America’s Got Talent on NBC  

By Ally Matteodo

The second round of the semifinals for Best TV Show of the Week winner America’s Got Talent appeared on NBC at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Tuesday, August 31st.  This reality program is a straight up talent competition that tours the United States in search of impressive individuals and groups, and the winner receives not only a one million dollar grand prize, but also a show in Vegas.  Unlike American Idol, there are no age restrictions, meaning anyone, young or old, male or female, can take their act all the way, providing they have a first-class talent.  Once the contestants hit the semi-finals, America is the judge, and those who make it to the next round are the ones who have received the most votes.  Nick Cannon enthusiastically hosts this program, and the judging panel consists of Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne, and Howie Mandel.  These judges offer up their opinions following contestant’s performances, and also are the deciding factors on who stays and who goes during the initial rounds of competition.  They are also free to buzz performances at any point during an act, and if all three judges use their buzzers, the performance immediately stops, although viewers are still free to vote for them.  Twelve acts performed on the August 31st show: Alice Tan Ridley, Haspop, Maestro Alexander Bui, Michael Lipari and Ashleigh Dejon, Michael Grasso, Debra Romer, Studio One Young Beast Society, Jeremy Vanschoonhoveen, Nathaniel Kenyon, Murray, Jackie Evancho, and Fighting Gravity. 

These twelve acts are wonderful in so many ways.  Michael Lipari and Ashleigh Dijon performed a thrilling aerialist routine, and 57-year old Alice Tan Ridley wowed with her larger-than-life voice.  Michael Grasso impressed the audience with a fascinating disappearing act, and Haspop danced, effectively telling a story in the process.   Maestro Alexander Bui’s fingers flew over the piano as he performed a pop version of “Flight of the Bumblebee,” and Debra Romer’s rendition of ‘To Make You Feel My Love” was haunting and ethereal.  This year not only are the acts extremely gifted, but they show a level of ingenuity and creativity that surpasses the other seasons of this show.  These contestants are dreamers, dead-set on accomplishing their ambitions, and America’s Got Talent is a dedication to these aspirations.  All of these acts bring joy to anyone lucky enough to watch them, and their humbleness and humility in the face of their enormous talent is a lesson to us all.           

Best TV Show of the Week

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