinner and a capella group Mosaic. There didn't seem to be much drama at the announcement of the fact that country crooner Kevin Skinner was the next semifinalist. With just two semifinals spots remaining for the final five acts to share, Nick called The Platt Brothers, The Diva League, and Grandma Lee to the stage. Just one of them would land a spot in the Top 20. The Platt Brothers were the first to be eliminated, leaving Grandma Lee and The Diva League. The next semifinalist was Grandma Lee, who teared up a little after her name was called and said, "This means everything to me." The final two acts were 13-year-old dancer Arcadian Broad and 14-year-old singer Thia Megia. The judges were the ones who got to decide between the two acts. Piers said he wasn't quite convinced with Arcadian's performance, and he voted for Thia. Sharon said they were "both fantastic," and she gave her vote to Arcadian. That left the tie-breaker up to David Hasselhoff. He said, "this show is about talent and diversity," but whoever loses can go on and do well. He told Thia she would "go a long way," but his choice was Arcadian.

When does it become wrong to just stop and look? How is it normal to avoid seeing each other all day and then desperately seek validation on social media? I hope exploring this is funny and helpful!

With the second batch of 12 quarterfinalists having performed on Tuesday, the "America's Got Talent" results show on Wednesday would provide good news for five contestants and seven will learn their journey has ended. Last night's highlights: Piers criticized a dog act and made a little girl cry. To the results: Host Nick Cannon called the first two acts to the stage: clogging sisters The Fab Five and Memphis' high-flying street act The Beale Street Flippers. The act moving to the semifinals was The Fab Five. Be our guests: Electro-hip-hoppers LMFAO paid a visit to perform their party single "I'm in Miami Trick," with modified lyrics to account for the fact that they were actually in L.A. Later, Penn & Teller put their own sick twist on the "saw a woman in half" trick. Back to the results: The second set of acts to center stage were sibling singers Voices of Glory, and 9-year-old singer and dancer Eleisha Miller, and 63-year-old dancer Carol Loo (formerly Carol Lugo). The next act to go home was Carol Loo. The one spot left between Eleisha Miller and Voices of Glory went to the family act Voices of Glory, and Eleisha almost seemed to be the most excited person about the result. Eleisha jumped up and down and hugged her friends in Voices of Glory and said she was "good with it." The Texas Tenors and Pete Peterkin were the next two acts called to center stage. The spot went to The Texas Tenors, leaving Pete Peterkin out of the competition. Piers congratulated the trio on their move to the semifinals, but gave one piece of advice: "Less cheese, please." Nick called three acts to the stage next: SQ Entertainment, Alizma and Paradizo Dance. The next act to go home was Alizma. With one spot left between husband-and-wife dancers Paradizo Dance and SQ Entertainment, it went to Paradizo Dance. Frisbee tossing and catching dog act Tony Hoard & Rory, along with singer and pianist Charles DeWayne were the fifth and sixth vote getters, meaning the judges would decide which of them would move on. Sharon said she needed more time when Nick asked for her decision first. The Hoff stepped in and said he didn't know if Charles could rank with the best singers in the competition. Piers said he couldn't believe that, and added that "if Charles DeWayne doesn't go through tonight, it will be the biggest scandal in the history of 'America's Got Talent.'" Sharon then hemmed and hawed a little more, telling Charles he's "a great young talent," and said what Tony does is quite unique and what's great about the show is it's a forum for all sorts of great entertainment. "It's going to have to be Tony," Sharon said. Piers looked particularly agitated, shaking his head while Tony & Rory celebrated their victory.

The third batch of 12 quarterfinalists squared off Tuesday night on "America's Got Talent." So far, 10 semifinalists have been chosen, and this week would result in another five getting their semifinal tickets punched. Host Nick Cannon first addressed last week's controversial decision in which David Hasselhoff and Sharon Osbourne picked a Frisbee-catching dog act over soulful singer Charles DeWayne, who Piers Morgan preferred. Sharon defended her choice, saying the show is about variety and that a singer in this show has to be "brilliant" because "Talent" is more than a singing show. FootworKINGz: The Chicago-based dance crew came out with glow-in-the-dark sneakers on that highlighted just how perfectly synced they were with one another. Piers said he couldn't decide if they were "one of the best" dance acts the show's had, or "the best." Sharon loved it all. Hasselhoff said it was "Hoff the charts" and wondered how they would top it next week. Nick noted that one of the dancers hurt himself in the previous night's rehearsal, but he appeared to be fine for the live performance. Marcus Terrell (and the Serenades?): Singer Marcus Terrell was told in the previous round of the competition that his backup singers were keeping him from moving on into the quarterfinals. The judges had given him the green light alone, but Marcus went and found three new backup singers, including one that showed up two nights earlier. Sharon said Marcus was "fabulous," and said Marcus was the kind of different and special singer the competition needed. The Hoff said they were right to have Marcus fire his other backup singers and said they could go on to "Vegas and more." Piers said it was big pressure for Marcus on a night when he could either sink or swim, and "boy, did you swim." Pixie Mystere: Gymnastics and contortion specialists Pixie Mystere lit up the stage with their high-energy choreography and flips and big finish that included one of the young girls flipping over another. The Hoff asked them "how do you feel about going to school in Las Vegas?" Piers said he was disappointed he hadn't hit his buzzer once through three acts. He said he enjoyed that the girls came back and gave a strong routine. Sharon said "Pixie power" is magic. She said they delivered a "total package." Jay Mattioli: One of the acts that was originally cut, magician Jay Mattioli received a second chance at the quarterfinals and said he wanted to make the most of it. Piers buzzed Jay just over halfway through, and Sharon gave a second buzzer a second before Jay made a fluffy dog appear inside a box. Piers said he'd seen it all before, "it's what we call end of the pier stuff in Britain." Sharon agreed, saying "it's the same old, same old that we've seen forever." The Hoff said he wasn't sure if it was big enough for Vegas, but "good job." Bri: Keyboardist and singer Bri, 17, said she dreamed of being in a big show in her hometown of Las Vegas. This was her chance. Sitting at a grand piano, she started a slowed down version of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" before picking up the tempo halfway in and giving a big, running finish. Sharon said it was brave of Bri to take on such a song and make it her own, and she succeeded. The Hoff liked that she made it her own and said "it all worked for me." Piers said not much excites him these days, but her act excited him. He said her unique style was on par with some of today's bigger pop acts and "you have got exactly the right package for the right time." U4IA Dance Crew: Another second-chance act, the U4IA Dance Crew vowed to bring something bigger and different for the quarterfinals. The Hoff said he loved it, "I don't know why." Piers called out one of the dancers and said she was scary "in a great way." He said they were the first wild-card act that he was really pleased to have seen. He added that the dancing this season has been "unbelievable." Sharon said she loved the routine, but she wasn't sure if they were the best dancers, "technically," that she's seen. Dave Johnson: Loan officer turned "David Hasselhoff song guy" from the audition round Dave Johnson took a chance to bring something different to the stage. Dave said this was his second time performing in front of more than 20 people, and it didn't last long. Piers and Sharon buzzed him not too long into his ode to "The Golden Girls," and The Hoff followed a little later to kill Dave's performance. "I guess the judges don't like 'The Golden Girls,'" Nick Cannon said. Piers said he didn't get it, "it just wasn't funny." Sharon said "it's just not my thing." The Hoff said "it's just not going to make it to the next round." Hairo Torres: Breakdancer and contortionist Hairo Torres wanted to prove that a single dancer could sustain an entire show. he knew that in order to achieve that he had to prove he could do things other people couldn't. Sharon said he was unique, but she still didn't know if he could go and do it on his own. The Hoff said Hairo was "the weirdest dancer" he'd ever seen. Piers agree, "you are a bit strange," but "you are also very entertaining and the crowd loved you tonight." Piers told him to think about the choreography and how he would adjust it for a 90-minute show in Las Vegas. G-Force: The three sisters wanted to show the world they "could be the girl version of The Jonas Brothers." Just over halfway into their rendition of Katy Perry's "Hot n Cold," Piers buzzed them. "What type of ogre buzzes three little girls?" Nick wondered. The Hoff said they were always his favorite from the beginning. He admitted they "were off a little bit on the vocals," but they have a major career ahead of them. Piers said he loved them, the guitar playing and the drumming, and agreed that the singing was way off. Sharon also agreed, saying their audition was better than this performance. Jeffrey Ou: The teenage pianist said he was going to come alive on stage, and he did. After opening his performance with some classical piano, he jumped into "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," but it included a bit of a technical problem because the sound went out on his piano. The Hoff said he couldn't really comment on the piano because he couldn't hear it, but he noted that Jeffrey didn't need the dancers he used. Piers said he thought it was good that Jeffrey took himself out of his comfort zone. Nick explained that one of Jeffrey's dancers actually kicked the cable out of his piano. Sharon said she preferred Jeffrey's "Mad Professor" vibe from earlier in the competition. Mario & Jenny: The daredevil fire act cranked up the heat with a dramatic and dangerous routine that included guitars and more ablaze. Sharon said she loved it. The Hoff said "every time you come, you come to play." He said they were even better Tuesday night than they'd been before. Piers said it was a very tough night to vote and called it "as near to a Vegas act as we've seen." Lawrence Beamen: The deep-voiced singer who wowed the judges in the audition round came back to prove it was no fluke. Sharon said Lawrence's voice was "smooth like velvet." The Hoff said he felt sorry for everyone else in the competition because if Lawrence kept singing like that he could win the competition. Piers said Lawrence was the best of the night and called him "a rare talent" and "the new Barry White." He said Lawrence was "the nearest thing to a guaranteed, nailed-down star we have produced on this show for a very long time."

For the third time this season, five acts Wednesday on "America's Got Talent" moved into the semifinals. First, a recap of the previous night's action: Piers Morgan made another little girl cry, a triple-buzzed contestant (Dave Johnson) called the judges old and Piers thought they discovered the next Barry White. To the results: Host Nick Cannon quickly called out the first two contestants to the middle of the stage. The first two: Singer-keyboardist Bri and pianist Jeffrey Ou. The judges loved Bri, but Jeffrey suffered from technical issues that stopped his piano from being heard halfway through his performance. After America's vote, the act moving into the semifinals was Jeffrey Ou. The judges looked shocked at the result as Bri went over to give Jeffrey a big hug. Sharon, whose hand was over her mouth, said, "There have been very few times in my life when I have been lost for words. I'm lost for words." Be our guests: "High School Musical" star turned pop singer Ashley Tisdale stopped by to perform her new song "It's Alright, It's OK." Later in the show, "American Idol" veteran rocker Daughtry hit the stage to perform the new single "No Surprise." Back to the results: Nick next called magician Jay Mattioli, questionably humorous singer Dave Johnson, and deep-voiced singer Lawrence Beamen. The first of the three to be eliminated was Dave Johnson. That meant it was down to Jay Mattioli and judges' favorite Lawrence Beamen. The act moving into the semifinals was Lawrence Beamen. Up next were singer Marcus Terrell & the (New) Serenades and daredevil duo Mario & Jenny. The act moving a step closer to the million-dollar prize was Mario & Jenny. The next acts called to the stage were U4IA Dance Crew, little girl rockers G-Force and breakdancer/contortionist Hairo Torres. Only one of them would go through to the next round. The first act to be eliminated from the group was G-Force. The act moving into the next round was Hairo Torres. With just two acts left, the judges would have to decide between dance groups Pixie Mystere and FootworKINGz. Sharon said she loved the Pixies, but "you're still children, you're not even teenagers yet." She said they had more opportunities to come in their lives, but today belonged to FootworKINGz. Piers said he was debating between one of the best young dance groups against one of the best adult dance groups he's seen. He said he had to go with the act he believed genuinely had the best chance of winning, "and that, I believe, is the FootworKINGz." Two votes was enough to send FootworKINGz to the semifinals, but The Hoff agreed that he would also have voted for them to give them the unanimous nod.

The final set of 12 quarterfinalists on "America's Got Talent" took to the stage on Tuesday in the hopes of winning the nation's vote and moving into the Top 20 acts with a shot at winning $1 million and a show in Las Vegas. Ishaara: the modern-day Bollywood dance group from Berkeley said they practiced in a parking garage because they had no studio in which to rehearse. They turned in a high energy routine that had the crowd and the judges jumping for joy. Piers called it a "wonderful way to start the show." He said they had a freshness about them that he loved. Sharon said dance groups have to be different and that they stood apart "from every other dance act that we've had so far on this show." The Hoff maintained his streak of adding "Hoff" or "Watch" to everything, calling the group "Bollywatch." He then called them the best dance act of the season. Barbara Padilla: The opera singer who overcame cancer to make it to the audition had her chance to shine on the big stage. She said she wanted to be a good example to her daughter, who was adopted because Barbara's cancer treatment left her unable to conceive. She brought the crowd and the judges to their feet with a strong and lengthy final note on her operatic number. Sharon said "it was so perfect -- everything from the performance to the way you look." She called Barbara a star. The Hoff said there is a saying, "You are exactly where you are supposed to be in life," and then repeated it three times. Piers simply said, "Look at you." He went on to explain that she is virtually the reason the show exists, having comes from her background and making it to the quarterfinals. He then said he didn't see anyone beating her this night. Pam Martin's Top Dogs: Dog trainer Pam Martin faced a big challenge. Piers, who was already upset that one dog act made it into the semifinals, said he would show no mercy with the buzzer. Pam made it through the routine with another dog, Spy -- the brother of Biba, the dog with whom she auditioned. The Hoff said Pam definitely had a place in Vegas. Piers said he was sure he was going to buzz her and he didn't because Spy didn't make a single mistake. Sharon loved it all and said, I've got 16 dogs at home. The only thing my dogs can do -- pee on my silk curtains." African High Flyers: The Kenyan group of aerial acrobats said they used to work for tips. Now, they were promising to bring some special for the quarterfinals in order to make it to the next round. Just past halfway through, Piers buzzed them for no clear reason. He quickly explained that earlier he thought he could listen to Barbara Padilla sing for an hour, "quite happily." He said she "raised the bar so high that everybody comes after her has got to be at that level." Sharon agreed, saying the group had great energy and enthusiasm, but doubted whether they added enough to the act to move on. The Hoff said, "I don't know what they were watching, but I loved you." Mia Boostrom: The teenage singer was looking to prove she deserved a shot despite having felt in the past that she was passed over because she doesn't possess a classically desirable figure. She gave her rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." Sharon said, "Who knew?" She said it was a huge song and Mia delivered. The Hoff was impressed at what Mia had become since failing to make it beyond the Las Vegas round on the show last season. Piers said it was lovely to see her again and he loved a fighter and a comeback story. But he said he thought she missed some notes. "It was a good performance," but said he didn't rate her above Kevin Skinner, Lawrence Beamen or Barbara Padilla. Mia's response: "We're all different." Erik and Rickie: The pint-sized ballroom dancers started dancing when they were 4 and they were now 8 and 9. "Erik is my best friend that's not a girl and we do not want to be boyfriend and girlfriend," Rickie explained. The little dancers offered up a paso doble that might have made Len Goodman proud. The Hoff and Sharon stood up in applause. David said they were an inspiration for all the kids in America. He added that he loved the choreography and the attitude. Piers asked if Erik had secret practice behind Rickie's back, because she was better than him in the first audition, "but tonight, you were the man." He went on to say the act was "one of the most charming we've ever seen." Sharon said Erik was "a true matador," and acknowledged that there's ballroom fever around the world and she hoped those dance fans would vote. Coney Island Chris: The trickster who goes by the name "Coney Island Chris" became known as the guy who ate a light bulb in the audition round. He said he prepared an act that was shocking -- saying he was risking everything, including his life, to drop jaws this time. In a definite bit of "don't try this at home" entertainment, he spilled gasoline all over the place and played with fire while trying to crack jokes. Piers and Sharon both buzzed him fairly quickly, but it took The Hoff a little longer. He gave the third "X" after Chris lit his butt cheek on fire. Piers said Chris committed the cardinal sin -- he wasn't funny, "and it was horrifically bad." Sharon said "you could hear a pin drop" when the act was finished. The Hoff said he was hoping Chris would set himself on fire. Matt & Anthony: The quirky acoustic-guitar-and-tap-dancing duo set out to take their college dorm room hijinks to Vegas. With backup dancers, smoke and a moving set on which they climbed and tapped, Matt & Anthony impressed the crowd. Piers wasn't so impressed, buzzing them about halfway through. Sharon said she loved the two guys, but there was something she didn't quite get about the combination. The Hoff said the combination works and called it exciting. "It was just a little bit off in some places," but he thought they did very well. Piers said Sharon and The Hoff were struggling to say what he was the only one was brave enough to say: "You're a great dancer, you're not a very good singer," talking to Matt, then Anthony. He said the singing was dragging down the dancing. The crowd booed. The Lollipop Girls: After first being eliminated, The Lollipop Girls were amazed to be able to return and perform for America. Piers said he thought The Hoff would go into a great depression if the group didn't make it to the next round. One of the girls said it was "all about the tease" this time around. The classic burlesque routine remained within the FCC's limits, despite Nick Cannon's suggestion that they were "throwing (their) drawers all over the place." The Hoff said they were terrific and said "Las Vegas needs an act like this." Piers said, "I could watch that for a long time." He said he wasn't sure about them before, but now he's certain. Sharon applauded them, saying, "It's so much fun, what you do." She noted the Pussycat Dolls had been in Vegas for a long time, and followed with "Vegas for you." Drew Stevyns: Another act who got a second chance at the quarterfinals, Drew Stevyns said he needed the competition and it could be the break he was waiting for his whole life. Piers went into the act wondering whether Drew had the vocal chops to keep up with the rest of the singers in the competition. He gave a decent rendition of The Fray's "How to Save a Life." Piers said he didn't think Drew was the best singer in the competition, but what he saw was "desire and hunger," which is what he really liked. Sharon loved Drew's song choice, saying it fit his voice. She said Drew surprised her and she was glad they brought him back. She also said she hoped people would vote for him. The Hoff said he was impressed and noted that when he heard the performance during rehearsals he thought it was the guest act of the week, not just another contestant. Recycled Percussion: The group of drummers known for hitting plastic buckets, as Sharon put it, had to bring something bigger in the quarterfinals if they wanted to make it to the next stage. They vowed to "blow the roof off this place." With flames and sparks flying all over, they wowed the crowd with a version of "Ballroom Blitz." Sharon said they listened to the advice the judges gave them and applauded them for that. She was amazed at how far they'd come since the first audition. The Hoff, who stood in ovation, said he just wanted to go bang on things and said they "came back awesome tonight." Piers said he could not believe what he was watching. "Every single part of that was 20 times better than your audition," he said, "and now we've got to ask ourselves one thing: Can a load of trash win 'America's Got Talent'? I think it can." The Eriam Sisters: The singing trio of siblings brought a bigger routine to the stage. For the first, they were using background dancers and other added elements to their show. They gave a harmonized version of Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" that was reminiscent of Destiny's Child. The Hoff said their talent really lies in their voices. "The dancing's OK, but the singing really knocks me out." Piers said he liked the dancing, calling it "cheeky." Piers said they were the future and called them the next Destiny's Child. Sharon said she didn't think the other judges realized how hard it is to sing and dance at the same time. She said she hoped people would vote for them.

The Top 20 was finalized Wednesday night on "America's Got Talent," as the last of the quarterfinalists learned whether they would be advancing to the semifinals and continue on the path toward the $1 million grand prize. Tuesday's highlights: A guy lit his butt on fire, Piers said an opera singer changed the game and Sharon said her 16 dogs pee on her silk curtains. To the results: Host Nick Cannon first called singer Drew Stevyns and The Eriam Sisters to the stage. Drew, the dark horse who won over the judges on Tuesday, was put through to the semifinals. Nick went over to The Eriam Sisters for their reaction and they were gracious, calling the experience "unbelievable" and wishing everyone else in the competition good luck. "You're so nice, America loves you guys," Nick said. "And, you know what? America loves you guys so much, guess what? You're going through, too!" The new host pulled of the bait and switch so well, even Piers Morgan smiled and gave him credit for the "mean trick." After a behind-the-scenes package about the making of a performance show, Nick asked the Africa High Flyers, Pam Martin's Top Dogs and Coney Island Chris to the stage. Was there a chance none of these acts would continue? "America has voted," Nick said, giving a dramatic pause before finishing, "you all are out." Nick called Recycled Percussion, Matt & Anthony, and Ishaara to the stage. He told them only one would go through before announcing that the next act out of the competition was Matt & Anthony. That brought it down to Recycled Percussion and Bollywood dancers Ishaara. The third spot in the semifinals went to Recycled Percussion. Be our guest: Country superstar Reba McEntire paid a visit to the "Talent" stage to perform her new song, "Consider Me Gone." Her new album, "Keep On Loving You," hit No. 1 on the charts Wednesday, Nick said. Back to the results: Nick brought the Lollipop Girls, Mia Boostrom, Barbara Padilla and Erik & Rickie to the stage. The four acts vied for just two remaining spots in the semifinals. The next act to go home was The Lollipop Girls. Nick then let one more act into the semifinals, announcing that Barbara Padilla was moving on. Mia Boostrom and Erik & Rickie stood across the stage from each other. Having places fifth and sixth in the voting, the judges would decide who was moving on and who was going home. The Hoff was the first judge to speak. He said Erik & Rickie were incredible dancers, but they were really, really young. He then said that Mia was great, but there were better singers in the competition. "For this competition, alone," The Hoff said, "my choice tonight is ... Erik & Rickie." Sharon said Erik & Rickie brought something special to the stage, but she said she knew how badly Mia wanted it. Her vote went to Mia. Piers said, "If you're asked me last night, I would've said Erik & Rickie." He said he wasn't very impressed with Mia's performance, but then after watching on TV later, he was "a bit more impressed" than he was when he heard it live. Piers said Erik & Rickie were "very charming" and there were some great dance acts in the competition. After saying he knew how much it meant to Mia, who came back after being booted last season, he chose Erik & Rickie. The Top 20: After weeks of auditions, the Las Vegas round and four weeks of quarterfinals, here is a look at the Top 20 semifinalists in the fourth season of "America's Got Talent": The first 10 will perform next week in the first round of the semifinals: Acrodunk, high-flying dunking crew Arcadian Broad, teenage dancer Drew Thomas Magic, magic group Fab Five, clogging sisters Grandma Lee, comedian Kevin Skinner, country crooner Paradizo Dance, odd-sized, husband-and-wife dance act The Voices of Glory, sibling singing act The Texas Tenors, singers Tony Hoard & Rory, Frisbee-catching dog act And the remaining 10 will perform the following week: Barbara Padilla, opera singer Drew Stevyns, singer/guitarist Eriam Sisters, young sister singing act Erik & Rickie, 8- and 9-year-old ballroom dancers FootworKINGz, dance crew Hairo Torres, breakdancer/contortionist Jeffrey Ou, pianist Lawrence Beamen, deep-voiced singer Mario & Jenny, daredevil juggling act Recycled Percussion, drumming group

After several weeks of auditions and quarterfinal performances for America's votes, the semifinals arrived Tuesday night on "America's Got Talent." The final 20 acts would perform, 10 at a time, over the next two weeks to try stay in the running for the show's $1 million grand prize and a show in Las Vegas. Judge Piers Morgan called it "the biggest night of their lives" and said he wanted "to see how far they've come" and "are they worth $1 million?" Sharon Osbourne said she wanted to see personalities, noting, "we know they've got talent, that's why they're here. But I want to see more of them, get a sense of what they're about." David Hasselhoff said he was "Hoff-static," to which the crowd reacted with silence. After a behind-the-scenes look at the pressure-filled preparations for the semis, it was time to get to the performances. Acrodunk: The high-flying dunkers were "risking it all" to make it to the finals, with an act that was going to include jumping through a loop that was set aflame and dunking into a hoop that was also on fire. They nailed it, bringing the crowd to their feet. Piers called it "absolutely unbelievable." "That has to be one of the most thrilling, exciting, dynamic, dangerous, entertaining things I've ever seen on this show. Amazing." Sharon praised them for adding different elements and said, "You make the Harlem Globetrotters look like..." before stopping herself and saying, "forget it; it's all about Acrodunk." The Hoff said "dreams do come true and you guys are on your way." The Texas Tenors: The singing trio from Houston has only been together for a few months, but excited the crowd with their rendition of "Unchained Melody." Taking The Hoff's advice, they went with a ballad. Did it work? Sharon singled out the blond guy named Marcus and said it was amazing, but then she praised the whole group. The Hoff said he could see that billboard in Las Vegas with a picture of the three cowboys. Then he called them a front-runner to win the whole competition. Piers chided them for coming back with "the cheesiest pop song ever written" and singing it "in the cheesiest possible way," immediately after he told them to be less cheesy. But then he called it "brilliant." Paradizo Dance: The husband-and-wife dancing duo that has dazzled the crowd and the judges with their unlikely lifts and acrobatics tried to prove that their act was worth $1 million. Sharon enjoyed their more light-hearted approach, which she called "cute," before saying she preferred their more romantic side. The Hoff agreed, but said he really hoped America would vote them back. Piers said he was a bit disappointed that they didn't include more of "impossible," which is their signature move of the small wife lifting her burly husband. Drew Thomas Magic: The illusionist who floored the judges with his quarterfinal performance opened up about having spent the summer with his daughter because of a shared-custody agreement with her mother. He said he put everything he had into his next act, which he said would feature more personality. Set to the tune of a sappy song, it incorporate his daughter through a storyline about how he missed her. Piers, who buzzed Drew, said he "hated it." He thought the music was too slow and the performance put him to sleep. He also criticized Drew for repeating the trick with his assistants disappearing, which made Piers think Drew was "a one-trick pony." Piers' words made his daughter, Olivia, cry. Sharon told Drew it was fabulous. The Hoff praised Drew for bringing his daughter into it and said a Vegas show needs a change of pace like this performance. Tony Hoard & Rory: The Frisbee-catching dog slipped into the semifinals thanks to Sharon's vote. Piers was still upset that the act made it, saying in the preview piece that "these two should not be in the semifinals." Tony said he lost his factory job of 24 years because he used up all of his vacation time to be on the show. Despite Piers' extreme objection, the act made it through without dropping a Frisbee and without getting buzzed. Sharon said "Rory delivered tonight" and had some choice words for the guy who laid Tony off and said "the karma truck will be parked outside his house." The Hoff said Tony "really stepped it up and made it Vegas-worthy." Piers smiled and noted that he didn't buzz Tony. "The dog went back to what it did in the first place, which was not drop any Frisbees." Piers also said it was "miles better" than the last performance. The Voices of Glory: The singing trio of siblings who perform in honor of their mother, who was seriously injured in a drunk-driving accident. The two older brothers opened up the number so that their little sister could make a grand entrance on "Anytime You Need a Friend." The Hoff said the group just brings the world together. Piers said he really liked what they stand for, "it's a very impressive thing to see in young people." He said they've got talent, but again pointed out that the little sister was the star. Sharon said, "the next time I see you guys, it will be in the final." The Fab Five: The five adult sisters from Utah who pulled their act back together after moving apart and starting their own families. They got emotional when talking about the fact that their father would be in the audience for the first time. They turned in another mesmerizing performance with intense and fast-paced footwork. Piers said it's easy to forget how extremely difficult their type of performance is, but he would have liked to have seen a bit of a change of pace. Sharon said she loved that they keep delivering the high energy. The Hoff said they were "better every time." Grandma Lee: The acerbic comedian opened up about living on her own since her husband died, and the fact that he'd only had the chance to see her perform once. She revisited some familiar territory with jokes about hooking up with Piers and The Hoff. Sharon said she loved Grandma Lee and that she hoped America got it. The Hoff said, "Most comedians who come on this stage are just not funny," and said Grandma Lee was funny, regardless of age. Piers said Grandma Lee's deceased husband would be proud of her and that she deserves to be in the finals. Arcadian Broad: The 14-year-old dancing phenom decided to take a chance by bringing a partner into the routine. He took on a basketball theme with a group of dancers behind him and the partner showing up about halfway through. The Hoff loved the presentation. Piers said there was no doubt Arcadian was a very talented young man. He said he wondered whether Arcadian was good enough to get into the final given the high standard that had been set. "The answer to that question is 'No, you're not.'" He said the show had come to another level. Arcadian jumped in to defend himself, taking a bit of a shot at the producers, saying they gave him the music from "High School Musical," which he did not want to do. Piers said the routine wasn't the issue, but Arcadian just didn't have the chops to keep up with the competition. Sharon defended the boy, saying "it is a tough competition, but you're doing a great job." Host Nick Cannon mentioned, almost in passing to clearly addressing Arcadian's quip about the producers, "the acts do have a final say on what they do and they perform" before calling out Arcadian's phone numbers. Kevin Skinner: The country singer Piers called the man to beat in the competition was overcome with emotion when talking about the support he was receiving back home. He said he was going to perform his father's favorite song. "I really wish he could be here to see me do it, but he's not well enough to travel," Kevin said. "But he'll be watching from home, and I know he'll be proud." He captivated the crowd with his version of Willie Nelson's "Always On My Mind." The crowd roared and Piers gave a standing ovation. Piers said he nearly had tears in his eyes. "After that, you are my favorite to win this whole competition," Piers said. Sharon told Kevin to smile, "because you'll be coming back." The Hoff said Kevin had come a long way in the course of the competition.

The first performances from the semifinals were done Tuesday night, which meant Wednesday was when the results would be announced, letting viewers know the first four acts that would return for the final and compete for the $1 million grand prize on "America's Got Talent." Highlights from Tuesday night: Piers Morgan made another little girl cry, and she wasn't even a contestant (it was magician Drew Thomas' daughter); David Hasselhoff pictured three cowboy singers on a billboard in Las Vegas; Piers was nice to a dog and gave a 75-year-old woman permission to get in his shorts anytime. To the results: Host Nick Cannon first asked dancer Arcadian Broad, The Texas Tenors, and Drew Thomas Magic to come to center stage. The first of the threesome to go home was Drew Thomas Magic. That left Arcadian Broad and The Texas Tenors waiting to see which of them would get a spot in the finals. It was The Texas Tenors. The Hoff said, "America made the right choice!" Be our guests: The Muppets visited, with Kermit and Miss Piggy offering up a bit of "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart." The Hoff took the stage later, to remind folks outside of Germany that he's also a singer. He performed a cabaret-style rendition of "Feelin' Good." Back to the results: Next to center stage were Grandma Lee, Tony Hoard & Rory, and Paradizo Dance. The first to go home was Paradizo Dance, and with the crowd chanting "Grandma Lee! Grandma Lee!" the 75-year-old comedian's dream of winning the whole thing was kept alive. With two spots left in the finals, Nick brought the remaining four acts to the stage: singer Kevin Skinner, high-flying dunkers Acrodunk, singers Voices of Glory, and the clogging sisters The Fab Five. The first of the four acts to get a spot in the finals was Kevin Skinner. The next act to go home was -- insert long, dramatic pause here -- Acrodunk. Piers shook his head as the result was announced. That left The Fab Five and The Voices of Glory in the middle of the stage, and the decision on which act would continue rested in the hands of the judges. Sharon was asked to speak first. She said Voices of Glory has contributed "so much" to the show and haven't even shown their best yet. The Fab Five, she said, were also terrific. Then, she refused to give an answer and passed it over to The Hoff. He asked both of the groups not to look at him and he struggled to say anything before passing it to Piers. Piers hemmed and hawed himself, suggesting they might just send both acts home -- which any keen viewer should've known meant they were going to send them both into the finals. And that's exactly what they did.

