Highlights of "America's Got Talent", Episode 3

An exciting two-hour episode of NBC's "America's Got Talent" was full of laughs, talent, and unmentionables. The first hour of the show produced talent from Houston including three death-defying acts that all made it through to Las Vegas. The second hour had no death-defying acts from Minneapolis, but did have some unique and unusual performances.

Let's take a look at the performances from Houston first and highlight the first hour of entertainment.

Death-Defying Acts

Last night, "America's Got Talent" had three death-defying acts that were all different and all dangerous. We'll get to see each act again as they all made it to the next round.

The Rhinestone Ropers

A two-person team that had the audience and judges out of their seats with knife throwing and gun shooting. It was reminiscent of old-time cowboy acts where a guy would throw knives at a gal who was up against a wall. Piers Morgan called this "top draw entertainment" while Sharon referred to it as traditional old-time entertainment. It'll be interesting to see what they do in Las Vegas.

Sandou Trio Russia Bar

An extraordinary act of flexibility and balance as two men hold a flexible balance beam while their sister entertained us with death-defying acrobats. The beam would bend deeply as she jumped into the air spinning into a couple of somersaults and then land on this bar that bent near to the stage. A lot of trust in the bar and her brothers. An incredible act that received a standing ovation and Piers Morgan called it, "One of the most high risk acts ever".

Darren Taylor or "Professor Splash"

Emcee Nick Cannon had to remind viewers not to try this act at home as we watched this 50 year old dive from 26 ft. up into a small wading pool of water just 12 inches deep. Visibly nervous and sweating, Professor Splash was successful in not breaking any bones as the audience gasped in horror.

Other Highlights

Tanner Edwards

" America's Got Talent" is all about talent of any kind and any age. Tanner is just 6 years old and dances with such flexibility that is both awesome and amazing. Sharon felt Tanner was the "cutest thing we've seen this year", and Nick Cannon joined Tanner onstage for a some dance moves as Nick is apparently Tanner's favorite dancer. We'll see this 6 year old again in Las Vegas.

Dani Shay

Dani Shay has been haunted by Justin Bieber as she looks just like him. As she came onstage, the audience roared as they thought it was Justin Bieber. Dani is 22 years old and told America that she does not look like Justin, he looks like her . She played the guitar and wrote a humorous song about being mistaken for Bieber. Now, we need to see if the Bieber takes notice of Dani and meets her for a duet. Maybe we'll see that happen in Las Vegas.

Daniel Joseph Baker

A very shy 19 year old with red sneakers approached the stage to play keyboard and sing one of Lady GaGa's songs. Piers felt there was a likable strangeness about him, while Howie felt his fierceness. We'll see him again on "America's Got Talent", the Las Vegas edition.

The Tron Guy

The biggest 'no' of this episode was for the Tron Guy, Jay Maynard. Now, Jay calls himself an "internet celebrity" and if you Google him, you will find articles about him. He created his own tight-skinned costume and the vote was a unanimous 'no'.

The Second Hour of "America's Got Talent" in Minneapolis

The second hour was quite entertaining for the judges as Howie and Sharon made it to the show, but Piers was stuck on the tarmac due to a blizzard that Minneapolis was having. The show began without Piers who showed up later and very annoyed.

Echo of Animal Gardens

The first act was a 15 year old parrot named Echo who thrilled us all with his talent of answering questions and singing. A cutesy act, this parrot is going to Las Vegas.

Lys Agn ¨ s

What do you say about an emotional 27 year old from Denver that sang "Av e Maria" beautifully? As the viewing audience heard this woman's story, you couldn't help but feel her pain. Life was going great for her until two years ago, when her fianc©e was killed in a car accident. This was her first time singing since then which hushed the audience and left the judges spellbound. A standing ovation from everyone and both Howie and Sharon described Lys as a "unique package" as they sent her packing to Las Vegas. If Piers had seen this act, he too would've been quite impressed.

Those Funny Little People

Piers Morgan showed up for this act which had people dressed similar to the Seven Dwarfs as they kind of danced and sang onstage. Piers was clearly annoyed about his dilemma getting to the show only to see an act that he clearly felt should not be on "America's Got Talent". Howie and Sharon did vote the act through to the next round which had Piers quite frustrated by the whole thing.

The Silhouettes

A beautiful act from Denver of 38 kids ranging in ages from 9-18 as they projected silhouettes of themselves against a large screen. Well performed, Howie felt it was an amazing concept, and Piers felt it was "one of the most brilliant acts I've seen in a long time". Many will be watching for this act in Las Vegas.

Quickie 'No's'

As usual on "America's Got Talent", there were lots of rejections such as Sid Yiddish, Gasmask 90 Seconds, and a weird acupuncture type of act from Miss Cherrie Jubilee. A unanimous 'No" went to Walt Winston who claims he has written seventy #1 singles over the years. He sang "Truck Drivers Aren't Supposed To Cry" and was buzzed off the stage.

The Kinetic King

The last act of the entire two-hour show was from Tim Ford who calls himself a '"purveyor of gadgets" as he sets a chain reaction with gadgets. Complete with helmet, he had a weird yet impressive act that the judges felt should be seen again. This is a must-see act that is entertaining and we'll get a chance to see him again. Tim said that if he won the million dollars on "America's Got Talent", he'd buy a mansion on Kauai, have some playmates, and watch Buster Keaton movies. Who could argue with that?

Source: NBC's "America's Got Talent"; June 9, 2011

Image Credit: Microsoft Clip Art