AGT 2010: Prince Poppycock Steals the First Night of Live Semifinals

The America's Got Talent semifinals are split into two weeks. Tonight the first 12 acts performed live. Only five acts will move on to the final round. Three of the acts were miles above the rest, as it was throughout the AGT 2010 quarterfinals.

Young dancers Anna & Patryk started the live show strong with a Paso Doble. Patryk commented before the performance that he would think of Howie Mandel to get the anger needed for the serious dance. I'm not a huge fan of ballroom dancing at this young age. I'm with Howie, it's kind of creepy to me in that baby beauty pageant kind of way. That aside, Anna & Patryk were one of the most polished and professional acts of the night.

There was a rather long and, at times, almost painful pause between Anna & Patryk and ArcAttack.

Singing sisters Christina & Ali were only okay tonight. Antonio Restivo did not raise the bar at all (although he did get through his act without crying tonight).

Future Funk killed me with cuteness, again. They are fabulous entertainers, but not near the level of the top acts on AGT. I think Sharon Osbourne is right when she said they should have their own TV show.

Taylor Mattews left me with mixed feelings. I think I liked his first performance better, tonight was not bad though. With Taylor all you see is a bundle of nerves. So do you like unplugged fear better, or gospel fear? I really want Taylor Matthews to continue, but I think it's more likability than performance.

Connor Doran failed to step it up tonight, but I think someone could make a cool Vegas act from his idea. Connor was not near the worst of the show, Dan Sperry comes dangerously close to that spot. Sperry freaked out Howie Mandel with his floss throwing antics in the quarterfinals. Tonight he failed to freak anyone out.

Kristina Young had the worst of the night, getting buzzed by all three judges. Young was on the bubble on YouTube week and made it through by the judges choice. Tonight they chose to stop her rendition of Lady GaGa's "Poker Face" mercifully before it's official ending. The buzzers could not come soon enough.

While I'm not a fan of ArcAttack, I was happy to see them tonight. At least the studio audience would get excited again. I just don't get this act, other than the fact that it's dangerous. It's big and loud, so it's great for an outdoor Vegas show. The audience and judges loved them again.

Michael Grimm reminded us of how talented some of the singers from AGT have been. After a trip to the doctor's office for IV fluids due to a bout of strep throat, Michael Grimm showed no signs of illness tonight. Pure soulful tones, he made a boring song worth a listen.

Ascendance was one of my favorite acts coming to the semifinals. The combination of strength and grace is mesmerizing. Tonight was not their best performance, but it was still good. Certainly good enough to earn them another chance in the finals. They trried something different this week, it didn't work. Regroup for the finals.

The show was coming to a quiet, almost thankful end... when along came Prince Poppycock. Leave it to Poppycock to revive a nearly dismal show to it's glory. America does have talent! Prince Poppycock invited us all to a scene from "Bohemian Rhapsody" starring himself... I'd pay to see the rest. Piers Morgan said it best, "...I didn't think anyone could out-camp Freddy Mercury!" This was just fun to watch.

Here are the five acts I think will move on to the AGT 2010 finals: Prince Poppycock, Michael Grimm, Anna & Patryk, and ArcAttack. Hopefully Taylor Mathews or Ascendance can find a place instead, but I think ArcAttack and Anna & Patryk have big enough followings to carry them.

Tomorrow night Nick Cannon will announce the acts that are moving on live at 9/8c on NBC. You can vote now here. Read all the judges comments and more details on tonight's AGT semifinal performances on my blog: TV Review.