The second batch of semifinalists took to the "America's Got Talent" on Tuesday to prove to the judges and to America that they have what it takes to remain in the running for the show's $1 million grand prize. Judge Piers Morgan defended the judges' decision last week to take five semifinalists into the finals instead of just four. He said all five acts deserved to advance to the next round, and that's why the judges made the twist. The Hoff promised he wouldn't use the word "Hoff" anymore, but then said he was "Hoff-ully excited" and that when the finals come around next week, the show will be "Hoff and running." Recycled Percussion: the garbage-can bashing drummers who floored the judges with their quarterfinal performance set out to prove it wasn't a fluke. They wanted to show the judges something they hadn't seen before, and came out beating on an old van and anything else they could find. Piers said there were moments where he couldn't tell whether they were "incredibly talented or just completely mad." He called it inventive and said it was full of showmanship and entertainment. Sharon agreed, and pointed out that one of them was "very ripped." The Hoff said it was a great act and that every week they came back with something different. Lawrence Beamen: The man the judges have called a new Barry White had another chance to prove himself. He opened up about being raised in an extremely strict "religious group," and that he left at age 16. He gave his deep-voiced rendition of Alicia Keys' "Fallin'." Sharon said she loved his voice, but she could have done without some of the "vocal acrobatics." The Hoff said he loved the choice. Piers noted that he loves Lawrence, but he didn't really like that performance. Piers said he still saw Lawrence as the new Barry White, and that seeing him as Alicia Keys didn't quite work. Erik & Rickie: Pre-adolescent ballroom dancers Erik and Rickie said they were working "extra, super duper hard" on their semifinal routine in an effort to keep their million-dollar dream alive. Playing a couple of toy-store dolls that came to life, they danced to Michael Jackson's "Black or White." Piers buzzed them just over halfway through, but they held it together to the end. The Hoff spoke first and said the little pair could have their own Disneyland. He said they could do Vegas. Piers, who was booed, said his buzz wasn't personal. He just didn't like putting their style of dance to pop music. He said it was like having "deep-fried custard," because it was two things that are good on their own, but didn't work together. Sharon said she liked it and said it's common for ballroom dance to be done to current, popular music. Jeffrey Ou: The mad teenage pianist who suffered from technical difficulties in the quarterfinals made it through nonetheless. He knew the semifinal performance was his chance to prove to America that he deserved to be there. Jeffrey hit the stage sporting a wild, vertical hairdo. A light show moved in time to his fast keystrokes on the piano. It didn't take Piers long to buzz Jeffrey. Piers was booed and said the performance was a bit like Jeffrey's hair, "completely out of control." Sharon thought Jeffrey looked fantastic, but said "the playing was pretty out there." The Hoff said he didn't know what Hungarian Rhapsody was, after Jeffrey said that was the name of the piece he played. "It sounded more like beef stroganoff to me," Hoff said. Hairo Torres: Breakdancer and contortionist Hairo Torres said his hero was his mom. She said she was so proud of her son, who was living his dream of dancing, which was a dream she shared as a teenager. Hairo suffered a back injury in his final rehearsal, but his routine was filled with his patented, back-breaking moves. Sharon noted that Hairo added a lot of new steps and said she hoped America would vote to bring him back. The Hoff said the guy next to him was "laughing hysterically," and that it was because his dancing was entertaining. Piers said he realized the reason he liked Hairo was because Hairo dances just like Piers does. The EriAm Sisters: The singing sibling trio struggling with song choice for this week's performance, but were confident in their choice. They settled on David Archuleta's "When You Believe," which gave them a chance to work out some harmonies. Did it work? Piers said it was a "very shaky start" and said they were very flat at first. He said they then got their confidence and it became a really good performance. Sharon agreed that in the beginning they were trying to be three lead vocalists instead of working as a unit, but it "definitely came through in the end." The Hoff added that the sisters' spirit was great and they just make him smile when they're on stage. Mario & Jenny: The daredevil, husband-and-wife juggling act of Mario and Jenny said they hoped this was their time to shine. Mario said he came from a long line of performers and Jenny was a dancer who was tired of constant rejection. The routine was a bit of a mess, with Mario doing an aggressive tap dance and banging on some drums while Jenny worked a pole dance. Piers said it didn't work for him and "I thought you blew it, big time." He said he loved the illusion and danger of their act in the past. Sharon said it showed they weren't one-dimensional, which would work in Vegas. The Hoff said there was "a lot going on" and he thought it was entertaining. He disagreed with Piers, saying they were ready for Vegas and they could hold a show together. Drew Stevyns: The singer-guitarist who slipped through the quarterfinal round said he'd always wanted to play music rather than follow a more traditional career to please his family. He gave a rocked-up rendition of Wham's "Careless Whisper," in the style of the band Seether, which released a version of the song earlier this year. Sharon said Drew made the song his own, even though she didn't like it. She said she hoped America would vote him in. The Hoff said he admired Drew and compared him to Daughtry, saying that kind of music turns him on. Piers said it was a "massive gamble" to do "Careless Whisper," and he thought it paid off. FootworKINGz: The street dance crew from Chicago wanted to show the voters of America that they made the right decision in keeping the dancers around. They showed off their quick footwork to a Power Rangers theme song. Piers buzzed them before too long, and Sharon followed shortly afterward. The Hoff told the crew they'd come a long way, but some of the lasers and other antics got in the way. Piers called the performance "career suicide," saying they were the best dance crew he'd seen in years, but they went with a Power Rangers theme and were joke fighting -- moving too far away from what was at their heart. Sharon said they do the same dance moves in difference costumes. "You've got to stop doing that Russian Cossack move -- we've seen it," she said. Barbara Padilla: Cancer survivor and opera singer said she'd received messages from cancer survivors and became emotional when talking about how she gave some of them a reason to fight. She entranced the crowd with an engaging performance of "Ave Maria," and the judges responded with a standing ovation, along with the audience. Piers said, "Wow. Wow, wow, wow." He said "the whole of America is going to remember where they were when they heard you sing that song," and added that "tonight, a superstar was born on this show." Sharon said it doesn't matter was one's musical tastes are, because music goes beyond language. "I bow down to you," Sharon said, literally standing and bowing. The Hoff said, "They say that God has a plan for all of us," and continued to say that God had a plan for Barbara. He said she gave "a blessed performance tonight."

As the last set of finalists on "America's Got Talent" were announced on Wednesday, host Nick Cannon noted that the precedent set by the judges last week -- in which they did away with the judges' choice and sent the fourth and fifth top semifinalists through to the next round -- would continue for a second consecutive week. That meant the finals would be a made up of a Top 10, rather than the originally planned Top 8. Highlights from Tuesday: Piers said he didn't like Lawrence Beamen's audition, and he buzzed 8- and 9-year-old kids. He also made fun of a teenage boy's hair and praised a guy for singing a Wham song. He also told his once-favorite dance crew that they committed "career suicide," and the judges gave a standing ovation to an opera singer. To the results: Nick first called FootworKINGz and break dancer and contortionist Hairo Torres to center stage. The act moving on to the finals for a shot at $1 million was Hairo Torres. Behind-the-scenes with the judges: For the first time in the show's history, the judges' interactions during the commercial break last week was shown as they debated their historic move to get rid of the judges' choice and send The Voices of Glory and The Fab Five to the finals. It was interesting. Back to the results: The next two acts called to center stage were Erik & Rickie and Jeffrey Ou. After a dramatic commercial break, we learned that both acts were out. Up next were Recycled Percussion and Mario & Jenny. The act moving into the next round was Recycled Percussion. Be our guest: The cast of "Jersey Boys" paid a visit to perform a medley of songs by the Four Seasons. Back to the results: Four acts and three spots in the finals remained. Nick asked Lawrence Beamen, Drew Stevyns, The EriAm Sisters and Barbara Padilla to come to center stage. The first act moving into the finals was Barbara Padilla. She was shocked and Piers said that after watching her performance again, he thought it was "the single greatest performance I think we've ever had on 'America's Got Talent.'" Lawrence Beamen and Drew Stevyns took the last two spots in the final, leaving the EriAm Sisters out in the cold and completing the Top 10, which will square off next week for one last shot at the $1 million.

"It began three months ago," host Nick Cannon announced Monday night as the "America's Got Talent" finale week kicked off with the Top 10 acts performing for the nation's vote. Six singing acts, including Kevin Skinner, The Texas Tenors, The Voices of Glory, Drew Stevyns, Lawrence Beamen and Barbara Padilla, were set to face off with comedian Grandma Lee, trash can beaters Recycled Percussion, and dancers The Fab Five and Hairo Torres. One thing's for certain, the judges should have buzzed Nick on his wardrobe choice that included a jacket woven like a basket. But The Hoff was rocking a pink shirt and tie combo, so who's to judge? Judge Piers Morgan said he didn't think there was a clear favorite and that he was excited to see how it turned out on "the biggest talent show in the world." Sharon Osbourne said the performers should "just think about that million dollars," because it would make her sing, dance and tell jokes better. The Voices of Glory: The young and talented trio that performed all season in honor of their mother, who was critically injured in a drunk driving accident, decided to try a different approach. The little sister of the group, who has earned the best reviews of the bunch all season, took the lead while her brothers harmonized behind her. The judges and the crowd jumped to their feet. Piers said he'd waited the whole time for something to click and it did. Sharon agreed that "everything was perfectly in sync, it all came together." The Hoff, classin' it up as usual, said, "You not only brought your mom out of a coma, you brought Piers out of a coma." He said they "hit it out of the park. Hat trick. Slam dunk." Hairo Torres: Breakdancer and contortionist Hairo Torres talked about the emotions of being in the final, but also about the pressure of coming up with something big for the final. After using backup dancers after his first audition, Hairo did away with them symbolically and literally at the start of his routine, showing himself as a solo dancer. Sharon said he "took a really big risk" in giving such an emotional performance "and I think you did the right thing." The Hoff said Hairo "tied it all together" well. Piers said he absolutely loved Hairo as a person, but "I don't think that worked." He said it lost a lot of the fun that he loved about Hairo's performances. Lawrence Beamen: The big-voiced singer said he never imagined performing the way he has on the show. He said he was definitely feeling the pressure heading into the finals, wondering about whether he'd make the wrong decision on song choice and how he sang it. He went to Barry White, with "You're My First, My Last, My Everything." Piers once called him a new Barry White, but was his move too literal? The Hoff said he was glad to be part of Lawrence's journey and said he was leaving the show "a star." Piers said, "That is why I wanted you to sing Barry White." But he said Lawrence's rendition didn't quite have the "love" that Barry's did. Barbara Padilla: Barbara's montage recounted her cancer fight and she talked about how it gave her more than it took away. She went back to "O Mio Babbino Caro," the song she sang in her first audition, because of the door that it opened for her. She captivated the audience again. Piers said viewers at home were thinking, "She's one of us and she's living our dream, and they're all going, 'Way to go, Barbara. Way to go.'" Sharon said she couldn't believe Barbara's journey from the audition to the finale. The Hoff said Barbara was "so beautiful, you command the stage, you command our attention and our respect." He told her, "Forget Vegas, you're going to play bigger halls." The Fab Five: The five sisters from Utah who have since moved to different parts of the country talked about how they'd wanted all their lives to share a big stage. Piers said in their preview tape that he wanted to see something unique that showed a different kind of range. They said they were doing something they hadn't done since they were kids. Sharon said it was beautifully choreographed and said "you girls belong in Vegas." Hoff wondered if the girls ever stopped smiling, but then said he couldn't stop smiling watching them. Piers said it was incredible that the sisters still seemed to be best of friends. "When you dance together, it's like you're one, dancing, and it's amazing infectious." The Texas Tenors: The trio got emotional when talking about their experience and with the blond one talking about his father who'd passed away and wanted his son to pursue his dream of singing. They were prepared to go all out, Vegas-style, with a performance of "My Way." The Hoff said they had "a lot of guts" coming out and doing a Frank Sinatra song. He said they took a chance, then he said they did it their way (about three times). Piers said, again, it was cheesy and said "Vegas is cheesy, in many parts, and I think it's fabulous cheese." Sharon agreed it was "triple cheese," but she called their vocals perfect. Drew Stevyns: The dark horse singer-guitarist said it was tough to stand out among the several thousand performers earlier in the competition. He talked about going through a difficult breakup and that the response has been "amazing and overwhelming -- especially the female response." He sang The Pretenders' "I'll Stand By You." Piers said that as he watched Drew, he felt "very proud of the show." He said Drew gave the best performance he'd given. "This could be a night when a wild card goes the whole way," he said. Sharon said that, as a manager, if she was looking for a young guy to be a rock singer, she'd pick Drew. Grandma Lee: The 75-year-old comedian said she wouldn't have imagined in a million years that she would have made it to the finals. She said she was always a bit of a scoundrel. She shared the story of when her father died and her mother couldn't cope, so she was sent to a girls' home, which she said she loved. She vowed to pushing the grandma limits Monday night. She came out donning a pregnant belly and said, "We'll discuss this later, Mr. Morgan." Sharon said Grandma Lee got her early with a Ryan Seacrest joke and she "couldn't stop laughing." The Hoff said every time Grandma Lee came out, she was "funnier and funnier." Piers said he wanted a paternity test, "because if you win the million dollars, I want my slice of the pie." Kevin Skinner: The country singer opened up a bit about his family and said that where he comes from, it's not always easy to support your family. "Not to say I'm not proud of where I come from, either," he said. It's made him who he is, but the opportunity to change his life made him feel good. He stepped out of the country realm with Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing." The Hoff mocked Kevin's accent and suggested Kevin could win it. Piers said it wasn't perfect and said he could benefit from some training, but his heart was what the show is about. Piers suggested Kevin's victory would be the best way for America to come out of the recession. Sharon said Kevin didn't have to have the greatest voice because he's unique. Recycled Percussion: The group said they have a lot of creative ideas and they were looking forward to unleashing them. The were fueled by the fact that they had gotten the judges and America to believe in them throughout the competition. Piers called their performance "an absolutely brilliant way to end a brilliant show" and added that he would put them in Vegas tomorrow. Sharon said they were so creative to come up with such different ideas and agreed that they "really do belong in Vegas." The Hoff said they were insane and made him want to drum in the shower. This is the point at which it would be best to fully explain their performance, but a comment like that should be allowed to stand on its own.

After four months of auditions and eliminations, it was time Wednesday night to finally name a $1 million grand prize winner on "America's Got Talent" -- after two hours of filler and hype. Would it be the chicken-catching country crooner, the dancing moms of Utah, the sharp-tongued elderly comedian, the opera-singing sensation known as Barbara Padilla, or one of the other six final acts? Before that, though, host Nick Cannon ran through the list of guest performers for the evening, which included Leona Lewis, Rascal Flatts, Shakira and "Britain's Got Talent" phenom Susan Boyle, making her first televised singing appearance in the United States. Judge Piers Morgan said he normally works it down to one or two acts that could win, but this time he said it was tough to call and that any one of "eight or nine acts" could win it. In a bizarre bit of packaging, the entire top 10 participated in a performance of "Don't Leave Me This Way," which included a surprise appearance by Thelma Houston. Kevin Skinner couldn't seem to keep up with the lyrics or the dance moves, but Drew Stevyns Lawrence Beamen, the Fab Five and Recycled Percussion helped keep it all moving as it turned out to be kind of an interesting bit of entertainment. Leona Lewis, a product of Simon Cowell's other British singing show, "The X Factor," performed her new single, "Happy." Just when it didn't seem like the night could get much worse, an "Auditions All Stars" performance included some of the mildly amusing rejects from the audition process, and ended with Piers Morgan and Grandma Lee in a tux and wedding dress (I'll let you guess who was wearing which) appearing inside a magic box. Another performance, this time by Cirque du Soleil, filled a few more minutes before we even got to the top of the first hour. It was 54 minutes into the two-hour saga before we got to some results. Nick asked two acts at a time to come to center stage. One would be in the top five, the other would discover their dream was over. First up were opera singer Barbara Padilla and breakdancer Hairo Torres. Barbara was in, Hairo was out, but he left with a smile on his face. Lawrence Beamen and The Voices of Glory came up next. The next spot in the top five went to The Voices of Glory. The Texas Tenors and the Fab Five were the next called to the stage. The next act continuing into the top five was The Texas Tenors. Next came Kevin Skinner and Drew Stevyns, who oddly mimed putting a gun to his head when his name was called along with Kevin's. The fourth spot in the top five went to Kevin Skinner. That meant the final spot in the top five came down to Grandma Lee and Recycled Percussion. The trash can beaters took it, knocking Grandma Lee out of the competition. After looking at the five castoffs, Piers said that four of them could have probably won any past season of the show, which led him to the annual hyperbolic conclusion that "this is the greatest season we've ever had." After another year-in-review style montage, Shakira dropped by to perform her new song, "She Wolf." With 40 minutes left in the two-hour ordeal, the top five became the top two. Nick announced that the act finishing in fifth place after America's vote was The Voices of Glory. Sharon told the trio this was "just the beginning" for them and that we'd be seeing a whole lot more of them. Finishing fourth were The Texas Tenors. The Hoff told the trio they were well on their way and asked them to let him buy a ticket to their show. The act finishing in third place was Recycled Percussion, leaving Barbara Padilla and Kevin Skinner to vie for the $1 million prize. Piers said "you could not have two more different acts,' with a classical singer versus a country singer and said he couldn't call it. Before we found out the winner, Rascal Flatts came out to perform their song, "Summer Nights." Kevin and Barbara were each moved to tears during montages that recalled their journeys on the show. After a performance from Susan Boyle, we'd finally get to see who won. An extended intro reminded Americans about Susan Boyle's wild ride from a surprising audition on "Britain's Got Talent" a few months ago, to finishing in second place on that show, breaking down and checking into a clinic to deal with the pressure, and rising back to fame with a new album and a new single. She performed her cover of the Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses." "Now, the long wait is over," Nick said, introducing the final two acts, Kevin Skinner and Barbara Padilla. And the winner of "America's Got Talent" was Kevin Skinner. The unemployed chicken catcher who captured the hearts and votes of America was the winner of the $1 million grand prize and headlining show in Las Vegas.

The two-hour fifth season premiere kicks off with auditions from Los Angeles. The series is a true celebration of the American spirit featuring a colorful array of hopeful stars, including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to strut and perform on stage hoping to win America's hearts -- and the $1 million prize.

The judges travel to Dallas, Texas, for auditions.

The New York City auditions of "America's Got Talent" started with a remarkable act called "Fighting Gravity," a group of college students who shut down all the lights in the theater and delivered a performance that blew the judges and the crowd away. Four dancers dressed in white, who were the only figures visible on stage, turned in some precise choreography and surprised everyone when there were a couple dozen guys on stage after it ended. Howie called it the most unique and exciting act he's seen since The Blue Man Group, and "Fighting Gravity" was on its way to Vegas. Father-and-son duo Gino and Tony Antanies gave a so-bad-it-was-worth-cheering-for rendition of "All By Myself." Piers buzzed them quickly, but the other judges were willing to indulge them a bit more. Piers said no, but Sharon said, "Absolutely yes." Howie said he could sense the passion and the love, and said it was a beautiful father-and-son thing, but he voted no. A guy named Joe Menchetti put his speed-eating skills to the test, trying to eat five pizzas in 90 seconds. Three buzzers came before he could finish, though, and he set off a run of terrible auditions that included a guy playing a very over-sized guitar and a terrible singer. A guy dressed in 18th-Century garb calling himself Prince Poppycock turned heads with his outfit, but delivered a stunning operatic performance that Sharon called "magnificent." Piers said he was expecting the performance to "take a certain route," but instead it took a different one. Howie called Prince Poppycock "great talent." All three judges voted yes to send the Prince to Vegas. The Peek-a-Boo Revue, a burlesque group, won over the judges and earned a ticket to Vegas. A guy named Jia-Yi He played four harmonicas at once and earned a standing ovation from the crowd and the judges. A group of knife-throwers earned a unanimous nod from the judges, as well. A singing duo featuring a couple of guys who were very into themselves and called themselves "On Repeat," weren't nearly as good as they thought they were and earned three buzzes from the judges. Antonio Restivo, a 39-year-old street vendor, showed off a pyromaniac routine that mesmerized the crowd. Howie said it was exactly the kind of thing that works in Vegas. Piers appreciated how polished it was, and all three judges gave him a vote for Vegas. Three stand-up comedians were quickly shown the exit as a ramp-up to Doogie Horner, a 30-year-old guy who hoped to turn around the fortunes of stand-ups. The relentless crowd started booing him almost immediately, but Howie seemed to like him. Howie said he thought Doogie was talented, and Sharon appreciated how he held his own against the tough crowd. Piers told him the audience turned on him because he wasn't funny. Howie voted yes, Piers voted no, and Sharon broke the tie with a yes vote.

The "America's Got Talent" auditions headed for New York City, and the first contestant out of the gate was 74-year-old Mary Ellen. She struggled out of the gate to get her keyboards working on Patsy Cline's "Crazy." Piers buzzed her immediately, and Sharon buzzed her once she started singing. Howie was the lone holdout, and as the crowd roared in disapproval, and Mary busted into some yodeling that got the crowd back into it. Sharon told Mary she's "absolutely barking mad" but she loved her. Howie said he didn't know why he loved it, but he did. Piers said no, but Howie realized that even though everyone would think he was crazy, he gave her a yes. Sharon hoped Mary would find herself a husband in Vegas, and she'd get the chance because that's where she was headed. Rudi Macaggi wowed the judges and the crowd by doing a headstand on a basketball that was set on a stack of shelves that were propped up by champagne glasses and bottles. Rudi vowed more of an act that would blow our socks off. All three judges gave him yes votes for Vegas. The '80s dance group, "The Spangles Dance Company," started a montage of green-lit acts, and they made Howie feel like his mullet was growing back. A kid named Eric put on an impressive yo-yo display. Michael Grasso, a 36-year-old magician, dazzled the crowd with a switcheroo in a box, where he and his assistant swapped places. All three judges were amazed and Piers even called it "absolutely brilliant." With three yeses, Michael was heading to Vegas. A 12-year-old ballroom dancing couple earned a ticket to Vegas before a married couple calling themselves "Just the Two of Us," playing a flute and a lute, took the stage. Just a few seconds into their serenade, which appeared to be done more for each other than for the crowd, all three judges buzzed them, and voted no. A 39-year-old singer named Chale with a deep, radio DJ's voice walked off stage to give himself a grand emcee's introduction, but that was the highlight as all three judges buzzed him and he was gone. A few more bad acts, including a weird dancing guy and a female accordion band followed. Nina Mojares, 10, and her dancing quartet called Legit, impressed the crowd with her singing and their dance moves. Piers said Nina had a good voice, "but it wasn't great." Sharon praised her stage presence and confidence, but said she seemed too precise. Howie agreed with both judges, saying Nina needs to take it to the next level. Howie voted yes, but Piers voted no, saying they weren't quite ready yet. Sharon strung her along, by saying she didn't know if Nina was quite ready yet. It seemed as if she was dragging out a yes vote, but she wasn't. Sharon said no. Alice Tan Ridley, the 58-year-old mother of Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe, said she's been singing in the subways for 20 years, but was still chasing her dream. The crowd rose to its feet after hearing her sing Etta James' "At Last." Sharon wondered why no one had signed her yet, and Howie said she deserved to be heard by more than just the people on the trains. Piers called it the best audition of the day. All three judges voted yes. Chipps Cooney, a 61-year-old illusionist from New Jersey, put on a clearly satirical "magic" show in which all of the illusions were obvious. Piers buzzed him, but Howie pointed out that Piers just didn't get it. Then Piers admitted he didn't get it. Howie loved Chipps' deadpan delivery, and Sharon said she found it very entertaining. Howie said yes, Piers said no, and Sharon said yes.

The "America's Got Talent" auditions headed south to Orlando, which Piers Morgan called "very, very cool." Howie Mandel said he'd not only been to Orlando before, but he's performed on this very stage. The first contestant was local lifeguard Jason Pote, who called himself a "freestyle dancer." A quick three buzzes later, a winded Jason was sent home -- at least he lived nearby. He walked to the audition. Jason started a run of terrible acts, including a guy whose eyebrows danced, a guy who put some kind of colorful paint on an overhead projector, and a horrible dancer who referred to the new judge as "Howie Mendez." A college student dance troupe called The Morphs were dressed in head-to-toe leotards that covered their faces. They were awful and Piers buzzed them quickly, then shook his head as he wondered why the other judges weren't buzzing them, as well. But they did, eventually. Another guy named Billy Bob beat his bicycle like a drum and was buzzed by all three judges. A hula-hoop dance group was buzzed three times over, as was a bad singer named Stacey Weaver. Piers called it "the worst day of auditions I can remember." A 44-year-old guitarist and singer named Lonnie Lear who looked and talked like last year's winner Kevin Skinner was also from Kevin's hometown of Mayfield, Ky. He claimed he was better than Kevin. He wasn't. The crowd hollered for X's, which came from Piers and Howie, and finally from Sharon. Howie struggled to come up with a positive comment, and gave up. Nick Pike, a 30-year-old cruise ship performer, tried something he said was very dangerous and he'd never done it before. He laid out a complicated agenda for his routine. He rode a unicycle that was on fire, while juggling clubs that were also on fire. After more juggling, he did some backspins that make him dizzy. Then he fired up a chainsaw and incorporated it into his juggling routine. The crowd loved it. He dropped a club at one point, so Piers buzzed him. Sharon loved it and Howie called him "truly a great entertainer." Piers, even after X'ing Nick, gave him a yes vote. He was heading to Vegas. Kruti Dance Academy sought to make Indian dance well known, and their tight choreography won points from the judges and the crowd. They were given a pass to Vegas. Lil Chris, 12, wowed with his singing and dancing, continuing the trend of successful acts. Jayna Lee did "a strong-woman act" in which she literally bent over backwards while Nick Cannon stood on her stomach. Mama T, who is 73, sang and danced her way to Vegas. Unassuming Nathaniel Kenyon, 19, carried his guitar on stage and tried to overcome his nerves. He talked about working at an elderly person's home and that he does it because he was inspired by the people who helped his grandmother in her final days. The crowd seemed to enjoy it, but Piers hit him with an X. The crowd chanted "Vegas!" Sharon said Nathaniel had something special about him. Howie said he wasn't the world's greatest singer, but he's good looking and has some talent. Piers said he didn't think Nathaniel was quite there. Howie said yes. Sharon broke the tie by telling Nathaniel she'd be seeing him in Vegas. "Twisted Trystan and Krystan," a sideshow performing couple carrying a large and imposing hand drill, did something they admitted wasn't entirely safe. Trystan said he went to the hospital performing the trick he was going to do on stage. He swallowed a sword, then he dropped to his knees while Krystan stuck the drill down his throat. Piers said it was "not normal" and said "the pair of you are mad." Sharon said she enjoyed it. Howie called it more compelling than other sword swallowers. All three judges gave them yes votes and invited them to Vegas. The final act of the night was a dance group called Wreckless from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., whose leader said they had no formal training or a professional setting in which to train. Piers said he'd been looking for a dance group that could "kick butt" and said they made it worth the wait because they kicked butt. Sharon liked that they were "raw and edgy," and called them fantastic. Howie loved it and after some quick votes, told them they were going to Las Vegas.

The "America's Got Talent" auditions were back in Orlando, Fla., and the first act of Tuesday's two-hour audition episode was magician Frankie Elliston, a 19-year-old Chili's waiter who earns extra tips by performing magic tricks. He swallowed a piece of string and pulled it out through the skin on his stomach. He freaked everyone out, and Piers Morgan called it "one of the most disgusting things I've ever seen." He was intrigued, though, and voted yes as the crowd cheered. Sharon said she didn't know if it was good enough, so she voted no. Howie liked something about Frankie and put him through to Vegas. Another magician made it through with a slick "girl in a box" trick. A group of South Philly's Mummers, and a knife thrower who surprisingly used host Nick Cannon as his target all made it to Vegas, as well. Erin Barylski, a painted-up gymnast painted an American flag using pigment on her thighs was just odd enough to make it through to Vegas. A 16-year-old kid dressed as Amadeus came up next. Simeon Mulder recently immigrated from the Netherlands and played the keyboard like a whiz. The crowd was on its feet, his mom was beaming with pride and the judges really had no choice but to send him to Vegas. Customer service representative Tiahizzi Charrelle was pretty well covered up before taking the stage to perform a "song-and-dance routine." Howie buzzed her immediately, and Sharon followed suit. Piers held out long enough to watch Tiahizzi remove most of her clothes, then buzzed her. A string of extremely odd characters followed, including a large man with small talent who pranced around the stage in short shorts before stripping down to briefs. A young dance group, Studio One Young Beast Society, made up of dancers ages 10 to 21, impressed the crowd and the judges and earned a trip to Las Vegas. A 73-year-old Russian immigrant named Efim Tabachnikov, who moved to the U.S. 33 years ago, sang "Some Enchanted Evening" using a style and technique he developed himself. It didn't work. Piers buzzed him almost immediately, and Sharon soon followed. Howie let Efim finish, but the crowd was somewhat relentless. All three judges seemed to like him personally, but voted no. A Haitian group called Harmonik hit the stage with something to prove. They performed for themselves and for their families back in their homeland, who are still reeling from the massive earthquake that hit in January. They wanted to win so they could send the prize money back home. They sang their version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," and the crowd was into it. The judges agreed it was a great performance, and voted them through to Vegas as the crowd gave a standing ovation. A singer and songwriter named Sponjetta wasn't lacking in confidence, saying she felt she could be as big as a Alicia Keys and Beyonce. She performed some original material, a song called "Studio." She kept repeating the line, "I'll be in my studio, studio." All three judges voted no. Nick took the stage and tried to give her another chance, encouraging the crowd to bounce as she sang the song all over again. Sponjetta was the last act Orlando had to offer, and the second hour was dedicated to auditions held in Portland, Ore., for the first time. The first act in the city that prides itself on being weird was a magic duo called "The Magique Bazzar." The guy changed his face mask five times in 90 seconds, but while performing with his back to the crowd, he fell of the stage. They went home, and they were followed by a string of bizarre acts, including one in which a woman dressed as a zombie kept telling a leashed man to roll over. The early portion of the auditions displayed mostly the weird part of what Portland has to offer. But bicycle trickster Jeremy Vanschoonhoven, 27, brought the crowd to its feet. He first used Nick as a prop and balanced his front tire over Nick's face multiple times, then went through an obstacle course. Piers buzzed him because he fell at one point, then he voted no. Sharon voted yes, along with Howie, to send Jeremy on to Vegas, where he vowed to crank it up even higher. Banghra Empire, an Indian dance group, had the crowd and the judges smiling, and they kicked off a run of quality acts who earned tickets to Vegas, including a singing duet called The Strange Familiar and a kids' dance group. Airpocalypse, an air band supergroup, started slowly and Piers was primed to buzz them, but he held off and they kicked it up a notch, bringing the crowd on board with them. Howie voted yes, as did Sharon, and Piers was into it, as well, sending Airpocalypse to Vegas. A classically trained cellist with a heavy metal vibe was X'd off the stage, but Connor Doran was ready to demonstrate his indoor kite flying prowess. The 17-year-old said he was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 4 and flying his indoor kite helped give him confidence and calm. The crowd and the judges were mesmerized by watching him guide the apparatus around the stage. Howie called it "one of the most beautiful, unique things" he'd ever seen. He was flying off to Vegas. William Scott Anderson, a medical evacuation team member in the Army who performed magic for injured children, amazed everyone with an illusion in which he put a woman in a box, then folded the box up, drove swords through it and then unfolded the box with the woman still inside. How and the judges loved it and put him through to the next round. Sally Cohn, a 75-year-old former teacher who vowed to knock everyone off their asses with her performance, was a hand whistler. She whistled "America the Beautiful" and Sharon buzzed her. She wrote a book about hand whistling and had copies for sale for $12. Howie bought one. Sharon liked Sally, but said no. Piers, though, had the last vote and as the crowd cheered, "Vegas! Vegas!" he voted yes.

The second day of auditions in Portland, Ore., started just as weirdly as the first day had, with a taxi driver named Soriah offering up some bizarre humming that he called Tuvan throat singing. It sounded like a human vuvuzela and after the judges mocked him a bit, they sent him on his way. Soriah was followed by a run of odd acts, including a contortion yoga dancer, a needle swallower and a girl with pink hair who admitted she made up her lyrics as she went along. It got so bad that Piers Morgan walked away and called it a complete waste of time. A family tap dancing group of three brothers and their sister, calling themselves The Hot Shot Tap Dancers, tried to turn the tide in Portland. It worked. The crowd was pumped and the judges were all smiles. Howie loved it and said there was a connection and a "unity" that made it work. Piers liked it but wasn't thrilled with their choreography. Although he said it wasn't perfect, Piers voted yes, along with Howie and Sharon, and they were tapping their way to Vegas. A "wall-dancing" couple called AscenDance put on an impressive display of dancing on a rock-climbing wall. Piers said that ever time he thinks he's seen everything on this show, something like this comes along as surprises him. Howie had the same sentiment. All three judges voted yes and AscenDance was heading to Vegas. A dancing group of girls, ages 11 to 13, called RNG ("Radiant Next Generation") put on a precise performance of hip hop. Howie said he enjoyed it but told them to step it up if they were to return. Piers said he liked it more than he expected to. Sharon praised their timing and said she liked it very much. Piers voted yes, along with the other two judges, and RNG was moved on. A crooner named Paul Safy Jr. channeled Tony Bennett and the crowd loved him, as did the judges. A doubles trapeze act called the Sky Sirens and a teenage boy playing an instrument made with PVC pipes that he and his father built also moved on to Vegas. Ryan Compton said his talent was going to blow people away, and he turned down jobs better than his present role as a janitor so that he could hone his talent. Ryan's singing was terrible, but then it became some kind of crumping act. All three judges buzzed him and he was sent on his way. Harmonica Pierre, 74, was in love with his harmonica and divorced his wife after she stopped playing harmonica and told him he had to stop, as well. The crowd rose slowly as Pierre rocked "Flight of the Bumble Bee" on his harmonica, and they applauded when he was done. Sharon said she enjoyed it, but didn't think she could take too much of it at once. Piers said Pierre brought a touch of class to the show. Howie asked Pierre to make it more marketable. Howie voted yes, but Sharon said no. With the crowd urging him on, Piers sent Pierre to Las Vegas. A pair of sisters, Christina and Ali, 13 and 20, who have cystic fibrosis wanted the judges to "look beyond everything" and see them for who they are. They wanted to prove that you can achieve your dreams and do anything you set your mind to. The crowd jumped out of their seats as the sisters belted out "The Climb." Howie said that their talent combined with their illness was so moving that he wanted everything for them that they want in life. Piers said it was "an amazing thing" they'd done just by walking out and singing. He said they weren't the best singers the show has had, but they were good singers and had "absolute sincerity." He called it "an extraordinary performance." Sharon praised the joy they had when they sang. Sharon voted yes, and Howie said he'd be an idiot not to say yes. Piers, then, invited them to Las Vegas.

It's the final week of auditions on "America's Got Talent" (already, you ask?). Tuesday night's episode brought us to Chicago, where the hope was that the talent would be as deep as the pizza. The first contestant of the night promised to wow and disgust America with his talent -- sneezing with his eyes open. Germaphobe Howie Mandel refused to watch and buzzed the guy right away. The guy couldn't even get himself to sneeze, despite jamming a Q-tip into his nostril, and Piers Morgan buzzed him. Finally, Howie ran over and buzzed Sharon's X to send the guy off. A eight-man hip-hop dance crew called Strikers All-Stars from Florida said they'd been dancing together since 2002. They put on an impressively choreographed routine that had the crowd roaring. Sharon called it good, Howie called it "great." With three yes votes, the Strikers were heading to Vegas. Another group of college friends, the Gentlemen of NUCO, put a rock twist on classical music instruments, and a gospel quartet called NU Covenant were sent along to the next round. A dancer named Naishon Jones moved on, as well. A 50-year-old magician calling himself Spellbound vowed to give the judges something they'd never seen before. He stuck a handkerchief onto a little prop suitcase and made it dance. It was a debacle and all three judges buzzed him. He was followed by more terrible acts, including a girl who danced in a bubble and a guy wearing a cheese hat who sang a song about cheese. Singer Carlos Aponte of Puerto Rico walked onto the stage meekly and sort of sheepishly talked about what he was going to sing, and then amazed the crowd and the judges with a booming operatic voice. Howie told Carlos he'd created one of the show's trademark "unexpected, fantastic moments." Sharon said it was "stunning." Piers said he got goose bumps. All three judges voted to move Carlos to Las Vegas. Performance artist Polina Volchek wowed the crowed with her hoops, ribbons and contortions, spinning hula hoops on her legs and arms, and made it to the next round. John Beatty, a 43-year-old registered nurse, showed off some serious "strong man" skills. He first rolled up a frying pan, then drove a nail into a license plate and two wood planks with his bare hand. Then he bent a thicker nail while holding a 290-pound cement ball into his lap. Piers buzzed him, saying he wasn't entirely impressed. Piers even suggested the drying pan was weaker than most, at which point Howie asked Piers if he could unroll it. He couldn't, then said it might be easier to roll it up than to unroll it. Then John unrolled it. All three judges, including Piers, then put John on a plane to Vegas. Debra Romer, 21, of Kalamazoo, Mich., shared her story of running away at the age of 17. She hasn't been home since. She said her two younger siblings have been the only constants in her life and that music saved her after years in and out of foster care. She said her dream was to sing for a living and "not wait tables." She played acoustic guitar and sang Sarah McLachlan's "Angel." She started slowly and nervously, but the crowd cheered her on and she picked up her confidence and she went on. Howie said he didn't sense that Debra "owned" her performance. Piers disagreed, saying Debra was showing innocence and vulnerability rather than fear. Sharon straddle both sides of the issue, encouraging Debra to stand stronger on stage. Howie voted no. Piers gave her a "definite" yes. Sharon said she couldn't see Debra handling having her own show in Vegas. "If that's what you want me to do, I'll do it," Debra replied. Sharon then said she was going to give her that opportunity.

The final auditions for the sixth season of "America's Got Talent" were finally upon us, and Wednesday's episode took us to ... well, it wasn't clear where we were. But there were more acts waiting to impress the judges enough to get to Las Vegas. The first was a 26-year-old comedian named Jimmy Dinh (pronounced "Dean," but he didn't sell sausages, he does eyelash extensions). He was very excited to be on stage. He was funny at first, but it fell apart when he began his shtick. All three judges buzzed him, but Howie encouraged him to stick with comedy and continue to perform as himself. A belly dancing duo calling themselves The Belly Dancing Duo floored Piers and Howie, who said they were both "overflowing with talent." Even Sharon was on board, despite saying that Howie was "just looking at the T&T." He said it was "the talent, and the timing." They made it to Vegas. A hip-hop violinist from Utah went through, as well, followed by a team of pogo-stick jumping guys. A large group of large guys dancing made it through next. A guy named "Clownvis," an Elvis impersonator dressed as a clown, He was barely a line into "Old McDonald" before Piers and the rest of the judges buzzed him. Cownvis made a crack about Sharon giggling because she was on a contact high from hanging around with Ozzy so long. She brought the whole show to a stop by telling Clownvis, "Nobody disrespects my husband," before pausing and finishing, "so (expletive) off." Clownvis then turned his aim toward Howie, saying he hasn't been funny since the rubber glove. Howie gave Clownvis the same sendoff. A card thrower named Rick successful cut through a piece of celery from several feet away. He made it through. Phil Trau, a 74-year-old tap dancer, got buzzed by Piers but kicked his routine into high gear using some small steps. Piers took back his X after the performance and voted yes, along with the other judges, to send Phil to Las Vegas. A guitarist/singer named Luigi Seno brought the ladies to their feet with his take on Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning." Piers told Luigi he was going to go a long way with his talent, but first he'd be going to Vegas. One-man-band performer Arthur Nakane took over three hours to set up his multi-faceted instrument, then it had some trouble getting started. The act was a bit of a mess, but even Piers couldn't resist paying tribute to Arthur's dedication and gave him a ticket to Vegas.

The Americas Got Talent audition process is taking a big step this week as the more than 100 acts to make it to the Las Vegas round will be whittled down to 48 finalists. The contestants enjoyed the sites and sounds of Vegas and talked about how much theyd love to have a show there -- the grand prize (along with that $1 million) for the winner. With the cameras rolling, Howie, Piers and Sharon pretended to debate which of the acts they preferred to see move forward. Finally, the contestants were brought into the theater as the judges appeared on stage. They were on edge, knowing that in the past some contestants have been cut even before they performed in Vegas. The acts were separated into three groups as they sat in the theater. Howie told the acts seated in Group A that they were the judges favorites and theyd be performing that night. Sharon then explained to the contestants in Group B that theyd have to wait until Group A performed to see if there were any spots still available in the final 48. There could be 10 spots, there could be two spots. Theyd just have to wait and see. Piers then told Group C that they were the most difficult one to determine. He paused for effect, saying that their journey in Vegas ended that day -- because they were being put directly through to Hollywood. The 10 acts with Hollywood passes were: From Chicago, The Belly Dancing Duo, Polina (the hula hooper) and the Strykers All-Stars; from Los Angeles, Cheer SF, Haspop and Future Funk; from Dallas, Architect and The Maniacs; and from New York, Fighting Gravity and the South Philly Vikings. The remaining potential finalists were grouped into categories, and the first to perform for the final 38 Hollywood spots were the magicians. Army pilot William Scott Anderson used a new box trick in Vegas while the other magicians watched from the wings. Sharon liked him, but Piers shook his head and Howie wanted to wait and see. Michael Grasso, who wowed the judges in the original audition with a big illusion, went back to old-school slight of hand. Murray SawChuck went big, with an illusion in which he snuck a sports car onto the stage. Magic satirist Chipps Cooney then went on and did his thing, which Piers still didnt understand. A harmonica players group was established for the two harmonica players in the mix. Harmonica Pierre, who plays classical music on his harmonica, and Jia-Hi Ye, who played five of them at once. Sharon wasnt sure the competition needed even one harmonica act. The next group was the acrobats. AscenDance, the rock climbing/dancing couple, impressed even the other acrobats who were watching backstage. Another acrobat duo, Michael and Ashley worked on a rope and had a technical error in which they got stuck on the rope for a moment. Rudy Macaggi, the man who stood on his head on a stack of wine glasses and a basketball, upped the ante in Vegas by introducing a partner and doing some contortions and balancing displays that left Howie astonished. The danger category was up next. Twysted Trystan and Krystan raised the stakes when Krystan hammered a huge nail into Trystans tongue. The strong man took the judges outside to demonstrate his skills, and the Paul Bunyon Lumberjack Show did the same. Antonio Restibo said he came up with something bigger and better for Las Vegas. He came up with an illusion that was very similar to the one Michael Grasso did in his original audition, but that wasnt mentioned. Piers noticed a bit of a flaw in Antonios fire demonstration and he admitted the whole thing didnt go perfectly. The classical singers were struggling with the dry Vegas air. Prince Poppycock wasnt feeling 100 percent, but went on with the show. Piers asked the singer if his illness effected his voice and Prince Poppycock got emotional when he talked about how badly he wanted to be well for the performance. The flamboyant Hannibal came dressed in a wildly colored robe and a rooster that prompted Howie to ask, Is that a cock on your head? Hannibal confirmed it was, indeed, and the rooster symbolized a new dawn. He displayed his booming voice and left the stage. Carlos Aponte, the geeky wedding singer with a big operatic voice followed. The dancing categories were up, and they started with the tappers. The Hot Shot Tap Dancers from the Portland audition, the family tapping group, went first and one of the brothers tripped, missed his step and it was obvious. They could only wait and watch the remaining dance groups. The final two dance groups were dueling street-style crews. The female vocalist category turned into what seemed like a head-to-head between April Lane and Debra Romer. Mary Ellen took the stage and didnt want to leave. She started singing and got carried away, continuing for what Nick Cannon said was at least 10 minutes. Piers left the judges table, getting himself some tea. The kids got their own category. Connor Doran impressed the judges again with his indoor kite skills. Still, 11-year-old rapper CJ Dipper didnt shy away from playing up the cockiness. Comedian Doogie Horner did his best and thought it went well, or so he told Nick Cannon when he saw him backstage and said, It felt good, Nick Cannon. The novelty acts were, well, novel. It was quite the mix, as latex-suited painter Maricar was joined by dog acts, a guy who catches marshmallows in his mouth after shooting them off mouse traps with an air gun of some kind. Hand whistler Sally Cohn gave her rendition of Over the Rainbow. The male vocalists experienced some highs and lows while 18-year-old Taylor Matthews watched and waited for his turn. He gave his rendition of Tracks of My Tears. Michael Grimm, 30, went next and got so into his song that he went over his allotted 90 seconds. Piers reminded him that he could be disqualified for that. The judges deliberated pretty quickly, it seemed, and decided who was heading to Hollywood. In all, 27 of the contestants filled the 38 available spots, leaving 11 spots open for the standby contestants whose performances will be shown Wednesday night.

It was Day 2 of Vegas Week on Americas Got Talent, where the standby contestants got a chance to perform for 11 remaining spots in the live Hollywood round. The danger acts went first. The Kung Fu Heroes got things started with a high-flying martial arts routine that even impressed their fellow competitors who were watching backstage. Still, The Danger Committee threw their knives at each other and juggled flaming torches around each other. Nick Pike promised to deliver something that had never been done before. After having juggled flaming torches on flaming unicycle in his original audition, Nick put a hood over his head and juggled a machete, a cleaver and a flaming torch while walking on broken glass that had been doused with kerosene. After watching Nick successfully complete his routine, Piers said it was going to be a ridiculously competitive category. Jeremy Vanschoonhoven said there were lots of people who could juggle and throw knives, but there are very few people who can do the tricks he does on his bike. He said he quit one of his jobs so he could train all the time after the original audition. He put on another impressive display that nearly knocked Piers out of his chair. Piers said hes gone from being a rank outsider to someone who should definitely be in the top 48. The kid dancers were next up in the standby group, and Northwest Dancing Acro went first. They appeared to go head to head against RNG. Northwest Dancing Acro seemed to have the edge, but Sharon worried that the smallest kids in that bunch were better than the older ones. Howie didnt think that was a problem. Next were the standby singers. The large vocal group, New Directions, gave a great singing performance after a moving story about how theyd all been homeless. Howie wondered if they were stars, granting that they were talented and inspirational. Sharon said they were. Sisters Christina and Ali gave another rousing performance. Sharon asked if they could handle the stress of singing live every week. Piers said wild horses wouldnt stop those two from performing live. The novelty acts werent giving up without a fight, but things werent going so well for a few of them. The girl who paints canvases with paint on her body was deemed completely ridiculous by Piers. A juggler dropped a racket, and another guy popped a bunch of balloons with fire, Piers said. The guy who flings playing cards (and did it quite successfully in his first audition) tried to pop three confetti-filled balloons that were hovering above the judges heads. He nailed the first two, but kept missing the third, which hung over Howies head. The guy kept flinging cards at tremendously high speeds and missing until Howie demanded he stop. Impressionist Ronith came to Vegas not wanting to do impressions anymore. Instead, he did a sketch about an angry man on a Monday morning. Sharon was confused as to why Ronith was now doing a talking mime act. He said he changed things up because Piers didnt like his impressions. The bands were up next, starting with the rocking duo Strange Familiar from the Portland auditions. But this time, they brought more of a backup band. The Haitian band Harmonik was up next. Piers questioned their lead singers voice. More bands -- rockabilly, pop and classical fusion -- took the stage, but it was air band Airpocalypse that finished the group off. The other bands were upset that Airpocalypse was in their category because they didnt play real instruments. It didnt seem like it would matter much as the judges seemed to understand the absurdity of it all after watching Airpocalypse perform again. The standby male singers were fighting in what Nick Cannon called the most competitive group, by far because more of them made it through to Vegas than ever before. Singer Nate Kenyon was nervous again, but had to sit and watch a bunch of other guys perform before he could take the stage. Luigi Seno put on an impressive and relaxed performance, but Sharon wanted him to have worked harder. Backstage, Luigi cried at the thought of the magnitude of what was going on. Nate finally took the stage and told Sharon hed gotten over some of his fear. Howie told Nate that hes in a tough category and there simply isnt room for everyone. It was time for the judges to deliberate. Neither Nick Pike or The Danger Committee made it through, but Kung Fu Heroes and Jeremy Vanschoonhoven did. RNG made it to Hollywood, but Northwest Dancing Acro did not. Luigi Seno broke down when he got word from Piers that hes going to Hollywood. Howie unceremoniously dumped a quartet of male vocalists before Sharon told Nate Kenyon that hes going to Hollywood. Ronith, too, was Hollywood-bound. From the bands, Strange Familiar and the rockabilly band (whose name wasnt very clearly provided) were through to Hollywood. Harmonik, the band from Haiti, was told they werent good enough to move on. Then, Sharon told Airpocalypse that they werent a band, but a very entertaining comedy act, and they were going to Hollywood. Sharon then cried as she told New Directions that they didnt make the cut, and Piers got to deliver the news to sisters Christina and Ali that they were going to Hollywood.

Sound issues (at least on the east coast), a new studio, and a grand introduction for the judges could only mean one thing: It was time for the live competition to begin on "America's Got Talent." The first 12 of the final 48 contestants were vying for four spots in the next round. Kung Fu Heroes: The first act of the night was the martial arts crew. To boost the element of danger, they were using real weapons and taking more chances than ever. One of the group's members took a hard fall during rehearsals and nearly knocked himself out. Piers Morgan said he didn't find it as enthralling as the group's audition, because it seemed like too much of a routine. It wasn't as mad as your audition, he said. Sharon Osbourne said she loved the music, but agreed that it was too much like a martial arts exhibition and she'd prefer to see more intricate choreography next time. Howie Mandel agreed. Christina & Ali: Singing sisters Christina and Ali, who both have cystic fibrosis, were feeling nervous about their live performance but dedicated themselves to shoot for the stars. They sang Rascal Flatt's "God Bless the Broken Road." Sharon said the sisters make her smile every time she sees them and added that even though she could say something negative, she wouldn't. Howie said they were beautiful and inspirational and said it didn't matter if they missed some notes. Piers said it does matter and said he didn't want to patronize them by talking about their guts and bravery. He said the performance started shaky, but they got it together later. He said they were definitely much improved from the audition, and that's all we can ask for. Airpocalypse: The air band said they knew people weren't taking them seriously, but that their sense of humor shouldn't be confused with a lack of caring. They started with a big entrance, including their drummer descending onto the stage from high above while wearing angel wings. They started with Europe's "The Final Countdown" and finished with The Knack's "My Sharona." Howie said there was controversy on Twitter as to whether they had a place on the show, and he said that he was thoroughly entertained. "It's amazing how much you can do with absolutely nothing," he added. Piers said half the artists on the charts lip sync, and that there was no difference between them and singers who lip sync. Sharon said they were great actors, and it's about acting. "It's fun," she said. "It's not serious, its fun, and you're great actors." The Hot Shot Tap Dancers: The sibling tap group from Portland, Ore., knew they couldn't afford to make any mistakes in the live performance. Howie reiterated in their intro package that any mistake could send you home. Piers loved their look and the choreography, but said the whole thing needed a bit more umph. He said it was all a bit safe and said he wanted to see fireworks if they get through to the next round. Sharon said she loved their relaxed style and noted that they made it very current. Howie said they spent too much time on the story behind the performance, but he said they have it and wished them luck. Paul Safy Jr.: The New York City waiter knew he had to make the most of the chance he'd been given, and the jazzy crooner busted out "Cry Me a River" with some silhouetted backup dancers behind him. Sharon beamed as she told Paul he had great tone to his voice but his performance was dated and a bit cheesy for someone his age, 27. She told him to work on his delivery and style. (She might not be picking up on his Michael Buble-ness). Howie did, and said he's a Buble and Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett fan. He did say, though, that he wasn't sensing the umph Piers was talking about before. He agreed it was a little cheesy. Piers said he likes cheese, and Michael Buble is cheesy. He said Paul's problem was his act and told him to relax and feel the song. Future Funk: At just 5 and 10, the dancing duo is the youngest act in the competition. They said they felt like superstars. They brought the crowd to their feet with their fancy footwork, and the audience chanted Future Funk! One of the kids asked Howie, Deal or no deal? Howie said, "Without a doubt: Deal!" He said America was going to love them and they have talent. Piers said they were absolutely hysterical and said they had star quality -- this audience was going absolutely crazy. Sharon said it was a sensational, sensational act. She said they got everybody on their feet and you couldn't ask for more -- absolutely amazing. Sally Cohn: From the youngest to the oldest act in the competition, hand whistler Sally Cohn was up next. Sally said everybody and their dog wants to be my Facebook friend since she auditioned for the show. Hand whistling is here, get used to it, she said in her intro package. She whistled Mariah Carey's ''Hero.'' Nick Cannon called it a great choice of song and Mariah just got another chance. Piers called it probably the best version of that song hes ever heard. He said it was much more in tune than hes used to hearing it from a certain other performer, and Nick said he might have to kick his ass. Sharon said she was speechless but thought Sally was going to bring hand whistling to the forefront in America. There was some talk of Sally's inner kitty cat that made everyone a bit uncomfortable. Howie said her unique aspects would make her stand out. Nick Pike: Nick received a rare second chance on the show after not making it into the Top 48. Twisted Trystan and Krystan had to drop out of the competition and Nick was offered a chance back in. His high-danger act was going to get a whole lot more dangerous for the live show. Ive had a taste of what it is to leave this competition, he said, and he didnt want to do it again. Piers gave Nick the first X of the night as he raced around the stage with fire shooting around all over the place. Sharon was speechless. Howie said he understood that everything Nick did took skill and talent, but it was too much and he wasn't sure what he should take from it. Piers said it was a bit of a shambles and that if you take the fire out, which was everywhere, you were left with some very simple juggling acts, a quick tumble through the massive hoop, and you running around like a charge rhino, trying to pretend it was really dangerous. RNG: The dancing quintet worked on some new tricks and lifts to step up their act for the live show. They struggled with some parts of it in practices. Could they hold it together on stage? They did. Howie said they had a future in dance, but that it wasn't much more than a really nice dance recital. Piers agreed, and said they were looking for amazing dancers which might become the next big, national superstar act. He suggested they go and keep practicing and added, I'm not sure you're going to get through tonight. Sharon said they did a good job finding a routine that was good for their age and she loved the whole feel of it. Maricar: Nick introduced Maricar as a treat for the shows art lovers. The cat-suited painter, who paints panels in a sedutive style, ventured underwater this time. She painted inside the walls of a tank filled with water, finishing with a sketch-like painting of Piers. He said he hoped that when he dies and goes to heaven, he hopes Maricar is there in a tank full of water, painting portraits of him. Sharon said she enjoyed that Maricar made painting sexy. Howie quickly mentioned that Maricar had a very impressive pair of ... lungs, to be able to hold her breath that long. Fighting Gravity: This group of college students from Virginia Tech stunned the crowd with their lights-out act in the audition. They knew there was pressure to bring something new to the show, and said it could be a disaster if they didnt get the act right. They did it again, putting together a superbly choreographed routine that seemed to defy gravity. Howie said they blew him away again and said it was the most unique thing Ive seen up to this point with a black light is trying to find stains in a hotel comforter. Sharon called it incredible, and the prospects for this act are just endless, and all I have to say is Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, move over. Piers said that in terms of creativity and innovation, that is, without any doubt, the performance of the night. Nathaniel Kenyon: The singer-guitarist from Georgia who had struggled with nerves throughout the audition process now faced the biggest performance of his life. He was also having some throat problems. He sang Hinder's Lips of an Angel and did seem to be struggling with his vocals. Howie wore a surgical mask, due to Nathaniel's illness, but said America would like him but noted, ''Justin Bieber just called and he wants his hair back.'' Nathaniel, after a moment to think about it, told Howie, Mr. Clean just called. Piers acknowledged it wasn't the best vocal performance, but said he was turning into something resembling a pop star. Sharon said Nathaniel has the it factor, and if this wasn't good, "then I can't wait to see you when you're in top form.''

The votes were in and the first four semifinalists on Americas Got Talent would be named Wednesday night. After the first dozen acts to make it to Hollywood performed on Tuesday, Americas votes would determine which four are guaranteed a spot in the next round. Howie said that last night he saw an act -- though he wouldnt say which -- that he thought could go all the way. To the results: Host Nick Cannon called three acts from backstage -- Nathaniel Kenyon, Airpocalypse and Sally Cohn. Piers said he had no clue which of the three acts would go through. Nick quickly announced that the act moving into the semifinals is ... Nathaniel Kenyon. He got (real) hugs from all three members of Airpocalypse and Sally Cohn. Sharon said America got it right. Sally said later that she wasnt devastated and that in some ways its a relief. Be our guest: Selena Gomez and The Scene paid a visit to the Talent stage to perform her song, Round and Round. Later, the cast of the Broadway musical Rock of Ages, including American Idol veteran Constantine Maroulis, hit the stage. Constantine was joined by Twisted Sisters Dee Snider for I Wanna Rock. Back to the results: Nick next called Nick Pyke, Kung Fu Heroes and Fighting Gravity to the stage. Sharon confirmed that Fighting Gravity was incredible, and Nick soon announced that they would be moving into the next round. Howie said not only was their selection the right result this week, but he believes they have a shot to go all the way. Nick called Christina & Ali, Maricar and the Hot Shot Tap Dancers to the stage. Howie said all three acts were so different it was difficult to pick one. Nick then revealed that the act moving on to the semifinals is ... Christina & Ali. Piers said theyd won the hearts of America, but told them to go practice, practice, practice for the coming rounds. Finally, singer Paul Safy Jr., RNG and Future Funk came to the stage and Nick announced that the judges would decide which act will move on. Sharon said she felt bad for Paul, having to stand in the middle of the smallest and cutest contestants on the show. Nick announced that, based on Americas vote, the first act of the three eliminated was ... Paul Safy Jr. That left RNG and Future Funk on stage awaiting the word from the judges. Piers said the girls of RNG were better technical dancers, but the boys were entertaining and he gave them his vote. On technical merit, Sharon voted for RNG. Howie, with seconds to decide, actually ran over the shows alloted time before announcing that his vote was for Future Funk.

Last week, four semifinalists were sent into the next round of the competition, and Tuesday night brought a chance for 12 more contestants to claim four more spots. Howie kicked off the night with a David Hasselhoff joke, saying that choosing last week between RNG and Future Funk, two kids dancing groups, was like David Hasselhoff deciding which daughter to share a burger with. Cheer SF: The group leader said Cheer SF has been around for 30 years. In the intro package, Piers said his problem with the group was that they were mostly blokes and a cheerleading group should have more ladies. But the group is aiming to break down stereotypes. Not surprisingly, Piers buzzed them. Sharon followed, but Howie let them finish what wasnt a particularly bad performance. It just wasnt all that impressive. Piers said he simply doesnt get cheerleading as a form of entertainment in a show like this. He said he wanted to go to sleep. Sharon loved their enthusiasm, but thought that such a mature group should have presented more moves theyve never seen before. Howie said it wasnt as technically amazing as hes seen cheerleading done. Alice Tan Ridley: Sharon said in the intro package that she couldnt believe Alice Tan Ridley hadnt been discovered yet. Alice said the last time she was in L.A. was to be with her daughter, Gabourey Sidibe, at the Oscars. But her own dream has yet to come true. She sang Midnight Train to Georgia. Sharon said she wanted to be on that train with Alice, and she called her an amazing woman. She told Alice she did it right -- you took care of your family and now youre taking care of you. Piers said Alice has everything the show is looking for, and said it might not be long before Alice is on a red carpet again, but not as Gaboureys mom. Instead, folks might be asking Gabourey if shes Alice Tan Ridleys daughter. Mona Sampath Dance Company: The group wanted to bring its updated interpretation of Bollywood, and said Vegas needs it. Their leader said their version of the dance was more than just a guy and a girl dancing around a tree. Howie said the judges loved their connection between Bollywood and modern dancing, but this routine wasnt as good as what hed seen before. There was no wow moment, he said. Piers told them to relax and said Howie doesnt know anything about Bollywood. Piers said it was miles better than the audition. Sharon said it was very, very exciting to watch. She said their joy was infectious, but said she wanted to see some more traditional dance next time. Iron Horse: A bluegrass rock trio that didnt get a lot of face time during the audition process mixed their music with spectacle, by doing tricks like standing on their bass. The performance seemed a little thin and Piers buzzed them. He said the stage seemed too big to them and it seemed like they went backward, becoming a good bar band and not good stage band. Piers also said the singer was no good. Sharon said they should have cut the tricks because it distracted from the music. Howie took the other course and said that if they wanted to keep the tricks they needed to dedicate more of the 90 seconds to one or the other. The Strong Man: After some impressive auditions, The Strong Man vowed to bring something big to the Hollywood stage. He was going to work with over 2,000 pounds and raise the stakes on the danger. Nick gave the dont try this at home warning. He had a whole bit about his solution to the parking problems in Los Angeles, lifting a motorcycle out of the way, then flipping a car over. Sharon said she thought that with a big Vegas production, he could do more outrageous things. Howie thought it was amazing, even though he didnt know what it was. Piers said he didnt know how impressive it was, saying, There are people in South Central L.A. doing that every night. Piers then told The Strong Man he wasnt the strong, dynamic entertainer needed for Vegas. (As a side note, they showed the production crew removing the car from the stage, and it took almost a dozen guys to flip it back over). Ronith: The impressionist who constantly vowed to be back, was back again. He switched things up during the Vegas round of the audition, taking Piers advice in getting rid of the impressions. But Howie and Sharon wanted them. In his most awkward performance yet, Ronith brought back the impressions. Piers buzzed him almost immediately. Sharon buzzed him later. The crowd sat in stunned silence as Howie gave a standing ovation. Howie said Piers didnt get it, that bad is good. Ronith finally understood what Howie was trying to say and agreed, bad impressions make you laugh. Piers said Ronith is just bad, not brilliant. Sharon was just confused. As Nick read out Roniths phone number for the voters, Piers pleaded, No! Hannibal Means: Howie sang Hannibal scares him, and called the singer a human thrill ride, but clarified, I dont want to ride him. Hannibal went on some speech in his intro package, talking about how his singing is saying yes to life, and he invited everyone to say yes with him. He sang Elton Johns Circle of Life, complete with Lion King-inspired dancers. Piers said it was so crazy, and yet, underneath all the madness, theres a great singer in Hannibal. Sharon said Hannibals voice is so rich and amazing, she was just upset that he didnt knit her a hat. Howie just wanted to know what planet Hannibal was from. Wreckless: The dance group that was used to performing on the streets and once struggled to find a place to practice faced the biggest opportunity of their lives, on the biggest stage of their lives. They put on a dazzling performance that earned big cheers from the crowd. Sharon said it was amazing to see them pull off such a highly choreographed routine. Howie said he didnt sense the edge they had before. Piers said he looked for acts who can fill a big stage, and he said he completely agreed with Sharon. Lil Chris: Chris talked about taking a chance with Tuesday nights performance, going with something more current, singing Ne-Yos Closer. With two backup dancers, he showed some moves and some vocal chops. Howie was impressed at his level of talent at age 12. Howie told him to put the time in to practice and make it perfect. Piers was surprised to agree with Howie and said he was worried that this opportunity had come a little too soon for him. It wasnt quite there, Piers said, but noted that Chris is a very exciting prospect. Sharon said he held his own and that he did fantastic. AscenDance: The husband-and-wife couple said they were training incredibly hard and introduced two more dancers into their act. Howie said their act was one of the most dangerous because if the wall-climbing dancers lost one grip, it was all over. They put on a mesmerizing performance that wowed the crowd. Piers said that if someone explained to him that the act was to prance around on a wall to Snow Patrol he wouldve thought they were mad. He was stunned, though, and called it a beautiful thing to watch. He also said he could see them making it even bigger on a Vegas stage. Sharon agreed it was endless what they could do with the act in Vegas. Howie agreed it was unique and the dancers were passionate. Antonio Restivo: The fiery illusionist with a heart of gold became emotional in the intro package when talking about his father, who passed away but was 100 percent supportive of everything he did. He was raising the danger stakes and said he couldnt wait for everyone to see it. He sent flames flying as he moved an assistant from one cage at one end of the stage to the other. Sharon said it was hot and he used the time very week -- and, of course, the music was just sensational. (It was Ozzy). Howie said that act was consummate Las Vegas. Piers said the big question is whether an illusionist has a big enough performance to headline in Vegas, and he believed, after seeing Antonios performance, that Antonio had it. Michael Grimm: After a tough childhood that included being raised by his grandparents, Michael Grimm was ready to give it all that he had. He sang Al Greens So Tired of Being Alone. Howie said Michael is his favorite singer in the whole competition, saying he wanted to be the first customer to buy his album. Piers said Michael was a work in progress but noted hes a very, very good singer. He told Michael to connect with the audience more by having more confidence. Sharon said she could genuinely see and hear the hard times Michael has been through in his singing.

With four spots on the line, the 12 acts that performed Tuesday waiting to learn their fates on Americas Got Talent. To the results: Host Nick Cannon didnt waste much time getting down to business, calling out the first three acts that would hear the news -- for better or worse. They were Mona Sampath Dance Company, AscenDance and Ronith. Piers hoped Roniths time was done. The act moving into the next round was ... AscenDance. Be our guest: The dancers of Ka by Cirque du Soleil stopped by to perform. Later, Train paid a visit to perform their song, Hey Soul Sister. Back to the results: Nick called for Cheer SF, Iron Horse and Alice Tan Ridley to join him on stage for the next batch of results. Howie said America always has it right and he called out that he thought they would have chosen Alice. Nick finally revealed that Alice, in fact, was Americas choice. Piers said he couldnt be happier, and said she could win the whole thing. Nick called three more acts to the stage: Michael Grimm, Lil Chris and The Strong Man. Asked for her opinion, Sharon said that her husband Ozzy had chosen Michael on Tuesday night. The act moving into the next round was, Ozzys choice, Michael Grimm. Howie called it a silly question when Nick asked if America made the right decision. Howie, a Canadian, said hes always been the voice of America. The final three acts -- Wreckless, Hannibal Means and Antonio Restivo -- were called to the stage. The judges would pick who advanced out of this group, but first of the three had to be sent home. The act leaving the competition was Hannibal Means. That left Antonio Restivo and Wreckless to make their cases. The judges took a commercial break to think about it. Howie said he had to go with his gut, which was telling him Antonio. Piers said he didnt know if hed ever seen two acts who he thought the competition meant more to. He said his head said Antonio, but his heart said Wreckless had done it the hard way. He went with his heart and voted for Wreckless. That left it up to Sharon. She called them both special and different, but she had to agree with Howie and voted for Antonio.

Eight spots in the Americas Got Talent semifinals have already been claimed, and Tuesday night brought another chance for 12 more contestants to continue in the quest for $1 million and a headlining gig in Vegas. Sharon Osbourne laid down the gauntlet, saying, unfortunately, being great isnt good enough tonight. The South Philly Vikings: A group of regular guys from Philly came to show how its done in the working class town. Piers buzzed them about halfway through their high-energy group dance performance. He later explained he did it was because they were just overgrown schoolchildren in robot costumes. He said he didnt get it. Sharon apologized for her English friend -- he corrected her and said hes Irish. She said they had immense vision. She called it really good entertainment. Howie said he was someplace in between, calling it spectacular and fun, but noting that he couldnt place them in a category. CJ Dippa: The 11-year-old rapper was already dealing with the ladies trying to get all up in his business, but he was determined to focus on the competition at hand. He offered up another original that closed with the line, I still cant believe Im in the Top 48. Sharon asked when he wrote it, and CJ said he had another rap in mind but it wasnt a crowd raiser. This one was, he said. Sharon thought it was brilliant. Howie was impressed by CJs originality at such a young age. Piers told CJ it was time to get serious, telling him, on the negative side, I couldnt understand a single word that you said, but on the flip side he can never understand rap lyrics. Harmonica Pierre: The harmonica-obsessed senior citizen decided to show a different side of his musical offerings. He played Trains Hey Soul Sister. Howie loved Harmonica Pierre, but questioned whether harmonica is updated enough to carry a Vegas show. Piers agreed with Howie, but said he enjoyed the surprise choice of music. He also said that apart from Larry Adler, a legendary harmonica player, Pierre was the best harmonica player hed ever heard. Sharon said shed love to see more of Pierre. Polina Volcek: The most exciting hula hooper in the competition was labeled the absolute American dream by Sharon. She vowed to be a different Polina on stage in Hollywood than she was during the audition. Piers buzzed her about one-third of the way through her techno-contemporary-contortion-centric routine. He called it boring and said he was disappointed because he loved her in the first two rounds. He said it was just her marching around with a rope. Sharon disagreed and said she knew what a dedicated artist Polina was, and praised her timing. Howie also said Piers was totally wrong and said Polina was already a Vegas act. The Strange Familiar: A couple that had been together since sixth grade playing music and getting married along the way. They thought that after so many years of performing and being told no, they thought the show could be their last chance. They played Cyndi Laupers Time After Time. Sharon said she wasnt sure what she thought. She enjoyed the singers voice, but didnt like the song choice. She said it didnt seem clear that the band had a clear direction. Howie said it lacked the wow factor. Piers said it wasnt a big, superstar-looking Vegas act. He suggested the lead singer get rid of the band -- making for an uncomfortable situation because shes married to one of them. Haspop: The dancer/contortionist/popper/mime had traveled across the world from France to follow his dream. He works on the streets in Santa Monica in pursuit of this dream, leaving his family behind in France. His routine, he said, would tell the story of Haspop. It did. He woke from a dream with scenes of Paris behind him, and followed his journey to Vegas and Hollywood. Howie said that is wow and was impressed to see him move the way he did. I absolutely loved it, Howie said, calling it amazing and phenomenal. Piers said the judges had to weigh whether it was worth the sacrifice Haspop had made, and he said it was the best performance of the night to that point. Sharon agreed, calling it spectacular and joining Piers in calling it the best performance of the night, at the halfway point. Luigi: The singer talked about his day job, where he dreams about winning Americas Got Talent. He sang Maroon 5s This Love. Piers buzzed him toward the end of his song. Piers said that in any normal season Luigi would do well, but said there were a couple of moments where Luigis voice just lost it. He said there were better singers in the competition. Sharon stalled a moment and told Luigi, Anyone can win. But she agreed he started a bit shaky, but got into it at the end. Howie said that if he had to base it on Tuesday nights performance, it wasnt the best, but he hoped America would remember what hed done before. Luigi agreed with the critiques and promised to do better next time. Chipps Cooney: Howie continued making his case for Chipps Cooney, trying to spell out that Chipps is a comedian whose character is a bad magician. Hes not actually trying to be a magician. Chipps worked hard for the money, saying he had to go back to his roots as a Chippendales dancer. He then began stripping and earned buzzes from all three judges. Sharon was puzzled, and Howie wondered why Chipps gave up on the sad sack magician. Piers said Chipps did stick with the character -- a complete imbecile. Piers said he decided that morning that the only way Chipps act could get worse was if he took his clothes off. He then said Chipps had become the biggest trainwreck in the history of the show. Kaya and Sadie: The belly dancing duo that went straight through to Hollywood in the audition process said they wanted to bring back real women with curves. In the intro package, Piers said hed bet his house that if anyone could bring back belly dancing, it was this duo. Howie smiled and said he was just watching and wasnt judging. He said he had nothing to add, and told Nick to ask the other judges. Piers referenced the revolting naked performance of Chipps Cooney and thanked them for restoring his faith in the human body. Sharon said it was fantastic. Jeremy VanSchoonhoven: The bike jumping savant from Talent, Ore., took a massive chance by doing part of his routine blindfolded, and pulled it off to the crowds delight. Piers said he was never quite sure what was going to happen when Jeremy was on stage, but he was impressed. Piers said this type of act wasnt normally his cup of tea, but Jeremy was quickly making it so. Sharon said she was nervous at various points and called Jeremy the new Evel Knievel. Howie agreed and said Jeremy ratcheted it up every time, and he hoped the audience at home could feel the tension in the performance. Debra Romer: Debra said music was changing her life, and she was getting more confident. Sharon said in the intro package that she wasnt yet feeling Debras confidence and she wanted to. She sang Fleetwood Macs Dreams. Sharon said Debra should be proud because the confidence was there. She said Debra had a combination of being vulnerable, sweet and sexy all at the same time. Howie said America loves her and said she was growing, but he didnt want to see so much in the way of nerves and vulnerability. Piers told Howie to shut his clap trap and said Debra looked like a star and sang like a star. You are a star, full stop, Piers said. Studio One Young Beast Society: The friends and family dance group aimed to become the first dance group to make it to the semifinals this season. They decided to amp up the risk in their routine. They amazed the crowd with the energetic routine that included a ton of flips and tricks. Howie said they brought it, and called it the best dance crew performance hes seen at this point in the competition. Piers, who was clapping during the performance, agreed and said they were creative and current, and he could see the dedication in their eyes. He called the episode of two halves, in which the first half was disappointing and the second half was great -- capped by this performance. Sharon congratulated them for showing their personality.

With four more spots in the semifinals up for grabs, the 12 performers who showed their stuff on Tuesday nights episode of Americas Got Talent waited on Wednesday night to see which of them would move on, and which would go home. Howie cracked some jokes about the wow factor and said that while he didnt have another word for wow other than wow, he does spell it backwards. He and Piers Morgan then got into another verbal duel about Piers besmirching of him on Tuesday night. To the results: After a couple of minutes of filler, host Nick Cannon called the first three acts to the stage for their results: The South Philly Vikings, CJ Dippa and Haspop. The act moving on to the next round is ... Haspop. Howie said America made the right decision, saying that Haspop is raw, great talent. He said CJ Dippa has a future and will be a star, but if youre looking at raw talent, Haspop has it. Be our guest: The JabbawockeeZ, who competed in Season 2, paid a visit to promote their Las Vegas show at the MGM Grand. Later, Mike Posner performed his hit, Cooler Than Me.: Back to the results: The next three acts to hear their results were Chipps Cooney, Studio One Young Beasts Society and Polina Volcek. The act moving on to the next round was Studio One Young Beasts Society. Piers, who was none-too-sad to see Chipps gone, said the dance crew had the talent and drive to succeed. Nick next called for The Strange Familiar, Debra Romer and Luigi. Piers said Debra was gutsy, but noted that the singing wasnt as good when he watched her performance back on television as it seemed live. Nonetheless, the third act of the night moving into the next round was Debra Romer. Sharon said, as she does every week, that America always gets it right, and said well be seeing a lot more of Debra. Finally, it came down to Harmonica Pierre, Kaya and Sadie, and Jeremy VanSchoonhoven. The first of the three eliminated was Harmonica Pierre, leaving the decision up to the judges as to whether the belly dancers or the bike trickster would continue in the competition. Sharon went first. She said she wanted to put everyone through. She told the belly dancers they were beautiful and great at what they do. She called Jeremy dangerous and exciting. She voted for Jeremy. Piers said that under normal circumstances, hed choose belly dancers in about three seconds over a trick cyclist. But he said Jeremy opened his eyes to how exciting his craft could be. The dancers, too, were really, really good. He said he had to go with the act that he could see being a million-dollar act in Vegas. He gave his vote to Jeremy. That meant he was going to the semifinals. Howie didnt get to vote, but said, I think Jeremy should go to Vegas and Kaya and Sadie should come to my house!

The final four semifinal spots were on the line Tuesday night on Americas Got Talent. The last 12 quarterfinalists had their chance before the judges, and host Nick Cannon told us that for the first time one act would be so huge and so dangerous that it had to be taken outside. After the judges were introduced, Nick called for the first act of the night... Da Maniacs: A group of friends who just decided to start dancing together, Da Maniacs said they were taking their craft much more seriously now. The oversized dancers were ready to shake the ground. They started their routine with an homage to The Blues Brothers. It continued with a tribute to the stylings of MC Hammer, which earned them a buzz from Piers. The party-pooper, as Nick called him, explained that he buzzed them because there is a reason that most dancers are not your size. He said there was already a TV competition for them -- The Biggest Loser. Sharon said their melding of dance and comedy was entertaining and she enjoyed it. Howie said that to stand out, you have to be either really good or really bad, and they were somewhere in the middle. Nu Covenant: The gospel quartet had Howie worried that they werent broad enough to appeal to a Vegas-type audience, and they found during rehearsals that the competition was proving to be more difficult than they had anticipated. They tried their hand at One Republics Apologize. Piers buzzed them at the first attempt to harmonize. Sharon followed with a buzz of her own when they hit the second chorus. Sharon said they looked good, but the harmonies werent working. Howie understood that the weight of live television on their shoulders was clear and they didnt rise to the occasion. Piers agreed, saying they were flat as a pancake for most of it. He said pop songs were not their thing and that they should have stuck with the gospel, which was where they were more comfortable. Anna & Patryk: The kid ballroom dancers who have been dancing together for four years said theyd been getting a lot of attention from other kids at school. They vowed to get a little less serious and to show America just how much we love to dance. Howie said there was no denying their spectacular talent, but his question is whether what they did was worth a $1 million prize and a headlining Vegas act, and he wasnt sure. Piers sought to be more talent, saying, I do know world-class talent when I see, and adding that he could see them in Vegas. Sharon praised their versatility, having seen them now do three different forms. She said they could do unbelievable business in Vegas. Lindsey Stirling: The hip-hop violinist from Provo, Utah, said people are often surprised that shes Mormon and a hip-hop violinist. Thats surprising, because every hip-hop violinist Im aware of is Mormon. After having heard about enough -- three-quarters of the way through -- Piers buzzed her. Piers explained that the violin was the problem, saying that she missed loads of notes as she tried to play while dancing around. He said that, at times, it sounded like rats being strangled. Sharon reminded Lindsey how much the judges loved her in the audition, but after having seen her three times, she realized Lindsey needs to be in a group because what shes doing now isnt enough to fill a Vegas theater. Howie hated to say Piers was right in saying Lindsey was great, but all the movement made her not as great. Doogie Horner: The seemingly misunderstood comedian who was booed off by the audition audience but made it to the quarterfinals, no less. Howie expected it would be tough for Doogie. He survived with no buzzes, and the crowd seemed to enjoy his deadpan comedy, which came with some Hollywood razzle-dazzle in the form of fireworks and background dancers. Sharon said Doogie made Piers laugh. She said hes silly, but she likes him. Howie said its the hardest contest for comedians, and Doogie did great. Piers called it a very uncomfortable moment and reminded Doogie that he once considered him the least funny comedian hed ever seen. But, Piers admitted, it finally got to me tonight, and he had to say the word he never thought hed say: Doogie, youre funny. Rudi Macaggi: The balancing acrobat said performing is all I have. He said he was a third-generation circus acrobat and performing was his passion. He was going to attempt an act he called the circular saw of death. He did a handstand on a stack of blocks, under which a circular saw was spinning. Midway through the handstand, he pushed the blocks aside and landed on a platform with his head inches from the saw. Piers called it the most extraordinary, dangerous, exciting thing I think Ive ever seen on this show. He said that as he waited for Rudis fall, he wondered what would happen to his own career if Rudi had cut his head off. Sharon said Rudi came from a dying breed and he delivered. Taylor Matthews: The singer-guitarist said he was living a musical life inspired by his father, who gave up his own musical career for a family life. Piers said in the intro he wanted to see Taylor come out of his comfort zone a bit. After his performance, Piers asked Taylor to critique himself. Piers then said there were a few shaky bits, but there were moments when I saw a real, potential pop star. Sharon said that each time she sees him, his performance gets stronger. She said she couldnt wait to see him again. Howie said this performance was his rockiest, so far, but still predicted hed make it to the finals. Mary Ellen: Nick called her the sexiest contestant of the night. It was Mary Ellen, who came equipped with backup dancers. She had trouble getting the beat early on, and Piers buzzed her. The boos started pouring in as the performance didnt get any better, but Sharon and Howie left her buzzer-less the rest of the way. Nick had to walk on stage and pull the plug on Mary. Howie, dressed in a Mary Ellen-like wig, called her a trend-setter, and said people would be talking about her Wednesday. Sharon said Mary Ellen didnt seem quite right, and Mary said she had some kind of virus. Piers said the only reason Mary was still in the competition was because of Howies undying love for her. ArcAttack: The electrifying group that said they make music with electricity. Nick said they were asked to take their act outside because of the high element of danger. The played Iron Man, which no doubt made Sharon happy, with the buzzes from electricity created by their instruments. Howie said TV might do them justice, saying that the electricity is tremendous live. Piers agreed, called it one of the most unique acts hes seen, and adding theres something there that I think could be a real Vegas act. Sharon asked for an explanation on how it works, and it devolved into a more technical explanation than anyone was prepared to hear. She then suggested a singer she knows who could sing Iron Man for them next time. Prince Poppycock: The opera singer went from royalty to jester with a classic jester outfit for his singing performance. Piers said Prince Poppycock was becoming his little guilty pleasure and it was making him a little uncomfortable. He said the Prince can sing and has great stage presence. Sharon said every time she sees him, he gets more theatrical, which she loves. Its so refreshing to see an opera singer whos not fat and sweaty, she added, calling him perfect. Howie said the whole outfit was fabulous, its like Liza Minnelli if Liza was a clown. He said the question was whether middle America would respond to the act. Murray: The illusionist said this was the biggest opportunity of his life and he couldnt afford to blow it. He had an assistant in a glass box and asked Piers for his jacket. He put Piers jacket on the assistant. He then pulled drapes over the box. He said America would be talking about the trick Wednesday, then pulled back the drapes to reveal a tiger in the glass box and the assistant appeared behind the judges table, scaring the heck out of Howie. The bald wonder called it amazing and Vegas and said, You wowed me. Sharon said Murray takes it up a notch every time she sees him and said he belongs in Vegas. Piers said the show usually doesnt get good enough magicians, and Murray is what Im talking about, in terms of the kind of magician the show needs. Strikers All Stars: The stepping crew from Florida said this was the most amazing opportunity theyve had. They were prepared to take as many chances and up the intensity -- to the point that one of them got kicked in the face during rehearsals and needed stitches in his mouth. Howie said their moves in previous performances were more spectacular, and that another dance crew was a little more impressive. Piers said it was extraordinary that Howie made sense. He agreed, and said that Wednesdays results show would be a tough one because he thinks seven of the 12 acts from Tuesday deserved to move on. Sharon said it was unfortunate that they went last because the judges have seen everyone else already, and so the bar was set higher.

With four semifinal spots on the line, the last batch of 12 quarterfinals prepared to learn their fates on Wednesday nights episode of Americas Got Talent. Host Nick Cannon didnt waste any time getting to some results, calling for the first three performers to come to center stage. To the results: Doogie Horner, Mary Ellen and Murray were the first three brought out. Howie said he would miss Mary Ellen if she were sent home. The act continuing to the next round was ... Murray. Piers thought it was the right decision, but noted the irony in that the first time Doogie Horner made him laugh, America sent him home. Movie plug!: Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg hosted an Americas Got Talent field trip as the contestants got a chance to preview their movie, The Other Guys. Be our guest: Taio Cruz paid a visit to perform his song, Dynamite. Later, Poison frontman Bret Michaels hit the stage to perform an acoustic version of Every Rose Has Its Thorn. Back to the results: Nick brought out the next batch of contestants: Taylor Matthews, Da Maniacs and Lindsey Stirling. The act moving on was Taylor Matthews. Howie was glad his prediction that Taylor will make it to the finals was validated. Nick called Strikers All-Stars, Nu Covenant and Prince Poppycock to the stage. The act moving on to the next round is Prince Poppycock. Sharon said she was a huge fan of Prince Poppycock and added that America got it right, again. Finally, Nick brought out the final three acts: Rudi Macaggi, ArcAttack and Anna & Patryk. The first act leaving the competition was Rudi Macaggi. That left the judges to decide between ArcAttack and Anna & Patryk. Piers said ArcAttack was completely unique, but he had a feeling weve already seen their best. He then said that Anna & Patryk have gotten better and better with each performance. He said he was going to go with who he thought we could see more from: Anna & Patryk. Howie said both acts were fantastic. He said Anna & Patryk were wonderful, but still wondered whether people would pay to see them in Vegas. He reiterated that TV doesnt do ArcAttack justice because the feeling of the electricity, literally, in the air when they perform doesnt come across. Sharon said Anna & Patryk were way beyond their years. She then said she didnt get ArcAttack before seeing them live. Even though she still has no idea what it is or how it works, she decided to vote for ArcAttack.

Nick Cannon took to his laptop webcam to introduce the YouTube special episode of Americas Got Talent. Twelve finalists who were voted onto the show based on audition videos they posted of themselves on YouTube, and given a chance to make it into the shows semifinals and compete for the $1 million grand prize. Piers Morgan said this was the most unpredictable show that could be expected on this show, and Howie said it was a chance to someone to make it big based on a homemade video, a la Paris Hilton -- although this is a little different type of talent. PLUtonic: A geeky brigade of a cappella singers who met at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU, get it?) in Tacoma, Wash., took on Flo Ridas Low. Piers said that if Bill Gates ever formed a band, thats what it would look like. He thought they were funny, well done and there was something about them was really likable. Sharon Osbourne said their performance was good and showed confidence, but she hates a cappella groups. Howie said they were talented and entertaining. He said people would go see something like this. Dylan Plummer: A jump-rope artist from Cincinnati who brings the childhood hobby to a new level with flips and trucks. He suffered an injury during rehearsals, but showed no effects. Sharon said his transition from performing at school to the Hollywood stage was great. She told him to be proud of himself. Howie said hes good at what he does, but that Dylan needs some time to perfect it. Piers said he expected Dylan to make a bunch of mistakes and was prepared to be bored, but he was impressed by Dylans performance. Pup: Pup, an accordion player, was no ordinary accordion player. He was a dog. At least he was an accordion-playing dog on YouTube. On stage, he was just a dog. A cute dog, but he refused to play the accordion, despite the crowds encouragement. Piers buzzed him immediately. Howie gave Pup a standing ovation. Piers explained that he Xd Pups handler because all anyone could hear was his handler playing guitar and singing. Cam Hodges: A singer and guitarist from Samammish, Wash., was worried about the difference between performing on stage and performing at his house. He did Taoi Cruzs Break Your Heart. Piers said he was reminded of James Blunt and that there were parts of the performance that were really good. Sharon said Cam had a good, strong voice and she enjoyed his performance. Howie said Cam sounded unique. Ryan Rodriguez: A plumber and dancer from Santa Cruz, Calif., whose wife submitted his YouTube audition said he just wanted to make her proud. Piers buzzed Ryan pretty quickly into his semi-chaotic routine. Sharon asked if hed ever been on a stage before (he said he hadnt) and she said he was confident. Howie said he wasnt sure what Ryans act was, but he knew he was good at it, but I dont know what it is. Piers agreed and said it was hard to work out what Ryan did, calling it stunt-like. He said nothing was really very dramatic in Ryans routine, and thats what was needed to move on to Vegas. Austin Anderson: Nick introduced Austin as an auto mechanic who makes you laugh. Austin, a comedian who performs in small bars in Omaha, tried to become the only comedian left in the competition. Piers buzzed Austin soon into his Facebook-centric shtick. Howie said it was mediocre and said Austin focused too much on Facebook rather than something more relatable to more people. Piers said there was an easier way to say what Howie was saying: Youre not very funny. Sharon said Austin was kinda funny, but agreed with Howie. Booker Forte: A data filing tech by day, hip-hop dancer by night was shocked to have the chance to perform on Americas Got Talent. Piers buzzed Booker about halfway through. Piers said it was a nice job, but Booker didnt do much. He said some of the backup dancers were better than him. He said it was too safe and the show has seen better. Sharon said it was well executed, but shes seen all the moves done before. Howie agreed, saying he didnt see one special thing in Bookers routine. Pizza Patt: A pizza shop owner from Columbus, Ohio, said he loves tossing pizzas, and brings his skill to a whole new level. Piers said in the intro package that Pizza Patts presence on the show was ludicrous. Piers buzzed him less than halfway through. Sharon said it was a new form of juggling and it was different to do it with pizza dough. Howie said it wasnt all that dangerous -- save for the possibility of getting a yeast infection. Piers said it wasnt an act. Kristina Young: The full-time student and singer from South Dakota said her passion was singing, was amazed at the opportunity she had. She teared up in her intro package just at the sight of backup dancers rehearsing for her performance. She sang Carrie Underwoods Before He Cheats. Howie said he loved Carries version of the song, but Kristina was good. He wasnt sure it was good enough for America to vote her through. He said there are a lot of good singers this year and she probably doesnt have the voice to win it. Sharon said it was good and Kristina has a strong, loud voice. Maestro Alexander Bui: The 16-year-old piano virtuoso from New Jersey said piano has been his life. In the intro package, Piers said Alexander might be the most talented person in the competition. Alexander said he wanted to prove that music is more than Lady Gaga. Sharon buzzed the kid about halfway through. Sharon explained that she buzzed Alexander because it was boring. She loves classical music, but it was the wrong choice at the wrong time. It sounded beautiful, but I was bored. Sorry, she said. Howie said Alexanders ability was amazing, especially at your age. But Howie thought Alexander was younger. Piers questioned Sharons wisdom of not wanting Alexander to bore her even though hes the most naturally talented person in the competition. Dan Sperry: The 25-year-old magician from Las Vegas said he shows some of the dark side of magic. He wanted to show there was more to magic than pulling scarves out of a hat with a girl in a bikini standing next to him. He intended to shock and leave America speechless. He took a Lifesaver mint, chewed it up, then took a piece of dental floss and tugged at his neck with it -- revealing the intact mint, which was looped around the floss. He tossed the floss in Howies direction, and the germaphobe jumped out of his chair, sending Sharon into a fit of laughter. She said she was going to pee herself. Howie said he thought Dan was great, then he came over near Howie. Piers congratulated Dan on the attempted murder of Howie. Sharon couldnt stop laughing, but said she liked it. Jackie Evancho: Nick described the 10-year-old singer from Pittsburgh as having a timeless voice. Howie revealed that Jackie won the most votes from all of the YouTube submissions. Jackie wowed the crowd with her strong, operatic voice. Howie said they were waiting for a special moment all show long, and that was it. Piers called it one of the most extraordinary performances Ive ever seen on Americas Got Talent. He said everyone in the audience probably felt what he did: goosebumps. Sharon agreed, saying shed never seen anything like it.

The night after a pretty terrible experiment -- the YouTube Special -- host Nick Cannon did everything he could to entice viewers to stay tuned, including teasing us about another twist that would be announced later in the show. Sharon Osbourne said the show took a risk, stopping short of calling it a failure. She instead chose to focus on some of the magical moments she said happened. To the results: Nick called for the first handful of acts to come to the stage: Accordion playing dog Pup, pizza dough juggler Pizza Patt, pianist Maestro Alexander Bui and comedian Austin Anderson. Sharon said she couldnt decide who America had chosen. After the seemingly obvious choice (from that bunch, anyway) of Maestro Alexander Bui was announced, Piers said he was baffled by Sharons hesitation. He said Alexander was the only true talent on the stage, standing among a guy whos not funny, a dog that didnt play the accordion, and a bloke who chucks pizzas in the air. He then encouraged Alexander to play a more recognizable classical piece next week. Be our guest: In continuing the YouTube theme of the week, the AGT stage welcomed back Quick Change, the wardrobe changing wonders who burned up the viral video site with more than 21 million views of their original Talent performance. Next, motivational-speaker-turned-YouTube sensation Judson Laipply brought his Evolution of Dance to the stage. Later, Taiwanese TV singing contestant Lin Yu Chun paid a visit to perform his rendition of Whitney Houstons I Will Always Love You, which has topped 10 million views on YouTube. Back to the results: Nick called the next group of acts -- kid dancer Dylan Plummer, dark illusionist Dan Sperry and dancer Booker Forte -- to the stage. The act that moved on was Dan Sperry, and the announcement sent Howie back into the rafters. Dan thanked America for responding in such a positive way to his act that he acknowledges is dark and can put off a lot of people. Later, Nick called dancer/mover Ryan Rodriguez and 10-year-old operatic singer Jackie Evancho to the stage with one spot in the semifinals on the line. Jackie moved on, sending Ryan home. Howie said he was delighted, but that people have asked him since Tuesday night whether Jackies voice was real. To prove it, he asked her to sing an impromptu note, which she did. Finally, Nick called for PLUtonic, Cam Hodges and Kristina Young. The first act leaving the competition was PLUtonic. That meant the decision over who stays between Cam and Kristina was left to the judges. Howie said he liked them both, but had to go with his gut and his gut said Cam was he bigger star with the most potential. Sharon said Kristina was very viable as an artist, so she picked Kristina. Piers had the tiebreaking vote and said he had to take a bet on one of the singers in guessing which of them could go the furthest. He said the act he suspected could deliver better than last night was Kristina, so he picked her. Nick finally announced the twist, which is that next weeks episode is a wild card show in which some of the judges and Americas favorites will return for another shot at the semifinals.

In an apparent effort to make this the longest summer season of television ever, Americas Got Talent busted out another gimmick to prolong the quarterfinal round of the competition. With 20 semifinalists having already been chosen (16 from the original batch of 48 quartefinalists, plus the four YouTube qualifiers from last week), the judges brought back their favorite 12 performers who have not already secured a place in the semifinals for one last shot (we think) at moving on to the next round. (Indeed, this season of Americas Got Talent will contain 32 episodes, which is longer, by far, than any other season. Last season had 26 episodes. Season 1, for some perspective, contained 16 episodes. Yes, thats half of Season 5.) This week, each judge selected four of the unlucky quarterfinalists who came just a bit short of securing a spot in the semis. Piers Morgan chose dancers Anna and Patryk, comedian Doogie Horner, Kruti Dance Academy and Harmonica Pierre. Sharon Osbourne brought back dance crew RNG, daredevil Rudi Macaggi, aerial performers Michael Lipari and Ashleigh Dejon, and illusionist Michael Grasso. Howie wanted to see Swing Shift Sideshow, indoor kite flyer Connor Doran, The Hot Shot Tap Dancers and kid rapper CJ Dippa. Kruti Dance Academy: The uptempo, high-precision group of Bollywood dancers made the most of their second chance (they actually never made it out of the Las Vegas round). Piers loved their performance and said his decision to bring them back was justified. He said he wanted to bring them through in Vegas, but Sharon and Howie overruled him. Sharon said that America is more open than ever to Indian dance and culture, and they could now rival the River Dance. Howie said he somewhat agreed, but wondered whether their act is wow. He wasnt sure that they rose to the level, which Piers called rubbish. Rudi Macaggi: Rudi said being sent home was like a dream crashing down. He thought that maybe his quarterfinal stunt was too intense and might have made people uncomfortable. Sharon wanted to see him again, and Rudi vowed to do something totally different. He took most of his time setting the stunt, which was a backflip in which he caught his feet in a small trapeze-like apparatus -- and he did it blindfolded. Piers buzzed him as soon as he completed the trick. Sharon praised his technique and timing, but she said he took too long to get to the one trick. Howie, quoting Rudi, reminded Sharon that you cant rush into the realm of genius. He said Rudis last stunt was more spectacular. Piers said the danger level was low compared to his previous stunt (risking just breaking his neck this time rather than risking losing his head, as he did last time). CJ Dippa: The young rapper thought his dream was over when he was cut. Howie said he was surprised at CJs exit. He said he wrote a rap for a girl from one of the competitions dance crews, Studio One. He said he was going to ask her out if he moves on to the next round. About two-thirds of the way through, Piers buzzed him. CJ was disappointed with his own performance, saying he didnt feel like he gave it his all. Howie agreed, saying it wasnt as polished as you can possibly be. Piers praised CJ for admitting he fell short, then said CJ was a bit too gimmicky with the props, gold chains, and the rest. He encouraged CJ to be himself. Sharon thought it was CJs best song, so far, and she loved the props and the look. RNG: Ousted at the judges choice in the quarterfinals, RNG got a second chance thanks to Sharon. The dancers vowed to give it everything we have and get back to their hip-hop roots, rather than trying the stunts they performed in the quarterfinals. Piers buzzed them about two-thirds of the way through. Toward the end of the routine, Howies voice, from his original critique of the group, in which he said they were more like a dance recital. At the end, one of the lead dancers threw a mean face at him (apparently as part of the act, but Howie looked scared). Sharon said she was happy she brought them back, the performance was strong and she loved the attitude toward Howie. Howie admitted he was scared, then he said the dancers are phenomenal, but he wondered whether they could compete against some of the shows best. Then he said he didnt think so, but he reiterated that they were great. Piers said Howie was trying to have it both ways. He said he wouldnt tell them they were phenomenal, as Howie did, because he didnt think they were. Harmonica Pierre: Americas new favorite harmonica player said he went back to watchmaking after he was ousted. He said he had something to prove and now had to up his game. He took on Lady Gagas Alejandro. Howie buzzed him before he even started, but it seemed to be an accident, because the red X was wiped away as Harmonica Pierre played. Howie clarified that he and Sharon agreed to buzz Piers pick immediately, but Sharon ditched him. Piers said his choice was great and that Pierre stormed the show. Howie said he didnt think Pierre had a chance to win it. Sharon said Pierre made her smile, but she didnt think he could sell out arenas. Piers complained that Sharon was applying inaccurate criteria. Michael Grasso: Michael went a bit too basic back in Las Vegas, but Sharon brought him back for another shot because she couldnt forget him. Howie wanted to see something from Michael that was made for the Vegas stage. Michael said hed bring more danger and show America something theyve never seen before. He stuffed an assistant into a box, lit it on fire as her hand was sticking out of it. He blasted the box, then revealed the assistant, and another one! Sharon loved it, saying he justified her pick. Howie said it was the first performance of the night that was up to where it should be at this point in the competition. Piers said Michael proved a miracle by showing that Sharon does know something about talent. Piers said that in a crowded field of great magicians, Michael just opened up the field. The Hot Shot Tap Dancers: Howie brought back to the sibling dance group, thinking they used too much of their quarterfinal performance on storytelling and props, rather than focusing on the dancing. Piers buzzed them about halfway through. Howie said it was a little muddy and it was four people just dancing, and he admitted he got a little bored. Piers agreed and said it was boring. He said he wished it would have been better. Sharon said she enjoys the group every time, but there was something missing. She realized that they danced too much as a team, but one of them had to come forward and stand out. Doogie Horner: After weeks of criticizing him, Piers brought back Doogie Horner -- a guy he couldnt stand until his most recent performance. Doogie brought a string of Americas Got Talent-centric humor, referring to various other acts from the competition. Piers claimed Howie didnt want to bring Doogie back, which Howie said was not true. Howie clarified that Howie wanted to bring Doogie back, but Piers had already claimed him. Sharon said Doogie was a very weird little man but hes funny. Howie said Doogie was in the moment and was in character, and said America was going to love him. Connor Doran: The indoor kite-flying teen who says his hobby helps him control his epilepsy was given a second chance by Howie. He said he was going to try something new for his second-chance performance. He started with a single kite, as hed done before, but then pulled out a second one and flew them parallel to each other. Howie gave a standing ovation and said, Need I say more? Connor told Piers he felt amazing, and Piers said he should feel amazing. He said there was something very magical about the way Connor does his thing. Sharon said she was in awe of the way he was able to move his kites to the music. Anna & Patryk: The young ballroom dancers said they were shocked to have been asked back to the show. Piers said he brought them back because they were the most talented dancers in the competition. Piers said they were great, especially for being 12 years old, and said they were dancing to a level that hasnt been seen on the show. Sharon praised their coordination and timing. Howie agreed that they were good, but that ballroom dancing is about the art of being seductive and it creeped him out a little seeing 12 year olds act seductively. Michael Lapari & Ashleigh Dejon: Booted in the Las Vegas round after they ran into some trouble on their aerial acrobatics routine. This time, they wanted to make up for it and add a new element of danger with a full release-and-catch sequence. Halfway through their routine, Ashleigh appeared to fall from the rope, but it was part of the routine as she and Michael both rose from a pit that was assembled on stage. They emerged bound together and finished the routine with flair and passion. Sharon said it was edgy and exciting. Howie said it was amazing and scary. Piers said he was relieved Ashleigh wasnt dead, and he wasnt expecting the trick. Swing Shift Sideshow: The self-proclaimed daring circus carnival freaks had to drop out of the competition for personal reasons after having been invited to Vegas, but the wild card brought them back. Sharon buzzed them after a dart-blowing gimmick. Piers buzzed them shortly thereafter, following a sword-swallowing bit. The crowd gasped as the sword-swallowing got more intense. Howie said people would either love it or hate it. Piers thought it was quite revolting. Sharon said she appreciated it as an art form, but its not my thing.

The final four spots in the Americas Got Talent semifinals were -- finally! -- ready to be claimed Wednesday night after 12 wild-card contestants got a second chance to prove themselves. To the results: Host Nick Cannon didnt waste any time getting some contestants on stage to learn their fates. He called Kruti Dance Academy, Michael Grasso, Swing Shift Sideshow and Rudi Macaggi to the stage. The act moving into the next round is ... Michael Grasso. Sharon was pleased and told Michael to keep raising the game. Bigger is better. Be our guest: Illusionist Criss Angel paid a visit to plug his show at the Luxor in Vegas, and performed two tricks. One was a record-breaking attempt at Harry Houdinis infamous straight-jacket escape. Houdini did it in five minutes, but Criss tried to get it done in one minute, hanging upside down -- and succeeded. He next did a bit where he was locked in a box, and quickly switched places with his assistant, where, after a flash, he was standing on the box and she was inside it. Later, Leann Rimes showed up in a two-piece bathing suit (seriously) to perform her new song, Swingin, in the theme of a beach party. Back to the results: Nick next called the Hot Shot Tap Dancers, RNG and Anna & Patryk to the stage. Piers said how pleased he was with himself and his own choice of Anna & Patryk, claiming they deserved a spot in the semifinals. He was right. Theyre in. Next, Howie called rapper CJ Dippa and indoor kite-flyer Connor Doran to the stage. The act moving into the semifinals was Connor Doran. Howie said he was proud of Connor and noted that hes Howard Sterns favorite act. Finally, Nick asked Doogie Horner, Michael Lapari & Ashleigh Dejon, and Harmonica Pierre to the stage. The first act of the three to leave the competition was Doogie Horner, who promptly revealed a T-shirt he said he made for no reason. It read, Americas Got Doogie. Piers made a joke of selecting Harmonica Pierre because he was his own wild-card choice, but he said he really believed Harmonica Pierre was better and deserved the vote. Sharon voted for her choice, Michael & Ashleigh. Howie, the tiebreaking vote, apologized to Harmonica Pierre for buzzing him, saying that was intended for Piers and not for Pierre. He praised both acts, but said he had to go with his gut and vote for the act he thought people would pay to see in Vegas, and that was Michael & Ashleigh.

The semifinals on Americas Got Talent were finally upon us Tuesday night as 12 acts got a shot at the top 10. Anna & Patryk: Nick didnt waste much time (beyond the overblown judges introductions) getting to the action and introduced the young ballroom dancers. The promised to bring an angrier side of them as they performed the paso doble. Piers said they behaved like stars. He said he was going to have a very firm view of all the acts on Tuesday, and he said they were the two most talented dancers in this competition, bar none. Sharon said their performance was perfection, as usual. Howie apologized if his past comments have made it seem like he didnt like them. He agreed that they were perfect and that this week they didnt creep him out. Christina & Ali: The singing sisters who have cystic fibrosis were ready to take on a big song in an effort to impress the judges and voters. They took on Whitney Houstons When You Believe. Sharon said their performance got stronger since the last time they performed, and she refused to say anything negative because theyre just too lovely. Howie agreed with Sharon that they were getting stronger. But he said that, at this level in the competition, the other acts are doing things that are spectacular and he wasnt sure where theyd fall among the group. Piers admitted, It wasnt great. He said they werent the best singers, but they were likable and inspiring. Antonio Restivo: The pyromaniac illusionist said he was here to win, period, and brought forth his toughest trick yet. Howie said it was so Vegas it almost makes him laugh at the campiness. But the illusion was solid. Piers said he liked Antonios act and appreciated that it got bigger every time Antonio hit the stage. He said Antonio is one of the rare magicians on the show who brings a top-level performance. Sharon mostly wanted to know what its like at Antonios house when he barbecues. Future Funk: The adorable little hip-hop dancers were primed to bring their A game for the biggest competition in the world. Piers buzzed them about two-thirds of the way through the performance, which started with a rap. He said, If this was called Americas Got Cute Dancers you would win. But its not. He said he was comparing them to Anna & Patryk, and, for now, he didnt think it was good enough to get through. Sharon said they were cute and needed their own little sitcom. Howie said they might get by on their cuteness. Taylor Mathews: The singing guitarist who was inspired by his dad said he was planning on doing something unexpected -- playing the piano. He said it was way out of his comfort zone. He took on Carolina Liars Show Me What Im Looking For. Sharon liked that Taylor was so natural and is just himself on stage. Howie said he was wowed by Taylor in the first audition, but that he didnt do anything Tuesday that people would remember. Piers said he could tell Taylor was feeling the pressure of the competition. He wanted Taylor to get back to the person he was in the first audition. Connor Doran: The indoor kite flying whiz whose hobby helps control his epilepsy said he was anxious and nervous about trying to prepare for the semifinals with limited time. Howie wanted to see him step up his act. Piers buzzed him halfway through, and explained that his act is heavily dependent on the music choice, and Piers didnt like the pop song Connor used. Howie agreed and said he didnt think Connors act goes with pop music. Sharon asked Connor if he was OK, and after he assured her he was, she said he was fabulous. She said she enjoyed how he mixed up the music. Dan Sperry: The twisted magician who sent Howie jumping out of his seat the last time he performed. Sperry said he intended to push America over the line that theyre comfortable with. Using Nick as a volunteer, he pretended to saw Nicks arm off, tattoo his signature into the sawed off limb, and then reattach it. Piers buzzed Dan and called it the most pathetic trick hed ever seen. He also called him out on using a fake arm that didnt even try to be convincing. Dan tried to say his magic was sometimes less about being convincing and more about imagination. Sharon loved his robot lady assistant. Howie said he loved Dans character and he wanted Dan to be more about his character. Kristina Young: The YouTube singer said that, until now, her great-grandmother has been her biggest fan. She said she was recently reunited with her dad, with whom shed had a falling out three years ago and hadnt seen since. She tried a jazzed up version of Lady Gagas Poker Face. Seeming nervous and a bit out of tune, she was buzzed, first by Piers, then Sharon and finally Howie. Sharon said she should have even attempted a Gaga song at this point. She said it was really wrong. Howie said her rendition of the song was comical and reminded him of a Bill Murray nightclub singer bit on Saturday Night Live. Piers praised her for taking a risk, even though it didnt work, and he told her not to give up. ArcAttack: The electric rock band -- like, seriously, they use electricity to make sound -- forced the show to move to another studio because of the danger level. Howie said that what they do doesnt play well on television. He said it might be a little boring on television, but its intense in person and people would vote if they could see it live. Piers said theyd had a fairly average semifinal, and ArcAttack had an act he could being very successful. Sharon called them a weird group of geeks and told them to step up the performance art aspect of their routine. Michael Grimm: The guitarist and singer said he was close to quitting before Americas Got Talent came along. He fell ill shortly before the performance. He went to the doctor and needed IV fluids because of dehydration. Piers was glad that, at last, there was an act that showed talent and an ability and desire to win. Sharon praised Michael for engaging with the audience and told him to take it up a notch again the next time she sees him. Howie said hed been waiting all night for a moment, and they were waiting for Michael. Ascendance: The rock-climbing group, led by a husband-and-wife team, said they stepped up the pace and the timing for this round. Piers buzzed them about halfway through. Sharon said she didnt like the music and said it was lacking that spark of danger that they usually had. Howie said he thought it was lacking because they picked up the tempo. Piers said that for the first time he found it boring and said he wasnt feeling it. Prince Poppycock: The operatic singer said he grew up always feeling out of place, and that Americas support in the competition made him feel like they were creating a place for him to belong. He gave his take on Queens Bohemian Rhapsody. Howie said this was his night and that Prince Poppycock brought it home. Piers said he didnt think anyone could outcamp Freddie Mercury, but he did. Sharon called Prince Poppycock the male Lady Gaga.

Wednesday night meant it was time to learn which contestants on Americas Got Talent would retain a chance to get into the top 10 and remain in contention for the $1 million grand prize and which would go home. Host Nick Cannon asked judge Piers Morgan whether the judges were being more critical in the semifinals, and Piers said it was business time. Nick called for the first group of acts to join him on stage. To the results: He called on electric band ArcAttack, magician Dan Sperry, kid dancers Future Funk, and singer Kristina Young. Asked to assess the group, Howie apologized to Kristina for buzzing her, but said her singing was off key. He also pointed out that Dans illusion looked choppy and fell flat. The act moving to the next round was ... no one. Nick seemed as shocked as everyone on stage after delivering the news that none of the acts on stage were moving on. Piers said he was surprised. He thought ArcAttack deserved a shot, and he thought Future Funk showed enough charm to move on. Be our guest: Recycled Percussion, the popular group from last season that bangs on buckets and garbage cans. They pushed their new live show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, starting Aug. 30. Next, Jimmy Fallon served up a bit of stand-up comedy, doing impressions of various comedians 10 seconds at a time. Later, Kylie Minogue paid a visit to perform her new song, Get Out of My Way. Back to the results: Rock-climbing dancers Ascendance and ballroom dancing youngsters Anna & Patryk were the next acts called to the stage. This time, there was no twist. The first act moving on to the next round was ... Anna & Patryk. Anna thanked everyone for voting and thanked Piers, especially, for bringing them back as a wild card. Sharon said America made the right decision and agreed that Piers did get it right. Next, Nick called for singer-guitarists Michael Grimm and Taylor Mathews, and operatic singer Prince Poppycock. Howie said, Unless youre going to trick us again, theres too much talent. Nick announced that the act going into the top 10 was ... all three. Sharon said she was so scared before Nick made the announcement, worried that they couldnt lose any of the three. Illusionist Antonio Restivo, singing sisters Christina & Ali, and indoor kite flyer Connor Doran were next up on the stage. Nick announced that Antonio was the next act knocked out of the competition. Antonio looked stunned, but said he was thankful for the opportunity. That left Connor Doran and Christina & Ali to vie for the final spot in the next round. Piers said he thought Antonio deserved to move on, but he knew why Connor and Christina & Ali were up there instead. Piers said that Christina & Ali's combination of personality and good voices made him lean toward them. Howie said he loves the variety the show offers, and for that reason, he was voting for Connor. That left the deciding vote to Sharon, who said she wished it wasnt up to her. She said the choice was whether to break two hearts or one, and she chose to break just one. She voted for Christina & Ali, knocking Connor Doran out of the competition.

The next batch of Americas Got Talent semifinalists each had 90 seconds to impress the judges and America in an effort to remain in the million-dollar competition. Host Nick Cannon wasted no time in getting to the action. Alice Tan Ridley: The former New York subway singer, and mother of Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe, vowed to give it her all because she knew the opportunity in her hands at the age of 57. She said Whitney Houstons I Have Nothing. Piers Morgan said that in a big year for singers, Alice gave an incredibly strong performance. Sharon Osbourne said it had been so long since Ive heard that song sung that way. She said she had goosebumps, and said, from one 57-year-old to another, Alice looked fabulous. Howie said Alice has touched the heart of America. Haspop: The French street dancer who left his family behind to follow his dream, was intent to tell more stories through his dancing, and thats what Sharon said she wanted to see. It was an odd little scene, in which Haspop did some give-and-take with action on the screen behind him. Piers buzzed him near the end. Sharon said she respected the way he tried to step up the sophistication of the performance, but somehow it didnt work for me. Howie disagreed, and said there werent a lot of dancers that could do what he did, and that the video brought it to a whole new level. Piers said it was all a little bit over my head and said he would have preferred to see Haspop dance more rather than see some guy on the screen behind him. Maestro Alexander Bui: The piano whiz said it was the best feeling he ever had when he learned he was still in the competition. This week, he promised hed bring a combination of classical style and pop music. Howie buzzed him about halfway through. Howie tried to explain himself while Piers wondered, How could you do that? Howie said Alexanders talent was unquestioned, but its apples and oranges in comparison to the other acts in the competition. Piers called Howie an ignoramus. Piers said that Alexander was one of the most brilliant performers weve had. Sharon said it was the most difficult piece to play and said it was very exciting. Howie was booed again when he said it just wasnt as exciting as other acts. Michael Lipari & Ashleigh Dejon: The aerial dancers who shocked everyone with their last performance said they were going to try to win Americas hearts this time. Their intense routine, which featured them in angelic roles in the clouds pleading for each others love. Piers said there werent any big stunts, but he wondered whether they were needed at all because he really liked the performance. Sharon agreed and said she really loved it. Howie said it was scary and his heart was racing as he wanted them picking each other up. Howie said he knew Piers didnt get it, but Im a cultural ignoramus and I think it was great. Michael Grasso: The cool illusionist who stunned the judges with his most recent performance, talked about having had three kidney transplants -- one from his mother and two from different cousins. He pulled another switcheroo with an assistant in a covered cage. Sharon thought it was sensational and asked, How on Earth do you do that?! Howie said he loved magic and said it was fabulous. Piers said Michael was an interesting one, and that he has something going with the act. You are becoming a world-class magic act right in front of us, Piers added. Debra Romer: The young, blond singer whod run away from home at 17 and said her dream was to not wait tables. In her intro package, she recalled the day she left and cried. She wanted to show people she was strong. She sang To Make You Feel My Love. Howie said it was nice, but wasnt as moved as he would like to have been. Then, he was booed again, and reminded the crowd that he was a cultural ignoramus. Piers agreed with Howie and said that even though Debra has come along way, it didnt wow him the way other acts had. Sharon said she wanted to see something that was larger than life, and that Debra had to light up this stage, and tonight you didnt. Studio One Young Beast Society: The only remaining dance crew remaining in the competition said they wanted to be where the Jabbawockees have come, with a show in Vegas. They vowed to bring more tricks than ever. They did it, and earned a standing ovation. Piers said, That is what entertaining is all about. He said they proved what you can do when you put the hours in. Sharon also loved it and said America would love it, too. Howie agreed with everyone and said he loved the energy and the recklessness with which they danced. He then said his only criticism was with their name, saying it wasnt catchy enough. It should be Studio Two Young Beast Society. Jeremy VanSchoonhoven: The bike stuntman said he auditioned for the showing after having known ventriloquist Terry Fator from when theyd done shows together. He was worried he hadnt had enough time to practice. In rehearsal, he took a big fall -- the worst hed suffered in six years. He went to the hospital to get checked out. He made it to the show, though. He got tripped up on one of his smaller tricks early in the routine, but he pushed through and made it to the big finale without a buzz. Then, from the top of what had to be a 20-foot platform, he hopped down, keeping one wheel in the air while landing on a log. Sharon loved it and, after getting a rundown of Jeremys injuries, she said, Evel Knievel has nothing on you. She asked America to vote for him. Howie said Sharon sounded like she was running a telethon for Jeremy. Piers said Jeremys perseverance after the big fall in rehearsals and the small mistake at the start during the live show was remarkable. Most people would have given up, Piers said. Nathaniel Kenyon: The singer said he was motivated by his family, which needs him to support it. Piers buzzed him about halfway through. Howie said the audience likes Nathaniel and he has the package to be a pop star, but its not as exciting as other things weve seen. Piers said all the judges and the crowd like him, however, tonights been an incredible semifinal and he couldnt justify giving Nathaniel a place in the top 10 based on too many missed notes. Sharon said, luckily for Nathaniel, Piers doesnt have to decide because its up to Amerca. She said the young girls were going to love him. Murray: The illusionist said he came from a family of railway workers, and his act tonight would be a tribute to his family. He said it was the largest trick ever done on the show, and that he didnt think there was enough room in the top 10 for two illusionists. He made a 24-foot, steel train disappear. Piers said he was a little bored by the chatter (Murray spoke while the train was disappearing). Sharon said it was fantastic, and that even David Copperfield hadnt done anything as spectacular. Howie called Sharon out on that bit of hyperbole. Jackie Evancho: The 10-year-old opera singing sensation said she felt like shed won a Grammy the night she wowed the crowd with her voice and they gave her a standing ovation. She did it again and the crowd responded just the same. Sharon had to give her comments over the screaming crowd, and she told Jackie that her life will never be the same again because her voice is going to take her all over the world. Howie said Jackie was like an angel from another planet. He called her singing unbelievable. Piers said, This is why we do these shows, noting hes judges thousands of acts and a lot were terrible and some are quite talented. But we have got, in you, a superstar. Fighting Gravity: The group of frat guys from Virginia Tech said they had to make the decision to take the semester off of school to focus on the competition. They were adding props, scenes and a story to their act. They blew the crowd away again. Howie called them one of his favorite acts, if not his favorite. He said they were the only act that could follow Jackie. Piers agreed with Howie, and said their act was so original and fresh. He said it feels bigger and better every time. He said the American people have got to vote. Sharon said the act is so cool, and it is for all age groups.

With just five spots left in the top 10, the 12 semifinalists who performed Tuesday night on Americas Got Talent would learn their fate in Wednesdays results show. Host Nick Cannon got straight to some results. To the results: Nick called singer Debra Romer, illusionists Michael Grasso and Murray, and singer Nathaniel Kenyon to the stage. Piers said that any one of the four, in previous years, would have had a place in the final. But the talent level is higher this year. He said Debra isnt quite finished, and Nathaniel didnt have a great performance. He said the two magicians are great, but Murray fell a little flat on Tuesday, and Michael stood out. The act moving into the next round was ... Michael Grasso. Piers said he was very happy and that it was great to see a wild-card act get into the Top 10. Be our guests: The cast of the Las Vegas show, Le Reve, stopped by to offer a sampling of the epic production. Later, singer Jason Derulo paid a visit to sing his new single, Ridin Solo. Back to the results: Fighting Gravity and bike stuntman Jeremy VanSchoonhoven were called to the stage. Between the two acts on stage, Sharon said she was confused and said they both deserved to move on. Nick announced the act moving into the Top 10 was ... BOTH! The Fighting Gravity guys quickly went over to Jeremy and included him in their group celebration. Next, Nick called dancer Haspop, little opera singer Jackie Evancho, and pianist Maestro Alexander Bui to the stage. To no ones surprise, Nick announced that the act moving to the next round was Jackie Evancho. Piers asked her what shed spend her $1 million on if she were to win, and she said she wasnt sure, but probably something for the animals. Finally, Nick called the final three acts to the stage: Studio One Young Beast Society, aerialists Michael Lipari & Ashleigh Dejon, and singer Alice Tan Ridley. The first act out was Michael Lipari & Ashleigh Dejon. That left Studio One Young Beast Society and Alice Tan Ridley, with the judges making the final call. For her part, Alice said she should move on because shes older and only has a few years left. One of Studio Ones dancers said the judges know how hard theyve worked and they can be sure that they wont be let down. Piers said this was the cruelest moment of the entire season, and said it would be heartbreaking for one of them. He told Alice it was her bad fortune that there are so many good singers in the competition. He told Studio One Young Beast Society they were great. He said he was going with the act who made him feel like it should really be in the Top 10: Studio One. Sharon said Alices performance Tuesday was sensational. She told the dancers they have great enthusiasm and that they were great role models for the youth of America. Sharon finally decided she was going to put Studio One Young Beast Society through. With two votes, the process was done and Alice Tan Ridley was sent packing -- one spot shy of the Top 10. The Top 10: Studio One Young Beast Society (dancers) Fighting Gravity (black-light enthusiasts) Jeremy VanSchoonhoven (biker stuntman) Jackie Evancho (10-year-old opera singer) Michael Grasso (illusionist/magician) Christina & Ali (singers) Taylor Mathews (singer-guitarist) Prince Poppycock (opera singer) Ana & Patryk (12-year-old ballroom dancers) Michael Grimm (singer-guitarist)

If you thought all that talk of semifinals the past two weeks meant this week was the Americas Got Talent finals, guess again. Why stop now, when we could stretch this season out for another week? The Top 10 competed for Americas vote Tuesday night, and this time around there would be no judges choice. The vote will determine everything this time, and the top four vote-getters will compete next week for the $1 million grand prize. Judge Piers Morgan threw down the gauntlet, saying that the acts had to be absolutely perfect tonight. Studio One Young Beast Society: The young, reckless dance crew, which focuses on its tricks when choreographing its routines, said they were trying tricks on Tuesday that theyd never done before. There were some tremendous flips that got the crowd on its feet. What a start, Piers said, adding that he really liked that the group got more ambitious every time on stage. He called it a brilliant performance. Sharon said their passion and ambition shows and loved that theyve really pushed themselves. Christina & Ali: The sisters said their supportive parents were the reason they were able to make it to the Top 10, and they promised to step it up by doing a song with a good beat. Sharon said she loved them, and praised Christina for hitting some of her big notes. She said she could tell the sisters really enjoyed their performance. Howie said he loved them, too, but wondered if their very nice, enjoyable act could stand up to the death-defying stunts that some of the other performers are doing. Piers said theyd blossomed into these natural entertainers. He again said they werent the best singers, but that they bring a little bit more than just singing to the competition. Jeremy VanSchoonhoven: Jeremy said that his fall during last weeks rehearsals was the worst of his life, and added that he hadnt had another chance to ride his bike until he went on stage live. He dedicated his performance to his wife, Melissa. Piers said that Jeremy was either going to win, or die trying. He went even bigger, climbing his bike up and down and over obstacles. Howie said he wondered how Jeremy could follow up last weeks performance, but said this was amazing. Piers wondered, What do you say? He guaranteed one thing: Nobody is a crowd pleaser like Jeremy. Sharon said her stomach was in knots every time he performs, and that he gets more and more confident with every performance. Taylor Mathews: The singer said music helped him overcome some shyness in his youth. Piers said in the intro that Taylor isnt the best singer in the Top 10, but he could become the best performer. He did an upbeat version of What a Wonderful World. Piers asked who chose the song and arrangement, and Taylor said he did it himself. Piers then called it Taylors best performance. Sharon said Taylor was so clever in making his own arrangement on the song. Howie agreed, and said Taylor was back in the running, as he had been earlier in the competition. Anna & Patryk: The young ballroom dancers said they were so lucky to be in the Top 10. They started upbeat routine with a timed walk down some steps while holding masks over their faces. Anna took a spills down the steps, but powered through the rest of the routine without incident. She started to cry a bit as soon as the dance was done, and Sharon asked if she was alright. When Anna said she was fine, Sharon said it was the sign of a true professional. The crowd cheered. Sharon said it happens to everyone, and that she shouldnt get down on herself. Howie told her not to cry, and that she was wonderful, and that millions of people at home wish they had a fraction of her talent. Piers said he understood she was crying because it seemed like things couldnt get any worse, and the fact that she got up as if nothing had happened is what being a star is all about. Be our guest: A rare performance-night guest appearance came from Enrique Iglesias, who performed I Like It. Fighting Gravity: The Virginia Tech frat guys who dropped out of school for the semester to focus on the competition, said they based Tuesdays performance on an epic moment in Americas history. Howie just said, Wow, as usual. He said they surprised the judges again, and said it was amazing that they came up with this routine in a couple of days. Piers said the act seemed to get bigger and more surprising every time out. He said theyd all taken a big risk, and that their act is the one that says to me, Las Vegas. Sharon, as shes done before, put them next in the sequence among Cirque du Soleil and The Blue Man Group. Michael Grimm: The singer and guitarist said everything in his life has been hard. He said his grandmother is the talk of the town in his Mississippi home. His grandparents were going to be in the audience, and he didnt want to blow it. For the first time, he was going to perform without his guitar. Piers said Michaels performance showed his confidence, and that it was perfectly executed. Sharon commented on what a difference losing the guitar made to his performance. Howie agreed, and said that he saw Michael connecting with the audience more than in the past. Michael Grasso: The illusionist, who made his comeback after being a wild-card choice, said he wanted to perform for his family, which has supported him his whole life. Michael did another bait and switch move with a couple of assistants. Sharon said Michael delivers every single week. She said she really hopes hell go through. Howie crowned Michael the king of magic. He demanded to know how the trick was done. Piers said America has an impossible job tonight because of the talent involved. Prince Poppycock: Prince Poppycock, in regular clothing, said his moms support has meant the world to him, and its been nice to show her that maybe he wasnt so crazy. He said Tuesdays performance was Poppycocks love letter back to America for getting him into the Top 10. Howie said he didnt know if that was what the forefathers had in mind, but... Poppycock is a show. He said it was truly a spectacle, truly unique, and there are no words to describe what you do. Piers agreed, and said he was rendered temporarily speechless. Sharon said there was no end to Poppycock. Jackie Evancho: The 10-year-old opera queen from Pittsburgh said she really wanted to make her family proud. She unleashed her angelic voice on the crowd, this time backed by a small choir. Piers made it all about him, saying that, when you hit those high notes, I knew that in 40 years time -- if Im still alone -- I will be now known as the guy who helped discover Jackie Evancho. Sharon said it was heavenly. She added, Its one of those performances that I will never, ever forget. Howie asked Jackie if shed ever swallowed a grown-up, because it sounds like she did. Howie then said it was honor to be here on the night that youre singing in front of Piers Morgan.

The result show taking the top 10 down to the top 4.

The top 4 perform for a chance to be crowned the winner of this season of America's Got Talent.

The winner of this season of America's Got Talent is announced.

Nick Cannon stands atop the Space Needle and Howie Mandel turns the wrong way down one-way streets as the anticipation builds for the Seattle auditions on "America's Got Talent." Up first, Melissa Villasenor wants to be a comedian and impressionist. She gets some laughs with a Barbara Walters interview with Natalie Portman, but she wins them over with her Miley Cyrus, Kathy Griffin and Christina Aguilera. Sharon Osbourne tells her she won't be working in retail much longer. Piers Morgan calls it a "sensational audition." Howie says she's adorable to watch and "a star." Yeses all around send Melissa to Vegas. The A+C Twins are ready for stardom, aiming to sell millions of albums. They say they can be "as big as the Jackson Five." With an awkward side-to-side dance, their rendition of "My Girl" falls flat. Piers buzzes them quickly, but Sharon and Howie let them continue, for some reason. "Guys, you can't sing," Sharon tells them. Howie takes them up on a challenge, when they claim they can sing way better than him, but turns out to be just as bad. This kicks off a string of terrible auditions, including a rap-meets-magic routine that Piers called "one of the most stupid things I've ever seen in my life." Anita McCoy, a 69-year-old dance teacher wins love from the crowd, but not from Piers, who buzzed her. Howie votes yes, but Sharon gives her a no even though she loves Anita's spirit. A group of Kenyan acrobats called Zuma Zuma pulls of some remarkable tricks in a high-energy routine. Piers says he's never seen a tumbling act without mats. Howie and Sharon love them, too, and they're heading to Vegas. A young band called POPLYFE made the trip from Oakland to audition. The crowd loves them and so do Howie and Sharon, but Piers doesn't think they're quite ready. Piers tries to create dysfunction by asking the singer if she'd move on without her band, and she says no. Left up to Sharon, she says yes. A montage of quality acts, follows, including an aerial acrobatics couple, an 8-year-old singer, and a dance crew that Piers calls "one of the freshest routines I've seen in a long time." Mauricio Herrera, a superstar in Costa Rica, where he grew up, doesn't go over quite as well here. The crowd boos incessantly while he continues to sing Ricky Martin's "Livin' La Vida Loca." Howie says yes just because he wants to see another of Mauricio's shiny shirts in Vegas. Piers buzzed Mauricio and never wants to see him again, but Howie begs Sharon to vote yes, and succeeds. Mauricio is in. Cartlon Baltimore, 56, is a one-man band and one of his specialities is making horns out of paper cups. He insists he's "one of a kind." The first thing he does is pull out his front teeth. Piers buzzes Carlton quickly and reaches over and hits Sharon's buzzer, much to her chagrin. Piers gets up and walks away. Howie tells Carlton he looks like David Letterman. Sharon gives Carlton a no. Howie tries to cast a yes vote on Piers' behalf, but Nick explains Piers has to make the vote himself. Piers is pulled back on stage while Nick and Carlton do a duet on "When the Saints Go Marching In." Piers comes back and says it's clear there's been a movement forming while he's been away. He says he's man enough to admit when he's wrong. Then adds, "But this won't be one of those times. It's a no." Howie and Piers continue their "feud" backstage, where Piers tells Howie that their ideas of what's funny don't match, and Piers closes his dressing-room door in Howie's face.

Auditioning, among others: Purrfect Angelz, Sandou Trio Russian Bar, Tanner "Lil' T" Edwards, Professor Splash, Tron Man, and... is that Justin Bieber???

With Piers Morgan unexpectedly caught in a blizzard, Sharon and Howie have all the power on the crazy first day. When Pierce arrives, enter The Kinetic King, Silhouettes, and... Those Funny Little People.

At first, it's not going well in Seattle. Then, talents emerge and Piers makes history by being the only judge who says "Yes" - twice in the same auditions. And one contestant has even written a special song for him.

Auditions shot on-location in theaters across the nation continue in Atlanta.

The judges expect some bizarre auditions in New York, but how can you prepare for "snap boogie", a female sword swallower, a silvery male pole dancer, a pianist superhero and the biggest surprise they've ever had?

The "America's Got Talent" auditions head to New York and start with a quartet of performers calling themselves Triple Threat. They do Broadway-style routines complete with singing, dancing and acting. Yikes. It starts a little shaky and only gets worse. Sharon buzzes first, then Howie. After a while, Piers finally drops the dreaded third X on them and suggests that they change their costumes, the singing, the dancing, the hand waving. Things just get worse as a guy tries to eat a pumpkin pie in 90 seconds, an orchestra with guys who use typewriters as instruments, and a guy in a pirate suit with a parrot that won't cooperate. A guy names Snap Boogie says he loves dancing more than anything in the world. The crowd goes nuts for this guy and the judges soon follow. Howie says he's "fantastic." Piers says Snap is exciting, a little dangerous and a bit wild. He likes it. Sharon says it's tough being a dancer on your own, but she thinks he was fantastic. Michael Turco wows the crowd and the judges with his ability to make women appear in cages, boxes and from behind capes. Riley Schillaci is a sword swallower, saying she's one of fewer than 20 women who do this. She swallows a sword and a wooden stick that she hammers down her throat. She then asks Nick, who's barely holding it together as it is, to pull a sword out of her throat while she hula hoops. She's pretty dry, and Howie mocks her for the "joy" she conveys while working her craft. With no votes all around, she's gone. Steven Retchless surprises everyone when he comes out in only silver shorts and some silver body paint and says he's going to pole dance. Sharon and the crowd love it. Howie's slightly uncomfortable but says he appreciates it. Piers holds onto his manly position of not wanting to see more of Steve. Sharon votes yes and Howie eventually follows suit. Steve's in, and Nick goes on stage to try his hand (and other parts) at pole dancing. A guy named ELEW essentially assaults a piano for a while as we vaguely make out the tune of "Sweet Home Alabama." Sharon likes it, Howie is wild about some tricky things he did. They all call him a genius and send him on to Vegas. Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr., a car washer from West Virginia, says he never auditioned for anything but wants to display what he thinks is his talent. He says he doesn't want to see another rubber tire again. The dreadlocked, "aww-shucks" car washer turns things upside down when he busts out a Frank Sinatra-esque voice for "I've Got You Under My Skin." Piers says he was expecting a total trainwreck. Howie tells Landau his life is "never going to be the same." Landau cries as the crowd stands and cheers, "Vegas! Vegas! Vegas!" With three yes votes, we'll be seeing Landau in Vegas.

It's another night of auditions as we head back to New York on "America's Got Talent." Up first are a husband-and-wife doctor team, Rak and Tak. There's got to be something in the hippocratic oath again their singing. They're gone. Howie's a little nervous as a motorcycle act prepares to do its thing. There are temporary barriers set up to protect the crowd, but there's nothing in front of the judges. Howie goes to sit behind one of the barriers as the Smage Bros. Riding Shows do their thing. The crowd loves them, the judges love them, and they're heading to Vegas. A montage of successful act follows, including the Sally Gould Dancers, a guy singing "Hallelujah," and a limbo pro. For no apparent reason, a really old, really tan and really muscular guy goes on stage and flexes for a bit. His name is Ed Cole and he's 75, and even though the crowd goes nuts for him, he won't be going to Vegas. Finally, the quick teases pay off with a visit from Leonid the Magnificent, who is wearing a balloon suit that becomes a dress and a series of quick changes. Maybe it's nostalgia, but the crowd seems to love Leonid. Piers still hates him, having buzzed him almost immediately. Sharon and Howie's votes are enough to put him through. We move from the lightness of Leonid to the sentimental story of Rachel Zamstein. She talks about having taken her parents' divorce badly, getting hooked on alcohol and drugs. And when Coldplay's "Fix You" starts playing in the background, you know that not only is this a story of redemption, it's one that will end happily. She's a singer-songwriter who needs a bit more confidence, they say, but she'll get a chance to prove herself in Vegas. Sandy Kane the Naked Cowgirl, 57, performs a song specifically for and about Nick, called, "I Love Nick." She's buzzed thrice, and it's a no. She starts a string of odd acts, that include a zombie dancing group and guy acting like a baby. The last of the weird acts is Narcissister, a dancer/performance artist whose act includes masks on the front and back of her head and she dances while facing backward and forward to embody different "faces" and personalities. One more character is revealed as she does a handstand, allowing her dress to fall down over her face and revealing yet another mask between her legs to appear as a third "person." Try as we might to explain it, it's something you'd have to see at least once. We end the night with a 32-year-old office clerk who is a freestyle dancer who admits he isn't trained. He's awkward in a likable way and says his dream, plain and simple, "is to be a star." The crowd takes to him immediately, even cheering uncontrollably as he explains his name. Sharon says Sam is "absolutely barking mad," but fantastic. Piers calls him "quite brilliantly terrible" and sends him to Vegas.

The "America's Got Talent" auditions are in, well, we don't really know because no one mentioned it. Things get started quickly with a couple of nearly lifelong friends who say they've been preparing for five years to show off their talent. Eric and Christlo, a couple of friends who've known each other since middle school, get things started with a truly terrible singing and dancing rendition of TLC's "Waterfalls." Sharon thinks they're adorable, but says this after she buzzed them. They're gone, and on come some more crazies, including a guy who dances while suspended form an overhead wire by his hair, a quartet of dancing ladies with absurdly large butt enhancements, and a truly terrible magician. A dance group called Fatally Unique that has come together as a family and found rehearsal space whenever and wherever they can. The crowd loves the groups high-intensity presentation. Sharon calls them "strong dancers" and Howie says they're different. Piers hates their costumes, but loves the dancing. With three yeses, they're off the Vegas. They start a string of quality acts, including a yo-yo specialist, a bodybuilder who flexes to music, and a shy and semi-awkward singer-guitarist who wins over the crowd and judges. Burlesque dancer Tomahawk Tassels does a tease that results in her strategically covering her otherwise topless self with a canoe paddle. It's a lot of fun for about a minute until Piers and Sharon send her packing. A 42-year-old technical writer turned housewife named Cindy Chang is a singer full of nervous laughter and energy. She says she always wanted to be a singer but her parents said no. And, just like that, Cindy becomes the first "who would've believed that?" opera singer of the season. She's so full of nerves that she breaks down crying and shaking as soon as she's done singing. The crowd chants "Vegas, Vegas" as she wipes away her tears. Piers says her parents would be thinking, "Big mistake," if they saw her sing. She tells Howie she was emotional because she couldn't believe she was there. She took her first voice lesson in her mid-to-late 20s and her voice teacher told her it was too late for her. She's all smiles (and some tears) when the judges tell her she's going to Vegas. Mike Stone & the Kritikal Band have the crowd in a groove, but Piers buzzes them. Afterward, he says they should thank him because as soon as he hit the buzzer, they stepped it up. With three yes votes, they're on to Vegas. Fantastic Fig, a 76-year-old magician who keeps his cat, Newton, on his shoulder. The judges are impressed at his ability to "guess" which cards they randomly choose from the deck. Afterward, Fig says it's time to dance, so he and his quartet of female backup dancers start dancing. Howie buzzes him. Howie says no to the dancing, but yes to the magic. Piers is on board, as well, and Fig and his ladies are going to Vegas. GTR, which stands for "Girls That Rock," are a duo of full-figured ladies who, well, rock. After a lot of booming and a lot of shaking, they get three buzzes. The Fearless Flores Family is a father and his 13-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son who are self-proclaimed daredevils. The kids ride motorcycles in a large metal globe while their father stands in the middle. Piers calls it one of the most exciting things he's ever seen on the show. Sharon calls it "absolutely perfection."

The standby acts get their chance to claim one of the 17 remaining spots in the Top 48. We first see a couple of magicians who show why they were standbys, stumbling over their own props. Landon Swank ups the ante with a levitation illusion that keeps the judges guessing how he pulled it off. Seth Grabel attempts to match the bar Landon set, but his assistant fumble a prop and it's obvious the illusion didn't go as planned. The kids are up next and dancer Lil T (Tanner) makes the judges smile again. Avery and the Calico Hearts are back with their Chipmunks-like sound. Piers tells Howie he's "completely deluded" if he thinks Avery and the gang are stars. Pianist and singer Anna Grayson impresses the judges even though she thinks she messed up a little on the keys. In the danger category, some fire-heavy acts and some daredevil motorcycle riders wow the judges. The dance group offers up a few impressive acts, but 32-year-old Sam B is ready to put on a show. His short shirt gave more of a show than Piers would have liked. The novelty acts bring Leonid the Magnificent, who's dancing now to Culture Club's "Karma Chameleon." Piers is over it. A juggler is pretty good, a bodybuilder is kind of confusing and overwhelming, a yo-yo artist is pretty cool. Meet at Fairfax and Third are back and ready to ... wait... phone call. Headstand guy's cell phone goes off and he takes a few moments to figure it out. The male singers are pretty ho-hum until Mauricio shows up. He's a showman who feels at home in Vegas. He's doing a medley that goes from "Strangers in the Night" to the Bee Gees' "Staying Alive." He has trouble maintaining his falsetto. Daniel Joseph Baker gets teary as he talks about how much the audition means to him. He gives a captivating performance that becomes a bit odd when he props his foot up on the end of the keys. But the judges love him anyway. The judges break some bad news to a lot of folks before giving the Russian bar group and motorcycle stunt guys passes to Hollywood. Avery and the Calico Hearts, the little rapping dudes, Anna Grayson and another young girl singer whose name wasn't given are moving on to Hollywood, as well. Standby magicians Landon Swank and Seth Grabel are both in. The juggler and yo-yo guy are both in. America is going to get the chance to decide whether Sam B is real entertainment. The big dance groups are also through to the next round. Two more male singers whose names didn't jump out made it through, as did Mauricio and Daniel Joseph Baker.

It's time to watch the first dozen quarterfinalists perform live on "America's Got Talent," and that can only mean one thing: Finally learning all the correct names of the acts! (And meeting some of the ones who haven't gotten much, if any, face time through the audition process). Tonight's competitors will be: Miami All Stars, Dezmond Meeks, Those Funny Little People, Fearless Flores Family, Squonk Opera, J. Chris Newberg, Snap Boogie, Echo of Animal Gardens, Fiddleheads, Duo Aero, Anna Graceman, and Sandou Trio Russian Bar. Miami All Stars: The drama gets going immediately when the Miami All Stars learn that one of the songs they've been using in rehearsals isn't cleared for use on the live show. They're nervous, but ready to roll. They put on a sizzling performance, synching up what appears to be at least a dozen couples. Piers calls it "fabulous," adding, "It was sexy, fun, vibrant, fun, exciting, colorful ... it's exactly how I dance." Sharon says it was "just spectacular," and notes that their precision is "just perfect." Howie calls it "mucho caliente." He's amazed that they pulled it off with less time than expected to prepare (because of the music hiccup). Dezmond Meeks: Dezmond talks about growing up as an outcast in Louisiana. He's amazed in the studio, realizing he's "actually here." He's nervous about the big moment that awaits when he hits the live stage. He's does a standing-at-the-piano, Little Richard-like rendition of the Rolling Stones' "Satistfaction." He incorporates some Michael Jackson-style dance moves with a half-dozen, gold-mini-skirt-wearing ladies behind him. He admits to Sharon that he's "shaking like a leaf on a tree" and she tells him he has amazing stage presence, confidence, soul and grace -- "however, it's a very fine line between being too cabaret and a little bit cheesy." She warns him "less is more." Howie agrees with what Sharon said, but that he "crossed the line" into "cheesy and cruise ship-y." Piers calls Howie's comments "a load of old tosh." He says the whole point of Dezmond is that he is a cabaret act and is exactly what you'd find in Vegas. "It's not cheesy, it's entertainment," Piers says. Those Funny Little People: The little gnomes show us some of their live in Chicago before making it to Hollywood. Piers vows there's nothing they can do to change his mind. Sure enough, Piers buzzes them just seconds in. Their rain-inspired medley includes "Singin' in the Rain" leading into "It's Raining Men," with a few muscular backup dancers. Howie says they still scare him. Piers doesn't understand "why they're called 'Funny Little People' because they're not funny, they're not little and they're not even people." He says they're just "very, very annoying." The crowd boos. Sharon calls Piers "the king of annoying," but she thinks "that was quite amazing -- groundbreaking, in fact." She says the fact that they annoy Piers makes her love them more. Fearless Flores Family: Raising the stakes after making it straight through to Hollywood, mom is getting added to the mix, putting three motorcycles into the sphere with coordinating the whole situation while standing in the middle. You have to see this act to believe it. A camera fixed to mom's helmet actually detracts from the viewers' experience a bit. Piers calls the act "incredible," and suggest that the next time, they put Howie in the middle with four bikes going at it. Sharon is amazed, but wonders where do they go from here and dad says they've got "all kinds of ideas." Howie says it's "so dangerous," because they could lose an entire family in this act. He says it's the only thing he's seen "where, if mother joins, it gets more dangerous." Squonk Opera: Music, art, outrageous are some of the words used by Squonk Opera to describe what it is. Sharon thinks they're "quite bizarre but interesting." They vow to put everything on the line. There's a big visual element to the act this time around and the judges don't seem very into it. Piers buzzes them part of the way through and Sharon follows a few moments later. Sharon explains that she appreciated their eccentricity, but "that song ... it really was not good" and she "didn't like that it messed with my head." But she does like them because they're all nice. Howie says he didn't buzz because watching them was kind of like a drug and he didn't know where he was. Piers says this was "what I would imagine hell would be like." He rips the pianist and the singer, adding "the whole thing was just completely bonkers." J. Chris Newberg: J. or Chris (or both) says he used to serve subpoenas and now he's trying to be a comedian. He begs for votes, saying he's sensitive and would rather be punched in the face than hear that he's not good. He drops a few one-liners that result in a buzz from Piers. He then goes into a "song" with a choir of bearded children singing the chorus, "That's probably a bad idea" to a few things that are clearly bad ideas. Howie says he would buy a ticket to see J. Chris, and he hopes America likes it. Piers calls it "completely inappropriate." He says Chris brought out a bunch of cute kids to mask the fact that he's not funny. Sharon says his song was "so, so wrong," but she liked it. Snap Boogie: The street dancer talks about going from being the sole provider for his mom (because his brother is in jail) and going from the street to one of the country's biggest stages. He has a leg injury that's preventing him from doing several moves. He has a flock of about 10 dancers all dressed in back acting as the shadows to his every move. Piers says he gets annoyed with other acts because they're all just trying to be annoying, but he thinks that often solo dancers get a bad wrap on the show but Snap Boogie's performance "could be in Vegas tomorrow." Sharon says that what he does goes over and above Vegas. Howie calls it "so slick" and "so professional," and says he's impressed at how Snap took his act from the street to a TV show so smoothly. Echo of Animal Gardens: Despite a bomb of a performance in Vegas, Echo made it to Hollywood. His girlfriend Binky made the trip to support Echo. It seems to have worked. The routine seemed to go off without a hitch. Sharon is laughing because, "Where else would you see a bird singing 'Over the Rainbow'?" Sharon congratulates Echo on a fantastic performance. Howie says Echo's act is the difference between a million-dollar act or a really good birthday party. Piers says Echo was funnier than several of the human comedians the show has seen tonight. The Fiddleheads: The bluegrass band from Georgia puts its own twist on pop songs and are struggling with how to bring the whole act, complete with some sense of choreography, to the level of live TV entertainment. The singer seems a bit nervous and doesn't move as much as the choreographer seems to have wanted him to while the band plays "Billie Jean." Howie says he thinks they made a mistake in song choice -- picking a song :that is so synonymous with performance and with dance and we don't see performance and we don't see dance, there is something missing." Piers says Howie is partly right. He didn't mind the song, but the singer failed to "hit the big notes." Sharon didn't like their outfits or song choice, but she loved them before even though she doesn't think it worked with this song. She tells them not to try and be something they're not, "go back to what you were, because I loved you." Duo Aero: The high-flying trapeze couple talks about how they love working together day and night. Sharon says they can't do what they do without the personal connection they have together. They're ready to make the most of their one shot. Piers buzzed them about halfway through, saying later that he "just got a little bit bored with it." He says they played it safe. Sharon seems to agree, saying they previously showed they were modern and dangerous and their period music turned them into an old-fashioned act. Howie agrees with Piers and Sharon, calling it "a little disappointing." He says it was "very dated." Anna Graceman: The 11-year-old singer and pianist is looking to bounce back from a little stumble on the keys in Vegas. She puts her twist on "What a Wonderful World." Sharon can't believe Anna's just 11, calling her "just incredible." She thinks the song was an odd choice for an 11-year-old, "but it worked." Howie says it was a great choice and says "it is a wonderful world because we get, in this world, to listen to you." He says he's never seen anything quite like her. Piers says the reason he loves the show because it's a place where you can see a 4-foot-4, 11-year-old girl singing Louis Armstrong. Sandou Trio Russian Bar: With the hype built up about how dangerous the act is, Piers wonders how they can possibly top the level of danger they've already shown. They show us: Under the bar will be a bed of nails. One wrong move and, well... They finish with an astounding final stunt. Howie asks if it's worth risking the flipper's life. Piers says he can barely watch when they do the routine. It's "spine tingling." He calls it "the most and dangerous and, I think, exciting thing we've seen in a long time." Sharon says it's everything she loves, both dangerous and beautiful to look at.

Twelve acts stepped onto the "America's Got Talent" live stage Tuesday night, but eight dreams will be crushed by the time an hourlong results episode is over tonight. After a few words from Howie, in which he claimed that Tuesday night's episode let him feeling like he was dreaming, host Nick Cannon brings us some real results. To the results: Nick calls the Fearless Flores Family, Duo Aero and Snap Boogie to the stage. After a recap of who the judges loved and hated (they pretty much loved the Flores Family and Snap Boogie, and didn't much care for Duo Aero), Nick tells us just one of them will remain in the competition. Piers says he's surprised to see the Floreses and Snap Boogie on stage, but that if he had to choose between them he'd take Snap Boogie. America agrees. Snap Boogie is on to the next round. After a big, long hug from the Flores dad, Snap tells Nick he's "super-happy" and that the crowd gave him all the energy he needed Tuesday to get through a leg injury. Sharon says she's "absolutely overjoyed" and that Snap "really, really" deserves to be there. Nick gives Cedric the Entertainer a chance to plug his new game show, which is ... oh, hey! It's on NBC, just like "America's Got Talent"! Be our guest: Avril Lavigne takes the stage to perform her new single, "Smile." Later, we're treated to a performance from the Tony Award-winning musical, "Priscilla Queen of the Desert." Back to the results: Nick calls for Squonk Opera, Sandau Trio Russian Bar and J. Chris Newberg. The recap comes and we recall that Piers and Sharon both buzzed Squonk Opera, they thought the Sandau Trio was one of the most amazing and dangerous acts they've ever seen, and while Howie loved Mr. Newberg, Piers was not a fan in the least. Only one of the three can go through. Howie says he thinks Chris has a career regardless of what happens here, Squonk Opera may be too weird for America, and that voters will likely have gone with Sandau Trio. He's right. Piers jokes that he's "bitterly disappointed" in the result because the "singers from hell" and the world's least funny -- er, second-least funny comedian" (a shot at Howie) have gone home. He's excited to see what the Russian bar act does next. Up next are Dezmond Meeks, Echo from Animal Gardens and Anna Graceman. The judges were mixed on Dezmond, with Howie saying it was "cruise shippy"; they liked Echo, but maybe not enough for a million dollars; and they loved Anna. Sharon's put on the spot and says she's "confused and worried." She specifically points out Dezmond and Anna first. She doesn't give a prediction. The act going into the semifinals is Anna Graceman. She says she feels "so special" and thanks the voters. Howie reminds us how he told Anna her world is going to change. He tells her that more fans of the show ask him about her than any other act and that she has "arrived." The judges will decide who gets the last spot. The candidates: Those Funny Little People, the Fiddleheads and Miami All Stars. The judges agreed in their adoration of Miami All Stars; Piers hates Those Funny Little People, while the other judges love them; and all the judges generally love the Fiddleheads, but agreed that they took a wrong turn Tuesday with "Billie Jean." One of the three acts will go home based on the votes. And that act is ... Those Funny Little People. Piers stands up in appreciation and Sharon slaps him on the leg while Nick tells him, "That's not nice." That leaves Miami All Stars and The Fiddleheads, who get a chance to make their cases. The leader of the Miami All Stars tells the judges that their whole crew is trained in several other forms of dance, even though they've only shown the ballroom/salsa stuff. He vows that they'll never be bored watching Miami All Stars. The singer from The Fiddleheads calls out the producers, essentially saying the band took bad advice instead of sticking to its own style and he thinks they can make the most of another chance. After a conveniently placed commercial break to give the judges "time to think," Sharon reveals her choice first. She praises both acts, which she acknowledges are very different. She insists she was disappointed with their song choice on Tuesday, so she gives her vote to the Miami All Stars. Piers thanks America for sending home Those Funny Little People. He tells The Fiddleheads they're a good act and they've improved, but his vote goes to Miami All Stars. Howie's vote is rendered moot, and Miami All Stars are into the next round. First four semifinalists: Snap Boogie, Sandau Trio Russian Bar, Anna Graceman and Miami All Stars.

It's the second of four quarterfinal nights on "America's Got Talent," when 12 acts will perform to claim one of four spots in the next round on the way to the $1 million grand prize. Attack Dance Crew: An octet of dancers who Howie didn't really get during the audition rounds are basking in the new attention they're getting from the ladies. Howie vows that he'll have to see something spectacular to change his mind about how they're essentially a cheerleading squad. The crowd cheers a pretty ho-hum dance performance and Howie doesn't look impressed. Piers says he liked parts of it, but wasn't massively pleased with the choreography, saying it was a bit of a mess and "needs to be tighter." Sharon agrees that "the choreography wasn't spectacular" and she wanted to see moves she hasn't seen before. Howie says he still feels the way he did before. Howie says he was going to say what Piers said and quips that Piers must have "hacked" him. Dani Shay: The singer who first found her place in the competition by playing up her appearance to Justin Bieber. She blew her Vegas audition but the judges gave her a second chance and she wants to prove she was worth it. She sings David Gray's "Babylon" in an elaborate living-room set that we later learn has real pictures of her as a baby. Sharon says Dani did "amazing." She loved "the purity" of the performance and that she sang with passion. Howie says that Dani's one fallback is her choices. He understands she wants to say something with her songs, but she's missing the popularity aspect of the show. He's worried people won't connect with her song choice. Piers says it was a good performance, but, on the negative side, there were parts of the singing that were off key. He also agrees with Howie about the song choice question. Geechy Guy: Howie loves him, Piers hates him. Geechy Guy is ready to take his odd looks and style to the next level. He says that since a comedian has never won the show and maybe this is the year. Piers likely thinks not, having buzzed Geechy Guy about three one-liners in. Howie wonders whether Geechy Guy is good enough to win, but he's a good comic and deserves to make a living. Piers says listening to Geechy Guy's routine is "like being smashed on the head every five seconds by a giant hammer." He calls it "one of the single least funny things I have ever had to watch." Sharon says she gets the silliness about his act and sums it up by telling him he's "silly." Daniel Joseph Baker: The Texas kid who talks often about being bullied back home says he feels like he belongs in Hollywood and says he'll be "turning up the fierceness, times a million dollars." He sings Lady Gaga's "Edge of Glory." Piers says he sees the fire in Daniel's belly. He says the singing wasn't perfect but he likes Daniel as a performer, saying he's naturally entertaining. Sharon says it was fantastic and called Daniel a very special person and "a star." Howie says Daniel is "like the next Lady Guy-Guy." Howie says Daniel has to be on the stage, not singing in front of his mirror.' The Rhinestone Ropers: After showing off knives, guns and spinning on wheelers, they've brought a horse. Things seem a little slow and generally off. Piers buzzes them. We later learn that Lucky Joe, the horse, relieved himself a couple of times on stage. Sharon says it was "lovely and nice" but reminded her of Steve Martin trying to entertain his kids in the movie, "Parenthood." Howie says the guns and knives were really big and exciting and this was a little too tame. Piers says it "was a complete trainwreck" and he didn't get it. The cowboy and Piers get into a little back-and-forth about whether the act blew it by bringing the horse on stage. Dylan Andre: The guitarist and singer wants to do with his music what his mom wasn't able to do with hers. He gives a fairly basic performance of a John Mayer song. Howie says he did "good." He says he can tell Dylan has only been singing for a year. Piers says the judges are more harsh at this stage because they're at the "business" portion of the competition, when they're looking for the $1 million act. Piers says he wouldn't pay to watch Dylan, although he's "pleasant." Sharon tries to be nice and says it was pleasant. Landon Swank Landon grew up in Alaska and had a lot of time on his hands, so he practiced magic. He has Nick sign two sides of a mirror. Landon then appeared to push his way out of the mirror, with Nick's signatures still intact. Piers is pleasantly confused and says he's impressed. Sharon wasn't sure what was going on but says it was interesting. Howie says the presentation wasn't as slick as Landon's presentation has been in the past, but he liked it. Smage Bros. Riding Show: The guys who seem to take their assistant's life into their own hands -- or, wheels. They're worried as they try to step up the danger and obstacles for this round. They pulled everything off and the crowd goes nuts. Sharon says it's exciting and "so dangerous." She says it's "just fantastic, amazing." Howie says it's a great act. Piers says it's been a pretty dry night and they were waiting for something to wake them up, and the Smage Bros. did just that. Thomas John: Juggler Thomas John wants to be the spokesperson for his generation to show that comedy juggling is cool. He vows to risk his life doing something dumb for our amusement. The instant a juggling pin even momentarily hits the floor, Piers buzzes him. His big finale, balancing on a board high atop a staircase and juggling five pins, he drops them. Howie points out that Thomas dropped his props a couple of times, but he's funny and he likes him. Piers says it was terrible and didn't like the drops. Sharon says the timing wasn't good. Steven Retchless: Steven says he wants to pave the way for guys to do pole dancing. He stepping up the danger this time. PIers buzzes him about halfway through and Sharon appears to slap him. Afterward, Sharon gives a standing ovation while Piers attempts to explain himself. Piers, amid boos, says he's tried to appreciate the act. He says there's a reason there are no male pole dancing clubs in America. Howie shoots Piers with a water gun. Seriously. Sharon says, "That was spectacular." She bows down to him. Howie calls it truly amazing and says Steven is like a cross between Lady Gaga and a firefighter. Mona Lisa: The singing duo puts its harmonies on Rascal Flatts' "Bless the Broken Road." Sharon says they did really well, "great harmonies." She says they just need that right song and they're "going to make it." Howie says he has nothing critical to say, but that they have to do things that stand out to keep up with wild motorcycle acts and male pole dancers. Piers says there are some nice harmonies, but it was "a little bit lacking in the wow factor." He says this was safe and in their comfort zone, and believes they have more potential. Silhouettes: We've only seen them once, but this 42-member group (its youngest member is 3) that makes exciting and creative visual effects using their shadows. They go with an over-the-top patriotic performance in which they use their shadows to form various monuments from sea to shining sea. Piers says it's fresh, creative and original, and that it was "just complete genius." He calls it "a world-class act." Sharon says it's just brilliant and so different from their first performance. Howie calls it "original, unique, wow." He says they're worthy of their own show.

After lots of buzzes and general disappointment, things finally started to heat up toward the end of Tuesday's performance show on "America's Got Talent." But will America's votes line up with what the judges thought? It's time to find out as four more acts will be moved on to the next round of the $1 million competition. Host Nick Cannon tells Piers Morgan he was "drinking some Hate-orade" last night. Piers says he actually got it wrong: He should have buzzed at least two more acts. To the results: The Rhinestone Ropers, Thomas John and Silhouettes are called to the stage. In what must be the least dramatic results revelation of the night, the uber-patriotic Silhouettes must easily be the ones to move on out of this bunch. Right? Right? Asked for her opinion, Sharon even admits it's "quite obvious" to her. Sharon even laughs a little as Nick tries to drum up the drama. Thomas John mockingly crosses his fingers just before Nick reveals that Silhouettes are moving on. Piers says he's already excited about what they're going to do in the next round. Be our guest: Hot Chelle Rae stops by to perform its summer hit, "Tonight, Tonight." Later, the touring music and acrobatics show Traces performs, earning a massive standing ovation for showing off some tremendous skills. Back to the results: Steven Retchless, Attack Dance Crew and Geechy Guy are called to the stage and, again, it seems like the result is pretty obvious (this could be a theme tonight. Despite Piers not getting Steven, saying there's a reason there are no male pole dancing clubs, it seems clear that America is on board with Steven. Howie is asked for his thoughts and agrees that America might not "brace the outrageousness of a male pole dancer." Perhaps America is more open minded than expected. Steve Retchless is through to the next round. Sharon urges Steven to just be himself. Next up are Daniel Joseph Baker, Dani Shay and Dylan Andre, and, once again, the choice seems fairly clear. Piers says he wasn't thrilled with Dylan or Dani but that Daniel Joseph Baker should take it. He's right. It's Daniel Joseph Baker. Finally, Smage Bros. Riding Show, Mona Lisa and Landon Swank come to the stage. One of the acts will be dismissed based on votes and that act is ... Mona Lisa. Down to Smage Bros. Riding Show and Landon Swank, the judges have to make the only tough decision of the evening. Sharon is put on the spot first and says Smage Bros. performance was sensational. She says she's been a fan of Landon's from the beginning, but her vote has to go with Smage Bros. Piers says they're very different acts and eventually votes for Landon. The whole decision is left to Howie, who seems uncomfortable. He says the Smage Bros. are very exciting and scary, but Landon Swank has shown him the best illusion he's ever seen, so he is "truly an amazing act." Howie wants to pick both, but since he can't, he has to go with the most exciting thing he saw Tuesday was the Smage Bros., so they're in.

Another set of 12 hopefuls are up on "America's Got Talent," and four spots in the semifinals are up for grabs. Wasting no time getting to the action, host Nick Cannon calls for the first act. Summerwind Skippers: The jump rope sextet from Boise, Idaho, vows to bring a new level of choreography and performance to their act. They offer up a high-intensity, mistake-free performance with flips and tremendous timing. Piers is blown away, noting that he didn't like their performance in Vegas, but they turned it all upside down this week. Sharon agrees, saying they made the act "all very current, and it doesn't look like you're in the schoolyard anymore." Howie says it's "amazing to see, in a short dose," but it's up to America to decide whether they want to see more. Sh'boss Boys: The tiny trio of rappers, 5, 6 and 7 years old, are coming strong with a new routine, new props and ready to do whatever they have to do to win. With backup dancers in tow, they start with a bit of the Jackson 5's "ABC," before declaring "that's old school, we're new school," and launching into their own song. Sharon says they thoroughly entertained her and she wants to hug them because they're so darn cute. Howie says they're adorable and that America is going to love them. The 6-year-old calls out the producers, saying the producers told them to do "45 minutes of 'ABC' and 45 minutes of our own" song, and Piers tells them to ditch the "ABC" bit and stick to their own stuff because it's "brilliant." Mauricio Herrera: Mauricio has lost 19 pounds, but none of the spunk. He's loving life in Hollywood and Sharon says she hopes people get the humor in what he's all about. Piers buzzes him not too long into his intro bit of Elvis Presley's "Viva Las Vegas." Sharon soon has a bit less of the fun than she was expecting, buzzing him shortly into Mauricio's rendition of Tom Jones' "Delilah." Howie says he loves Mauricio, but understands why others are buzzing him. Piers says he gets the humor in it, but if he was staying at a hotel and an act like Mauricio came on at night, he'd go back to his room, pack his bags and leave. Sharon says the "galloping" threw her off, but he is "a lot of fun to watch." Seth Grabel: Seth is hoping to redeem himself after his illusion malfunctioned in Vegas and he was given another chance. He says this performance puts his life at risk. He starts by being suspended from a straight jacket, then falls into a vat and is carried over to a cannon, where he's apparently shot across the stage and into a pool of water, except you don't see him cross the stage and he magically appears from the tank of water. Howie loves it, saying he was totally impressed and has no idea how it was done, and hopes America votes for Seth. Sharon says it was "very dramatic," the production value was incredible and she's never seen that trick before. Piers calls it bigger, better, faster, slicker and, ultimately, Seth's best routine so far. Poplyfe: The band of youngsters has to convince Piers that it's more than just a lead singer, but they're worried that she's lost her voice in advance of the live performance. She seems fine as they rock out a version of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep." Sharon says they took a big risk and it paid off because she was impressed and hopes America will bring them back. Howie dittos everything Sharon said and proclaims them "the best act of the night." He reminds voters that they have to cast their votes and not assume other people will. Piers again points out that the lead singer's performance was again tremendous. He adds that "tonight, I saw the point of the band" because they were brilliant. Ian Johnson: Ian says he's trying to bring the yo-yo back and reminds the ladies that he's single. He's setting out to prove people who think the yo-yo can't be turned into a Vegas. He brings high intensity and some cool tricks, but one minor stumble brings a buzz from Piers. Later, his big finishing move also falls. Howie says there's no doubt Ian will be the best yo-yo artist in the world, but he's not sure it's a Vegas act. Piers tells Ian he made the yo-yo as exciting as it could possibly be, but "it's still bloody boring." Sharon says she likes it but wants to see some more of Ian's personality into the performance. Piers asks how that's possible and Sharon tells him that just because he's having a terrible day doesn't mean he should take it out on Ian. Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.: Landau is riding his "don't judge a book by its cover" approach, aiming to surprise viewers with the voice that comes out of him. He vows to "be the entertainer that I was born to be." After a somewhat stiff and shaky start, he seems to get his rhythm on Frank Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon." Piers says Landau is a serious player because he heard some of the sound check earlier and it was terrible, but the live performance was great. Sharon says she can't tell Landau how proud she if of him and how hard he's worked to get there. Howie says Landau is still on track to change his life. Purrfect Angelz: The octet of former NFL and NBA cheerleaders are looking to land their own show in Las Vegas. One of the dancers injured her leg during rehearsals. Their Country-themed dance had them climbing ropes and pretending they were riding horses. Howie said he wanted to order the chicken wings because he felt like he was in the best Hooters he's ever been to. Piers, who buzzed them, says it was a "terrific performance" but doesn't see them moving on. Sharon says it was a great performance with fun choreography, but she wonders whether it's worth $1 million. Monet: A young singer we didn't see much of during the audition rounds explains that her family lost its home in Hurricane Wilma in 2005. The 12-year-old is dedicating her performance of the song, "Home," to her mom, because "wherever she is, that's where home is for me." Howie talks about the passion and heart she has when she sings, and those things make up for the fact that she missed some notes. Piers reminds everyone of Jackie Evancho and says "girls like that don't come around very often." He says he didn't buzz her because she has a lot of promise, but this is "probably as far as you're going to go in the competition." Sharon notes that Jackie could probably afford voice lessons and Monet likely could not, given what she's been through, and she did very well. Captain & Maybelle: The wild husband-and-wife sideshow vows to step it up for this round, but the judges aren't sure they want to watch. Captain & Maybelle go through some tricks, with him swinging a frying pan from a chain that's hooked into his tongue piercing, and her swinging the same pan on a chair hooked through her nostril. But the big finish is when the Captain hooks a tea kettle on two chains into his bottom eye sockets and swings them around. The judges didn't see most of it, as they turned around in disgust. Piers calls them the sickest two people in America, which prompts a high five. Sharon admits she didn't see much of it. Howie can't find words to describe it. Lys Agnes: We're reminded of Lys' fiancee's passing, and that's what drives her performance. She says she's had so much sorrow in her life that it's time for the joy the competition is bringing her. Piers says she's very talented but her performance didn't knock him out. It didn't move him, he says, and with the opera singers he has to feel moved. Sharon says she was moved and it came across for her "quite beautifully." Howie says she definitely moved him. Professor Splash: Professor Splash talks about how at the age of 50, the exhilaration of making a splash is still as great as it was when he was a child. The show goes outside for his stunt: a bellyflop from more than 36 feet high into a pool with just 12 inches of water. Howie's speechless and Professor Splash he can expand on the act with fire and more. Piers calls it the most bizarre, stupid, dangerous and sensational stunt he's seen. Sharon agrees it was absolutely fabulous.

The "America's Got Talent" results show starts with a bizarre cross-promotion of the new "Smurfs" movie, with the little blue critters walking all over the judges' table and pulling the judges into some awkward banter. To the results: Ian Johnson, the Summerwind Skippers and the Purrfect Angelz are up first. Ian's yo-yoing was good but the judges weren't sure if could hold up for a Vegas show; the Skippers blew most everyone away; and the Angelz were generally sort of boring. The act making it into the next round is ... no one! They're all out. Piers is surprised, especially about Summerwind Skippers because he thought they delivered. He says that's a big shock. Be our guest: Stevie Nicks takes the stage to offer up the TV debut of her new single "For What It's Worth." Later, an old favorite act, Fighting Gravity, takes to the stage for another mind-blowing performance. They say they're still working on their show, building something bigger and better, and hope to have a show on Broadway or Vegas by this time next year. Finally, Stevie returns to perform her classic, "Edge of Seventeen." Back to the results: Next up are Poplyfe and Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. Both acts sent the judges wild and one can only expect they're both going through, given the first group's result. And that's exactly what happens. There are hugs all around, and even members of Poplyfe are hugging Nick. Landau is thankful for the opportunity. Sharon says she was really worried to see these two acts up against each other and she's "absolutely delighted" they're both through. Up next are Mauricio Herrera Captain & Maybelle, Lys Agnes and Monet. Mauricio was buzzed twice, Captain & Maybelle grossed everyone out, Lys was solid but "didn't move" PIers, and Monet was just considered a little young. The act moving into the next round is Lys Agnes. She says she's overwhelmed. Finally, Sh'Boss Boys, Professor Splash and Seth Grabel are the final three acts remaining, and hoping for the last spot in the next round. All three were intriguing to the judges. The first act out of the running is ... Sh'Boss Boys. They look pretty sad and on the verge of tears, but Nick reminds them of how much fun they've had and they all smile and agree it was a fun experience. Professor Splash says he should stay in because he's got more to offer. Seth says he also has "so much more to show." It's down to the judges. Sharon says they both deserve to be here, but her pick is Seth. Howie breaks it down to "you work hard (to Seth), you risk your life (to Professor Splash)" and chooses Professor Splash. Piers weighs the same two options and finally decides upon ... Professor Splash, saying he's the act that has the best chance of winning.

After a night of standing ovations and big-time debacles, it's time to see which four acts will be moving on to the next round of "America's Got Talent." After Piers gets in his weekly assessment with host Nick Cannon's outfit (which he likes this week), we get to some results. Nick calls for Frank Miles, Avery and the Calico Hearts and Taylor Davis and Fatally Unique. Frank's trick was dangerous and interesting, but just missed knocking a donut off his head, which was the intended outcome. Avery and the Calico Hearts got mixed reviews (Piers thinks it's too early for them while Howie and Sharon love them). Taylor also got mixed reviews, with Piers thinking he sang out of tune while Howie and Sharon thought he did well. Fatally Unique got good news from all the judges. Sharon says she can't call it, but says she's shocked that Taylor is there, even though no result has been announced yet. The act moving on is Fatally Unique. Piers says no other act has worked harder to improve and says they've "got a real chance of winning the whole thing" if they continue to improve. Nick announces that there will be wild cards this season and there's a poll on the website for fans to make their suggestions. This announcement is followed by a sort of fun bit in which Howie shows the cameras around behind the scenes, and ultimately pulls a prank on Piers. Be our guest: Jason Derulo performs two songs from his upcoming album "Future History." Later, Maroon 5 performs its new song, "Moves Like Jagger." Back to the results: Nick calls for Zuma Zuma and Yellow Design Stunt Team. Zuma Zuma got high marks from the judges. Yellow Design Stunt Team had a mishap when one of the guys fell on a bike flip, but the judges still thought highly of the whole act. Piers says he hopes both acts go through because they both did themselves proud. The act moving on to the next round is ... Zuma Zuma. Howie says this is a surprise and he can't imagine what they will do next. Next, illusionist Scott Alexander, Team iLuminate and Sam B are called up. Scott wowed the crowd with a disappearing gospel choir routine, even though Howie thought it lacked some showmanship. Team iLuminate got a standing ovation from the judges after putting on what Sharon called "a world-class act" and what Howie called "the best thing I have seen on this show." Sam B might be a guilty pleasure, but Piers was fed up and X'd him. The act moving on is Team iLuminate. Sharon says it was "so obvious" who was moving on when they were up there with the other acts, not trying to be disrespectful. She says they could "fill any arena." Charles Peachock, The Kinetic King and Melissa Villasenor are the last to get their results. Charles was buzzed by Howie and Sharon, but Piers thought it was one of the best juggling acts he's seen. The Kinetic King was "baffled," in his own words, by his "disaster" of a performance. Melissa got high marks from Sharon and Howie, and Piers thought some was good and some was not so good. America's vote sends The Kinetic King home first. Given a chance to make his case, Charles tells the judges that his dream has been to "get juggling out of the circus tent and into the 21st Century." Nick calls Charles' speech "very Presidential." Melissa says she loves what she does and "the audience is my best friend" and thanks "everyone for everything." Sharon casts her vote for Melissa. Piers says he thinks Charles would have the best chance of winning, and votes for Charles. Howie casts his vote for Melissa, and she's moving on.

Twelve contestants pulled from YouTube, which we're quickly (and often) reminded provided one of last year's breakouts in little singer Jackie Evancho, are up this week on "America's Got Talent." After the requisite ribbing between host Nick Cannon and judge Piers Morgan, Piers tells us that some of the acts seems pretty good and some "have the potential to go horribly wrong." TNC Elite: A group that is proud to bring clogging to Hollywood, with routines set to modern music. The group of about a dozen dancers from Charlotte, N.C., puts on a pretty impressive display of quick feet. Piers says it wasn't bad, even though he's not a clogging fan, and ultimately thinks it was "pretty good." Sharon says she doesn't know whether it worked and that the clogging may have been fighting with the music. Howie thinks they'll "need to do more" to do well in the competition. He says now that he's seen it on stage, "it's really good on YouTube." Brett Daniels: A 50-year-old illusionist from Milwaukee says he's enjoyed a lot of success in magic and he "lost it." He's looking to reinvent himself on the show, bringing back something he hasn't done in 15 years. Doing what he bills a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, Brett makes "her" appear from a portrait hanging high above the stage. Piers buzzes him. Sharon says she liked it all, but the presentation was a bit slow. Howie says the illusion was "incredibly original" but he questions the performance. He says he sees potential. Piers says the trick was fine, but notes "it's an old trick." He says he got bored with the middle bit, but is interrupted by Howie playing with a fart machine. Piers says it's disrespectful to the performers who are competing for $1 million. Gabe Rocks: A bulldog from Bellingham, Wash., who does some tricks, including one he's going to try that his owner says is one of the most difficult dog trucks that only a few dogs can do. She has him sit on a rocking horse, hit a buzzer with an X on it as an impression of Piers, and has him lift his leg on a cut-out of Piers, which causes Piers to buzz. Piers calls it "a completely pointless act." Sharon tells Gabe she loves him and says she knows how hard it is to train a bulldog. She says, "This dog is worth a million dollars." Howie says America is going to fall in love with Gabe. Aeon: A parkour group from L.A. has "spot-on" technique, according to Sharon. Replicating their street moves on a tight stage will prove to be a challenge. Piers buzzes them before too long as it seems their moves just aren't translating onto a stage setting with props. He says it was poorly coordinated and choreographed. He says they missed some moves, which they deny, causing Piers to comment on their large egos. Sharon says it's "very clever, but it was very repetitive." Howie disagrees with both, saying that it was edgy and active and he liked it. Breena Bell: An 8-year-old dancer and contortionist from Lincoln, Ala., made Howie wonder if she actually has bones when he saw her on YouTube. Before she starts, Nick warns Piers that if he buzzes her, he's "truly evil." He does just that, and Nick tells her she was "outstanding, but there are ogres in the world." Piers says he's trying to keep the competition honest. He says she's a very gymnast and should be looking to enter the Olympics because that's where her talent is. Sharon agrees with Piers, saying it's a bit early for her to go on in the competition, but she should continue performing. Howie says she will have a good shot i the contest in a few years, when she's older and even stronger. Kevin Colis: A 33-year-old musician from New Braunfels, Texas, says he's always felt music was meant for him, but he gave up on it after turning 30. His fiancee signed him up for the competition. He says this is his "last shot" and he's "going to go for it." He sings Bruno Mars' "The Lazy Song." Howie thinks he did great, but he's in a "really tough category with other singers in this competition." Piers says he's got a good voice and says the singing category is not as strong as it's been in past years, "so who knows -- you might be two songs away from a million dollars." Sharon says that if this is Kevin performing nervous, he'll "be phenomenal" as he gets more comfortable. Beth Ann Robinson: A 14-year-old dancer from Alabama is amazed to be on the show. She says she has an intense and unique dance style. Piers says the show's warming up and that Beth Ann was really good. He wonders, though, whether a solo act like this can win. Sharon says Beth Ann's movement is "effortless" and that she's "a very special lady." Howie agrees with both, saying it looks like Beth Ann eats, sleeps and breathes dance. He wonders whether America will respond to this form of dancing, but regardless, she's going to be a star. Gymkana: An acrobatic team that accepts anyone who wants to learn about the craft and is based on each group teaching the next comes to the show. The group does a pretty cool routine that's centered around two very tall ladders and dancers hanging off of them. Sharon can't believe they aren't professionals, saying "it was incredible." Howie says they fall under the category of "What will they think of next?" He says it's amazing. Piers pokes fun at Nick's socks, then says the routine was good, but a little repetitive. He calls it "brilliant" for their first time up. Kalani Freestyle Basketball: A guy from Hawaii says all he had was a basketbal to get through some hard times growing up. Howie calls him a one-man Harmlem Globetrotters, based on his YouTube performances. Piers buzzes him immediately after Kalani dropped one ball while trying to spin one ball on top of another. Piers says he was willing to let one mistake slide, but not two. Sharon says she understand it's daunting because he's not a pro at it. West Springfield Dance Team: A dance team that promises to be different and more intense and downright scary. Piers says they were one of the most intriguing acts based on the YouTube video. He says they did live up to the potential he thought they had. Sharon says she loves all the drama to their performance but they might want to think about their name. Howie says they're going to have to be great to compete with the other dance groups in the competition -- and they are. Matt Wilhelm: A bike trick artist who got the most votes on YouTube for the competition calls his act "breakdancing on a bike." Wearing a full body suit that glows because of black lights, Matt shows off some moves on his bike that are reminiscent of Fighting Gravity. Sharon says it's a really great act and the bike is his dance partner. She calls it "very special, very different." Howie says "America never gets it wrong," and there is a reason why America gave him more votes than any other act. He thinks there's a full act here. Piers believes Matt is going to have America on his side, and again brings up Jackie Evancho. Powerhouse: A high school choir that takes it to another level comes out and sings Katy Perry's "Firework." Howie gives his first buzz of the night. Piers says the performance made him happy "in a very strange way." He calls it the cheesiest thing he's ever seen, but it makes him happy. Sharon says it makes her "very happy." She says they made her want to come up on stage and sing with them. Howie says he wasn't as happy, saying "Glee" has set the bar, and "this was 'Glee' Light." He says "America's Got Talent" needs something beyond that.

The night after 12 acts straight from YouTube took to the "America's Got Talent" stage, only four of them would move on in hopes of becoming this season's Jackie Evancho -- the young opera singer who was discovered through the YouTube auditions last season and went on to take second place in the competition. After the requisite weekly fashion pointers from Piers Morgan toward Nick Cannon, who, before long, calls for the first acts to hear their results: Fymkana and Powerhouse. To the results: Gymkana and Powehouse both received fairly good marks from the judges, even thought Howie thought Powehouse was "Glee"-Light. Piers says he's surprised to see the two acts sharing the stage, saying that if one was going home he'd be shocked. The act going on to the semifinal is ... Gymkana. Be our guests: Tay Zonday hits the stage to perform one of the shortest guest acts in the history of the show, "Chocolate Rain." He's followed by another YouTube star: Keenan Cahill, who performs his lip-synched rendition of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" and other stuff. Next, OK Go performs "All Is Not Lost." What YouTube stars show could be complete without Rebecca Black? Not this one. She hits the stage with a mash-up of her song, "Friday," and her new single "My Moment." Later, a hand-slapping and tap-dancing duo called Up & Over performs to the song, "Hands." Back to the results: Matt Wilhelm, TNC Elite and Aeon are the next group called to the stage. Matt Wilhelm seems to have won over the judges the night before, wowing them with this glow-in-the-dark bike stunts. The act moving on to the next round is ... Matt Wilhelm. Next, Kalani Basketball Freestyle, Brett Daniels, Kevin Colis and Breena Bell. Of the bunch, Kevin seemed to have won over the judges the most -- as they said he had a chance against a relatively weak male singers field. The judges gave Brett high marks for his illusion, but weren't wild about his presentation. Breena was told, for the most part, that she should come back in a few years, and Kalani stumbled by dropping his basketball at least once. The act moving on to the next round is ... Kevin Colis. Finally, West Springfield Dance Team, Gabe Rocks and Beth Ann Robinson head to the stage. West Springfield and Beth Ann Robinson got the most unanimous approval from the judges, and Piers didn't much care for Gabe's shenanigans. The first of the three acts to go home is Gabe Rocks. Given one last chance to make their cases to the judges, one of the West Springfield dancers promises more to show the judges. Beth Ann says she's worked "really hard" and has a lot more to offer. After a commercial break, Piers says it's a tough choice between the two acts, but finally gives his vote to Beth Ann Robinson, saying he's most excited to see more from her in the next round. Sharon says she knows Beth Ann is going on to do great things, but turns her attention toward West Springfield Dance team and says she wants to keep them in it. Down to Howie, he says he loves the dance team's originality. Saying it's the "year of dance," he decides to keep Beth Ann Robinson in the competition. After the result, Sharon points out that West Springfield Dance Team should come back to the wild-card show next week. So, they have another chance, along with .... Landon Swank, The Kinetic King, Summerwind Skippers, Charles Peachock, Yellow Designs Stunt Team, Shevone, J. Chris Newberg, Those Funny Little People, Seth Grabel, the Fiddleheads and Avery & the Calico Hearts.

"They thought their dreams were over," the opening graphics of Tuesday night's "America's Got Talent" episode tell us. "They were wrong." Twelve "wild-card" acts are getting a second chance to make a third impression with the judges and America in the hopes of claiming what will presumably be three more spots in the semifinals. A strategically placed mess of cans and sticks litter the stage, which can only mean The Kinetic King is back and probably going first. Host Nick Cannon, careful not to set off the elaborate display too soon, introduces the judges. Piers Morgan says each judge got to bring back four of the acts they thought missed "potential glory." He knocks Howie's choices, saying he "brought back four of the worst acts I can ever remember in the history of the show." Howie reminds us all that America will decide, not the judge, and he thinks he has "done America right." The Kinetic King: Piers' first wild card is, in fact, The Kinetic King. He's trying to bounce back from what he calls "the greatest kinetic disaster in history." He's "seriously spooked over what happened last time." He says he's trying to go on and do something "even bigger." The crowd roars as each big part of his maze of cans and sticks falls over, and it works all the way to the big finish, when about 10 large trash cans arranged in a pyramid tumble. Piers says "everyone in America doubted you" after what happened last time, but "tonight, Kinetic King, you proved you're the king, you're the man." Sharon agrees, saying she bows down to him. Howie says there's no other man in America who could be handed a bunch of cans, balls and sticks and do what he just did with them. The Kinetic King then, oddly, goes into what he calls "the fetal position of victory," laying on the stage and putting his thumb in his mouth. Those Funny Little People: The gnomes are back to torture Piers some more, and they're ready to take advantage of the opportunity. They think they'll win Piers over, but before their routine, he says it's a "complete waste of time." After their performance of They Might Be Giants' "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" begins, Piers gives them a good 15 seconds before buzzing them. Then spends the rest of the time holding his face in his hands. Even Howie says he missed a lot of the act because he was watching Piers' face most of the time. Piers says Howie "turned the show into a total and utter mockery" by bringing them back, and refers to Howie as "the chief idiot." Sharon says they "definitely brought in the big guns." Avery and the Calico Hearts: Sharon's first pick are the trio of little girls who were devastated when they were eliminated. They're hugely thankful to Sharon for bringing them back. Howie says before the act starts that he doesn't think they're a headline act, but more like a Saturday morning cartoons accompaniment. Piers gives them about 30 seconds before buzzing them during their performance of Taio Cruz's "Dynamite." Sharon cheers like crazy and says she's so proud to say they were her pick. Nick asks Piers if he's going to buzz every act that's not him, and Piers says he wanted to buzz Nick for the suit he's wearing. Nick actually thinks pretty fast on his feet, telling the judge he has to lead by example and then asking Piers (who's wrapped up in accusations of phone hacking while he was a tabloid editor in the U.K.), "Aren't you in enough trouble already?" Piers tells the girls he buzzed them because he still thinks it's too early for them to win a competition like this. He urges them to keep practicing and they'll "be terrific." Howie says he agrees with what Piers is saying, but he doesn't think they deserved a buzz. He says, "It's wrong, it's mean, and let's move on." Seth Grabel: Pulling off what Nick calls "a reappearing act," illusionist Seth Grabel comes back as one of Howie's picks. Howie says he felt really guilty casting the vote for Professor Splash that sent Seth packing. He had to bring him back. Piers also brought an illusionist back, so it's a big showdown. In an illusion that seems to take a while to get going, Seth eventually makes a DeLorean appear on stage holding what he calls the judges from the past -- and they're miniature versions of Howie, Sharon and Piers. Howie says he did good in bringing Seth back. He says Seth showed that Howie has good taste. Piers says it was "exactly like Howie -- a lot of show, a lot of flashing going on" but it was light on substance. Shevonne: We didn't see singer and guitarist Shevonne on the live stage because she was cut in Vegas, but Sharon wants to see how she'll do with another chance. She says she'll be singing to all of America, but especially to her mom. Sharon says Shevonne took her breath away and hopes that voters realize this is her first time on the live stage. She says Shevonne did herself proud. Howie says he thinks the judges made a mistake sending her home in Vegas and that he's "so thrilled" that Sharon chose to bring her back. Piers, who notably didn't buzz, says he's in a very unusual position of agreeing with Howie. He agrees they were wrong to send her home in Vegas and with more practice and experience she "could be really good." West Springfield Dance Team: The dark, creepy dance group is back, as Sharon already promised. She said as soon as they were voted off that she'd bring them back as one of her wild cards, and her kept that promise. They've put together a routine in five days that one of the choreographers says they'd normally rehearse for six months. Sharon seems quite pleased, saying it's "unique, very different" and that there's an audience for them. Howie agrees that they're very good, but he doesn't think this performance stepped up from the last performance. Piers wonders if he's under the weather because he's again agreeing with Howie's point that it wasn't a bigger or better performance than the last time. J Chris Newberg: Howie brings J Chris Newberg back after being voted off and says it was like being in love and then finding out that the women you're in love with is sleeping with 47 other contestants. He says he's reviewed all of his performances and was happy with them all except for one thing: Piers. The crotchety judge says he's pretty confident that no matter what J Chris does tonight, he's going to hate it. J Chris tells us that "Piers drew first blood" and he's been training for this fight. J Chris turns it into a straight roast of Piers. He brings up phone hacking, tells Piers that he's "made more children cry than divorce," and says that Piers has "made a career out of being 'the other' -- the other Simon Cowell, the other Larry King, the other guy your wife sleeps with." Howie says it was funny, and that "this wins it all." Piers plays along, saying, "Obviously I found your material, deeply offensive, woefully inaccurate, completely inappropriate -- and funny." Sharon tells J Chris he's "got balls of steel" and says it was "amazing." She concisely says, "It was very good. Very, very good." Yellow Designs Stunt Team: The BMX stunt team admits they were crushed when they were booted, and they're vowing to "wow America like they've never been wowed before." They offer up a pirate-themed performance that gets through with no buzzes. Sharon, who brought them back, says it "worked superbly." She loves the sense of excitement they bring, adding, "it's exciting, it's dangerous, it's everything I love." Howie likes the themes they put together. Piers says it's the only act he can remember where when they make a mistake it actually makes the performance more entertaining. Piers says the movement they've made in the competition is almost better than any other act. Charles Peachock: The man who wants to bring juggling into the next century is brought back by Piers. He says he knew he was taking a risk when he abandoned the dangerous juggling stuff in favor of playing the piano with bouncing balls. He says he's "risking it all tonight." He first juggles balls on fire, then while trying to balance a sword on another sword from his forehead, he juggles three knives and drops one. It's clearly a disappointment and even Piers can't deny it. Piers says he thinks Charles "blew it." He abandoned his rule of buzzing a juggler who dropped something, only because he was the one who brought Charles back. Sharon says it was disappointing, and Howie agrees, but he's thrilled Charles kept his shirt on. The Fiddleheads: Howie's last pick is The Fiddleheads, who abandoned their own approach in favor of something suggested by the show's producers, are deciding to go back to the basics. They give their bluegrass treatment to Bruno Mars' "Grenade" and the crowd seems to love it. Piers buzzes them about two-thirds of the way through, though. Howie says he picked them because he thought they had strength and he thinks they brought it. Piers says, "This group doesn't work as a group." After a chorus of boos, Piers says the lead singer is better than the group around him. Sharon says she does not agree with Piers. She says they were back in their comfort zone. Summerwind Skippers: Piers says he didn't really get the jump ropers until the first live show. He now thinks they deserve another chance. Their routine was put together more quickly this time, and it includes ropes that are on fire. There's a mishap early on but they bounce back and get through the rest of the act unscathed. Piers points out the big mistake, but says it's how they recovered that saved them. He says it's like the bike stunt team, and it's more about how they recover from a mistake. He says they made a "great recovery, great job." Sharon then quotes Piers from earlier in the competition, saying they make skipping sexy. Howie admits he didn't see it being a headlining show until this performance and they made it fun and edgy enough to be just that type of show. Landon Swank: Piers' illusionist choice is Landon Swank, whose presentation was lacking the last time he performed. Piers says Landon was the first wild card on his list. He's ramping up the danger by chaining himself to the bottom of a tank of water while handcuffed and giving himself one minute to escape. He not only escapes but switches places with his assistant, which ends up in the tanks. Sharon and Howie stand in appreciation. Piers says calls it a proper trick that was executed perfectly and says that Landon will go through to the semifinals. Sharon says he's a really sexy magician, which doesn't happen a lot. Howie says it "was fabulous." He notes that there's "no rule saying that one magician can go through."

This is it. The final four spots in the semifinals of this season of "America's Got Talent" will be claimed Wednesday night as the 12 wild-card acts will learn which made the most of their second chances and which will experience the bitter taste of elimination again. Howie Mandel says Tuesday was "a night of redemption" as most of the acts rose to the occasion. To the results: Shevonne, Yellow Design Stunt Team and West Springfield Dance Team are the first acts called to the stage for their verdicts. Shevonne was a favorite of the judges and they all agreed they made a mistake sending her home in the Vegas round. Yellow Design Stunt Team also got solid reviews from the judges, while West Springfield Dance Team came up a bit short -- with Piers and Howie saying they didn't improve on their previous performance. Nick points out that all three were Sharon's picks and she's distraught over it. The act moving on is ... West Springfield Dance Team. Be our guest: Celebrating its 25th anniversary is "Les Miserables," and the cast is on hand to perform the song, "One Day More." Later, Colbie Caillat takes the stage to perform her new song, "Brighter than the Sun." Back to the results: Avery and the Calico Hearts, Charles Peachock, Those Funny Little People and The Kinetic King are the next up. We're reminded of Piers buzzing the little kids, Charles dropping his knife, Piers hating Those Funny Little People and The Kinetic King's elaborate maze working to perfection. Piers throws the kids and Charles under the bus, then tells Those Funny Little People that if they got voted through, he will fly back to Britain and never come back to America. He then tells The Kinetic King that he's like Rocky Balboa, bouncing back when all the cards were down. He should be the pick, Piers says. And America's choice is ... The Kinetic King. He and Piers both stand and raise their arms triumphantly. Next are the two illusionists, all but guaranteeing that one of them, at most, is going through to the semifinals. They played up the battle between the illusionists all night on Tuesday, and it looks like the voters chose just one -- maybe. Howie says he can't choose, but it's pretty clear Landon's display was more remarkable, and he's the pick. Piers stands up and points at Howie, who tells Landon that the only thing that irks him is that Piers chose him. With three acts and just one spot left, the Summerwind Skippers, The Fiddleheads and J Chris Newberg head to center stage. The Skippers got pretty solid reviews from the judges, but Piers judged The Fiddleheads and J Chris, but he was on Piers' bad side from the start when he set up his act as a roast of the judge. The first of the three acts going home is ... J Chris Newberg, which gets big boos from the crowd. He says he "had so much fun" and "couldn't have done any better." One of the Skippers says they want to show how far their can take their act. The Fiddleheads' singer says they want to come back and bring their best, "and play the music that we love to play." Piers says it's a difficult decision and goes on to talk way too long before -- even evoking a bleep from the censors at some point, possibly over something Sharon said as she complained that Piers' mike should be turned off. Howie votes for The Fiddleheads because he brought them back, and Sharon cuts to the chase and pretty quickly votes for Summerwind Skippers.

Piers says the 2011 Semifinals are the most talented ever. Part 1: Zuma Zuma, Beth Ann Robinson, Sandou Trio, Kevin Colis, Matt Wilhelm, PopLyfe, WSDT, Melissa Villasenor, Team iLluminate, Daniel Joseph Baker, Miami All Stars and Lys Agnes.

Howie says that the 2011 Semifinals part 1 was *the* best episode in the six years so far. Inevitably, 'Results' is heart-breaking. After 6 have been dropped, Piers says both the 5th and 6th *would* belong in the Top 10 - but only one can.

The final 12 semifinalists are back to compete for the remaining five spots in the finals on "America's Got Talent." Host Nick Cannon starts the show dangling from a harness above stage, so as to not jeopardize the Kinetic King's opening performance, which is already set up on the stage. Kinetic King: The Minnesota madman has been preparing a bigger and badder maze that consists of more than 700 rulers and who knows what else. He says he's looking to set a personal and word record with this performance and that if it works, he wants to hear victorious "woo-hoos" from across the country. He lets it fly and the whole thing goes off precisely as expected. He almost passes out in the excitement. Piers says it was "another spectacular performance," but that it wasn't quite as impressive as the previous one. Sharon disagrees, saying that a faster and louder maze was more entertaining. Howie agrees with Sharon, joking that he's always telling his wife that "faster is better." Fatally Unique: The dance team has had a great reception at home, with the mayor of their town dedicating a day to the group in their hometown of Illinois. They put on a fast, precise routine that gets the crowd going, with a theme in which the inmates overtake the asylum. Sharon is impressed with their speed and precision, saying it's "breathtaking" to watch them. She adds that this is "definitely the year of the mean dance, happy dance is dead." Howie reiterates his previous claims that "this is the year of the dance," but he wonders if they're up to the competition, specifically West Springfield Dance Team. Piers says he loves the intensity and determination in their routine, and says their act proved they want to win this. Landon Swank: The illusionist recruits his dad from Alaska to come help him build the illusion for the semifinals. In the suspenseful routine, there are four wooden boxes high above the stage, each connected to a detonator that will blow up a box when the three judges hit their buttons, leaving one unexploded. That's the one Landon says he'll be in, by simply guessing their choices. They explode three boxes and, indeed, Landon emerges from the fourth one unscathed. He then asks Piers to blow up the fourth box to prove it was wired, and it explodes. Howie is stunned, saying, "Just, wow." He says he was concerned last time because Landon came close to killing himself and this time the judges came close to killing him. Piers appreciates that Landon is making the most of the chances he's gotten on the show and says Landon just got very close to getting into the top 10. Sharon says her hands were shaking the whole time and she tells Landon that his whole presentation was fantastic. Gymkana: The high-flying acrobatics team is looking to build on its YouTube stardom, going with a fast-paced, timing-focused routine that their leader says could be disastrous if the timing gets lost and there's a collision. Piers buzzes them about halfway through and toward the end, the routine is stopped short when a ring of fire they're jumping through gets bumped and falls over, briefly entangling one of the members. Piers says he's sorry it went as badly as it went and he's glad they're OK, but he thinks the mistake is going to cost them. Sharon says she was looking for more performance and personality from them and didn't see it, but she still thought they were tremendous. Howie disagrees with Piers and Sharon, saying that they've grown a lot since the start. Summerwind Skippers: Looking to bounce back from their mistake in the previous round, the jump rope team wants redemption. Their act is well choreographed to the music, but there are a couple of noticeable slips and Piers buzzes them right at the end. Sharon says it's great to see the progression they've made and that they've turned into such great performers, "it's incredible." Howie says they won him over with their previous performance, and they brought "edge" to skipping. Then he apologizes for Piers' buzzing of them, saying they didn't deserve it and shouldn't be buzzed at this level. Piers says they're one of his favorite acts, but when he saw two mistakes, he had to buzz them in fairness to the other performers. Snap Boogie: The street dancer from Boston says he wants to get far in this competition for the sake of his family, and adds that he doesn't want to go back to the streets. He splits his act in two, with a heavenly, ethereal bit at the start before launching into a more fast-paced, high-intensity stretch. Howie says he was worried at first, but then Snap got into himself toward the end and he loved it. Piers says he didn't like, saying he'd been a fan in the past, but this time it was bordering on "cheesy." He didn't like the music or the choreography. Sharon says Snap has "such likability" but adds that she wasn't crazy about Snap's backup dancers. She says he doesn't anyone but himself. Anna Graceman: The youngest singer in the competition, 11-year-old Anna Graceman says she's going to try something she's never done before: a rock song with her own twist. Sure enough, she busts out Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home." Piers says people would be amazed at where her big voice comes from if they could see how small she is in real life, and he says she gave, "so far, the best performance of the day." Sharon says she called Motley Crue so they could watch her perform, and she knows they'll think it was "absolutely amazing." She agrees it was "the performance of the night, so far." Howie keeps it short and sweet, simply saying, "Wow." Steven Retchless: The male pole dancer says he's been getting freaked out watching the show because some of the acts have done things he was intending to do, and we're shown a replay clip of Zuma Zuma members jumping from one pole to another. He says he had to change his routine to adapt. Not surprisingly, Piers buzzes him about halfway through. Sharon points out a particular favorite move in which Steven looked like he was walking on glass. She says she was worried when she heard Steven was bringing backup dancers, but they were fantastic and "it was just an amazing thing to watch." Piers reiterates that "it's not what guys should do," and says he can't see it being a million-dollar act in Vegas. Howie says he doesn't agree with Piers, and points out that Traces, a Broadway show, incorporates pole dancing and it can be a million-dollar act. Then he says he was focused on one of Steven's backup dancers, but he was great. Smage Bros.: The wild motorcycle stunt team pulls out all the stops, bringing family members along, including "Rad Grandma Smage," so they can have enough people to jump over. They do a bunch of cool tricks and flips, including some on a motorcycle with just one wheel. And it ends with a jump over about size family members who are laying on the stage. Piers gives a standing ovation and says their performance was "unbelievable." He says they did stuff he's never seen those kinds of stunts in close confined quarters such as the AGT stage. Howie says it was so exciting and scary, and notes that he once rode his tricycle over his grandma's toe when he was a little kid and he felt terrible. He says Grandma Smage's willingness to let the guys jump over her on motorcycles is "crazy, but amazing." Sharon loves the fact that the whole family gets involved. Professor Splash: The 57-year-old stunt man is cranking up the diving platform and the heat, trying a jump from 70 feet high into a pool of water 8 feet deep with fire on the surface. He pulls off the jump, with a toe-touch and full somersault before landing feet first in the water. Howie says he knows it was amazing, but it didn't seem as spectacular a look as jumping from the half the height into just 12 inches of water. Piers agrees, and wonders whether "we've seen the best of the Splash man," but says he's "incredibly entertaining." Sharon loved it and says she's scared of heights, even just sitting on a platform a couple of feet above the ground. Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.: After getting a heck of a reception back home, Landau hits the stage and puts on a Vegas-era, rat-pack style performance. Sharon loves it and says it's "cooler than I don't know what" and urges America to vote for him. Howie agrees that America "should get on board" and says that he deserves, with that performance, "to definitely be in the final." Piers says it wasn't Landau's best performance. He says he seemed nervous and stilted, and he missed some of the low notes. But when he hit the bigger notes, he loved, so it "wasn't a terrible performance," but he doesn't think it's a done deal that he'll be in the top 10. Silhouettes: The massive dance team that creates behind a backlit sheet includes members that are as young as 4. They create scenes from about the world in a big, dramatic presentation. Howie says they're "phenomenal," and it's amazing to see how they keep thinking of new ideas. He again says it's the year of the dance. Piers says he thought it was "very good," but he "didn't think it was great." He says this was a tough night and it'll come down to America's vote. Sharon adds that their act is endless because their concepts can go on and on, but she agrees that tonight's performance wasn't as strong as their last two, but she knows they'll come back with another concept and says what they do "is a thing of beauty."

It's down to the Top 10 on "America's Got Talent," and the finalists are set to perform for the judges and viewers' votes, hoping to capture one of the final four spots in next week's final. There is no judges' pick this week and all four picks will be in the hands of the voters. With 10 acts instead of 12, there's more time to fill, so we get to see a featurette of the acts meeting the judges at a swanky Hollywood hotel. We also get a reminder about Michael Grimm, the singer/guitarist who won last season. He performs and afterward gives an update on what he's been doing. He's on tour with Stevie Nicks, pushing his new album, got married and is working on his grandma's house. At last, some performances: Miami All Stars: The sizzling dance group's leader tells his story of coming from the streets of Chile to Miami in 1992 and becoming a dance teacher. "And here we are," he says. Sharon abruptly reminds us that a dance group has never won this show, but she thinks Miami All Stars have a shot. They put on a raucous, football-themed routine, complete with a mascot in an eagle outfit. It's as spicy and high-energy as ever, but Piers buzzes them halfway through. Nick asks if it was an accident. Piers says they "became a cheerleading act" and he didn't like what he calls the chicken suit. He says they went from an explosive dancing act to a cheerleading act with a chicken, and he thinks this was a mistake. Sharon agrees that she didn't love the theme and they could have come up with something more sophisticated and they let themselves down with the choreography. She says she doesn't think this performance will get them into the final. Howie understands that the NFL's kickoff this week prompted the theme, but it was more "all-American" than it was specifically "Miami." Lys Agnes: Lys talks about how her mother was her inspiration and was a singer in Vegas who wound up unemployed when her show was closed. She said she's always wanted to "fuse rock and opera together." She says she's taking a chance this week, with "a voice people haven't heard yet." She starts in a much lower pitch that usual and it all feels a little off. Sharon says she thought she was listening to Cher at the beginning. She says Lys lost the tone in her voice, but that last note "bombed." She wonders why Lys opted to take the register in the song lower than it was written for Steven Tyler. Howie says she's an amazing singer and talent, and notes that she got this far because she was doing something the audience was relating to. He wonders if she took too big of a risk. Piers tells her to ignore the others, and says "the worst thing you could've done right is come out and give us another version of what we've seen." He says she was in "perfect pitch in the lower register" and he says he "felt moved by that performance." Landon Swank: The illusionist from Alaska says it would be incredible to participate in a show across the street from David Copperfield, who he's been watching on TV since he was a child. Nick Cannon gives us the warning not to try this at home, and off Landon goes. He goes through a few different sleight of hand tricks, including the big finish, where he takes a goldfish and appears to force his hand into the glass front of a tank to send the little fishy home, but the tank then appears completely untouched when Landon's done. Howie has no words beyond noting that he's never seen conjuring don't to that level, and calling it "truly amazing." Piers says he's not sure what he saw, and asked Landon if it worked as expected. Landon says yes, and admits it's actually the first time it's worked correctly. Sharon says she loves Landon's execution and how he always looks so relaxed and smooth. Anna Graceman: Little Anna Graceman it's amazing to have come from such a small town (Juneau, Alaska), and now people know who she is. Anna says she's taking a "huge risk" by performing without a piano. She sings Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors." Piers tells her that she missed some notes, but when she goes to the big notes she's great. He says the "obvious comparison" is to Jackie Evancho last year, and that Jackie had perfect pitch. He says Jackie didn't have the big notes the way Anna does. Sharon says she would have liked to have seen Anna work the stage more, rather than standing on a fake grassy knoll -- and she remarks that she understands the knoll wasn't Anna's choice. Howie tells her that this performance wasn't as good as her last, but "it was still brilliant." He wants to see how everyone else does to see where Anna stacks up. Silhouettes: The leader of the group says there are members of the group that face life-threatening illnesses and conditions. With this performance, they're trying to send the message not to let any of life's obstacles keep you down. They perform a routine that includes people graduating from high school, becoming president, winning the Olympics, and get a huge standing ovation. Sharon loves it, calling it exquisite and a great message, too. She thanks them for delivering such beautiful performances week after week. Howie says this is "the first final act," as far as he's concerned, but reminds people they have to vote to make sure Silhouettes get into the finals. Piers says they did a great job of telling a story that "makes people proud of being an American," especially during a time of such economic difficulty and war. He says this was, "without a doubt, the best performance, for me, by a mile." Smage Bros.: The Smage Brothers talk about their assistant, Troy Smalls, "the unsung hero." He talks about having been hurt before by the brothers' bikes, but says, "I'll do whatever I have to do to make the Smage Brothers famous." This week, they pull off a bunch of skateboard-type tricks on ramps and a rail, while flying over Troy a bunch of times. Howie calls it exciting, but wants to make sure Troy is OK after a couple of close calls. Piers points out a couple of mistakes, saying he still loves them as an act but for a show in the Top 10 it was a little disappointing. Sharon asks why they don't just get it over with and beat up Troy already. Sharon disagrees with Piers, saying it was "just amazing." Poplyfe: The young singer from Poplyfe talks about how she's survived a feeling of not being wanted by being with her bandmates. Her father died when she was 3 and her mother had "some issues," which meant she bounced around to a few different homes. They go with another classic, a Jackson 5 medley, including "I'll Be There," "I Want You Back" and "Stop the Love You Save." The crowd roars with approval, and even Piers is coaxed into joining the standing ovation. Piers says it did deserve a standing ovation, because they're looking for an act that can entertain, inspire, have fun, make money and live the life of stars. He calls them "a great pop band." Sharon says it was a great idea to come up with the Jackson 5 medley, adding that there's such a great place for them in the industry right now. Then Sharon, pounding her fist on the table, accidentally hits her buzzer. Howie says, "Everybody in America, you are idiots if you do not start voting and put these people through to the finals." West Springfield Dance Team: The dancers say they owe everything to their coaches and they'll be bringing something completely unexpected this week. It starts with a girl running from some zombie-like creatures and then she appears to get away while the zombies start dancing. Piers buzzes them about halfway through. Sharon says it's "to predictable" for her now and there are no surprises anymore. Their dancing is precise as ever, but the lack of surprise is starting to become a problem. Howie says it was "good," but adds he doesn't think it stepped up from the last time. He doesn't think they're "living up to final capability." Piers says he would have liked them to surprise everyone and not done the horror stuff. He says the choreography was "quite boring," and that the judges kind of feel like they've "seen it." Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.: Saying the one thing Vegas is missing -- ironically -- is a crooner, Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. says he's willing to fill that void. After Landau sings Dean Martin's "Ain't That a Kick in the Head," Howie says he'd like to kick everyone in America in the head if they don't vote for him. Piers notes that Landau got his "mojo back," and adds that he and the judges were talking about who they would spend their own money to go see perform, and, for Piers' money, "it would be Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. Sharon says that's noteworthy because Piers is "really tight" (we're assuming she means with money). She calls Landau a real class act just tells people to "vote, vote, vote" for him. Team Illuminate: The leader of the group, who typically runs the computer portion of the program, will be performing with the group for the first time. She doesn't want to let the team down, but vows to give the performance of a lifetime. They put on another exciting and inspired performance that gets the crowd excited. Piers notes the crowd's reaction, saying it's been a night of big performances and they were "the icing on the cake." He says it was their best performance of the season and that after six seasons of doing the show he's never seen a more creative or dynamic act. Sharon says she cannot believe that they aren't already world famous. Howie says they were spectacular and tells viewers that this is "one of the best acts you can possibly see live." He says there are four acts standing out tonight, but stops short of reading off a list.

This is it. Almost. The entire summer has come down to this -- and a little more. The four finalists from the sixth season of "America's Got Talent" are about to be named -- after a fair amount of fluff. Sharon Osbourne says the anticipation has been killing her all day long. She notes this is the first time the show has had a band and a magician in the Top 10. Nick asks Howie about the goldfish from Landon Swank's illusion, and whether it actually survived the performance. Howie confirms, with video evidence that the fish did, indeed, make it. And he adds that the fish is now living in his house. To the results: Nick calls out the Smage Bros. and Team iLuminate. The Smages got overall good reviews from the judges, but Piers was the holdout who said it wasn't as good as their previous routines. Team Illuminate wowed the judges, who gave them a standing ovation. Howie says it's a tough call between the two acts, saying he's never seen anything like what the Smage Bros. do indoors. He then tells Team iLuminate that they are the second-most fun he can have in the dark. Sharon, accurately, calls the joke "hokey." Nick announces that the act moving on to the finals is ... Team iLuminate. Howie says he's thrilled and says "there's a good chance you're going to take this all the way." Nick next calls out Miami All Stars and Lys Agnes. We're reminded of all the great reviews Miami All Stars got before last night, when Piers buzzed them because, as he said, they became a "silly cheerleading act." It was much of the same for Lys, who was on the judges' good side until last night, when Howie and Sharon were pretty disappointed with her rendition of Aerosmith's "Dream On." Piers backed her up. Before the result is announced, Piers reminds everyone that this is about more than just last night and it's been a great season. He says they should be proud of themselves after having grown the way they have. Nick announes that the act moving on to the finals is ... (Lys is already tearing up, and has been since she walked onto the stage) ... neither. The leader of the All Stars says he's grateful to America, to NBC, to the city of MIami, for the amazing journey. Lys says Tuesday night was a big moment for her and thanks the people who see what she calls an artist's ability to express different things. Piers says he thinks we're going to hear more from both of them and wishes them luck. Poplyfe and Landon Swank are called out next. Poplyfe has enjoyed rave reviews all season, including Tuesday night when they went out with a Jackson 5 medley that earned them a standing ovation from everyone, including the judges. Landon has amazed the judges most of the way, but needed a wild card to stay in the competition. He's made the most of it, though, by flooring the judges with some amazing illusions. They loved Tuesday's routine, as well. Sharon says she loves both acts and she has mixed emotions seeing the two of them on stage together. She reminds them that they're standing there because America has voted them into the Top 10. She says this isn't the end, but just the beginnings of their careers. Nick announces that the act moving on is ... Poplyfe. Landon thanks everyone for their support and gets in a plug for his Twitter handle (@landonswank, if you're wondering). Be our guests: Nick introduces one of Simon Cowell's other creations, Il Divo, who perform the title song from their new album, "Wicked Game." Back to the results: West Springfield Dance team and Silhouettes are called to the stage. West Springfield has been a pretty big favorite of the judges all season, but Tuesday's performance fell flat and all the judges were unanimous in the sentiment that they've seen all West Springfield has to offer. Silhouettes, on the other hand, have been a judges' favorite all season and continued that streak with another highly praised performance on Tuesday night. Nick announces that the act going into the finals is ... Silhouettes. Howie reiterates his previous theory that this is the "year of the dance." He notes that Team iLuminate is already in the final. It's down to Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. and Anna Graceman, who are sitting pensively backstage. Both are staring at the ground as Nick somberly introduces them and escorts them to the stage. We're reminded of Anna Graceman's rise to the Top 10, but her Tuesday night performance drew some of her first criticisms of the season as Piers said she struggled in her lower register. Landau, meanwhile, seemed to hit his groove even bigger than he has all season. All three judges gave him big compliments, including Piers, who said he'd pay his own money to see Landau in a 90-minute concert. After a drama-filled introduction, Nick finally reveals that the act moving on to the finals is ... Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. He drops his head and looks over at little Anna, who claps graciously and hugs Landau before breaking down in tears as the crowd gives her a standing ovation. Landau says he's grateful but it's tough competing, especially against some of the kids like Anna, who have become friends. So that's it. The Final Four are: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. Poplyfe Silhouettes Team iLuminate

It finally comes down to this: The top four acts take to the stage one last time to compete for America's vote, and the winner will take home the $1 million grand prize. After a somewhat lengthy reflection on the season's memorable -- for better or worse -- moments, we get to, well, a commercial break. But after that, we get to some results. Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.: Landau talks about the road he's taken to the finals of "America's Got Talent," including when he found himself homeless at the age of 19 and thought he "was going to die." He sings the obvious, but perfectly fitting, "My Way." The epic build-up and big-note finish capped a dream season for Landau. The judges and the crowd stand in appreciation. Piers says Landau "sang that absolutely from your heart," and that it "was a million-dollar performance." Sharon says he gave her goosebumps and "it was perfectly sung." She appreciated that Landau "didn't play it safe." Howie says, "there's a real good chance that you just sealed the deal." Team iLuminate: The members of Team iLuminate get a little emotional when talking about what it would mean to win the competition. They certainly did not hold back with their final performance. The most intense, fast-paced and dynamic performance of the season from a team that has pushed the bounds of dance and technology all summer. Sharon says Norelle (the team's leader) came up with with a great idea, adding, "this act is about technology, creativity and someone with a vision," and she points out how this act is why "America's Got Talent" is different from other talent shows. She says singers rely on others' songs, and Team iLuminate creates everything from zero. Howie says they deserve to win, and encourages America to vote for something "spectacular," rather than voting based on popularity. Piers says they're an example of "what America needs right now" because they are "smart young people with great ideas, completely original, that can create a business, it creates jobs, it creates prosperity, it makes America great again." Be our guest: The show's crown jewel, Terry Fator -- who actually did land a Vegas show -- takes the stage to perform. Poplyfe: The youngsters say they didn't expect to make it this far and the lead singer recalls how no one showed up to their first show. She says they're taking another big chance tonight, performing songs by Queen. They start with a rousing "We Will Rock You," before going into "We Are the Champions." The crowd enjoys it. Howie says they're champions, but he's worried that some of the notes were a little off. A tearful Kelani (the lead singer) admits she was "feeling it too much." Piers asks her why she's crying. She says she wants people to understand how badly they want this. Piers says some of the singing was a bit shaky but they shouldn't be disheartened. Sharon reminds Kelani that she's "a star" and that even if the singing wasn't great, her passion was and she can bank on that. Some technical difficulties force us to watch some "highlights" (see: video footage that was handy) from earlier in the season. Silhouettes: The biggest group in the finals talk about what an experience it has been before getting to their final performance -- which is a trip around the world as they make shadow versions of various world landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, and polar bears in the Arctic. Short on time because of the difficulties, Piers says the performance was sensational and that America has a very difficult job in picking a winner. Sharon is also pleased and reminds everyone to vote. Howie says this is "the toughest vote" and again reiterates that viewers have to vote for their favorites to help create the outcome they want.

We've waited all summer to find out the winner of the sixth season of "America's Got Talent" -- and now we'll have to wait another two hours. Host Nick Cannon lists off the many acts that will help fill that time. A recap of Monday night reminds us that the judges pretty much loved everyone, but Poplyfe had the only hiccup of the bunch as lead singer Kelani struggled with nerves and emotions that affected her singing. Piers says Monday night was the best talent the show has seen in the finals. Each of finalists will be performing with one of their icons, and Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. is paired up with Patti Labelle. He's "floating on clouds," he says, before performing with the legendary singer. Def Leppard takes the stage to perform "Rock of Ages" and "Pour Some Sugar on Me." Afterward, Nick takes a moment to give us the behind-the-scenes look at the technical mishap that delayed Silhouettes' performance. It still isn't entirely clear what happened, but it seemed to have something to do with the big doors at the back of the stage not opening. Team iLuminate performs with the back Cobra Starship, whose members are decked out in outfits piped with lighting. We next get the standard run-through of the bizarre auditions from early in the season. And, of course, the "Audition All-Stars" take the stage. It starts terribly, when the first two singers are out of sync and, really, that was the highlight of the whole thing. Silhouettes are the next act to perform with an icon, and who's more all-American than Leann Rimes? No one! She sings while Silhouettes work their shadow magic behind her. One Republic performs a couple of songs after a featurette about how the judges pretend to have little rivalries. Then, Queen Latifah and Tony Bennett perform "Who Can I Turn To?" together. Poplyfe gets to perform with Stevie Wonder, and Kelani says he's the reason they do what they do. They perform "Higher Ground" together. Later, Cirque du Soleil's "Iris" cast performs, because -- well, why not? Some results: At long last, we get some results. Nick calls all four finalists to the stage and announces that Poplyfe is the first out of the running, finishing fourth. Kelani, crying, says they just had the "best experience of our lives" performing with their idol. Piers reminds them they came fourth in "the biggest talent show in the world" and tells them to be proud. After a break, Nick announces that the act finishing in third place and leaving the competition is ... Team iLuminate. Sharon looks stunned. She later says that Team iLuminate never disappointed throughout the season, and shakes her head at the reality of the fact that they're out. We get a reminder of Jackie Evancho and her stardom since finishing second on the show last season. She performs. Finally, down to Silhouettes and Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., Howie says they're "both phenomenal," but there's only one winner. He wishes them both luck. After a long, dramatic pause, Nick announces that... the... winner... of... "America's Got Talent"... is... Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.! Overwhelmed, Landau shakes his heads, cries a bit and is then mobbed by Silhouettes, who all gather around him for a group hug.

Trailer for the upcoming Weird Al Yankovic biopic. This film is sure to sweep next year's Academy Awards.

Heidi Klum and Mel B join America's Got Talent and it looks like the Howard and Heidi have instant chemistry. This episode features the best f the auditions in New York, Los Angeles and San Antonio and the odder losers.

Wannabes try out in America's entertainment capitals; New York City and Los Angeles. This season introduces the Golden Buzzer. In the surprise of the night Nick fools the judges.

The judges audition acts from around the United States.

Celebrating the show's 10th anniversary with memorable highlights from the past decade. Included: past winners; fan-favorite performers; and interview with current judges, plus former judge Piers Morgan.

The evening brings surprises, featuring two non-human dance crews and a crossbow stunt duo taking the stage.