America's Got Talent

So earlier in the summer, I talked about America's Got Talent and how I found the audition-portion of the show to be rather tedious and boring, especially when they dragged out for so long. I still hold that opinion, but once the voting rounds began, the show became very intriguing to watch. In fact, the season of America's Got Talent that just concluded may be the best in the history of the show. There was such a wide variety of acts this year that it really made the show entertaining and there were many that I could see as the winning act. Unfortunately there's only one winner, however, America picked a decent choice this season.

Michael Grimm was declared the winner of America's Got Talent a few weeks back and he was one of my favorites early on. He's a very bluesy, soulful singer and it's easy to see why he quickly became a favorite. I don't ever recall him being off pitch - even when he was very sick during an episode prior to top four week. He's a great talent and will most likely fare better than season four's winner, Kevin Skinner. I honestly don't even know what he's up to these days, if he's still singing. I do believe that Micheal will fare much better than Kevin did.

As for the remaining three finalists of America's Got Talent, they all have great future's ahead of them. Fighting Gravity, the group of college-aged individuals who perfected their act with black lights, could easily be considered the more deserving winner of America's Got Talent, considering they have a variety act that would fit perfectly in with a Las Vegas show. I mean, does a singing act always have to win? However, no matter the outcome of this season, I honestly believe Fighting Gravity will be fine and will end up with a show in Vegas regardless. Coming in second was probably the best-case scenario for 10-year-old Opera singer Jackie Evancho. I don't necessarily believe having a show in Vegas at such a young age would have benefited her like the three other finalists. She needs to enjoy the rest of her childhood - even though that will likely be difficult despite the fact that she didn't win. She has become a very famous girl with an incredible voice. As for Prince Poppycock, I had a feeling he wouldn't end up winning. He's just too different for mainstream America. He's a true showman and really puts together some entertaining acts. I also believe he'll do quite well where ever he ends up. He's already ended up being on the Tonight Show.

And there we have it, another season of America's Got Talent is in the books. We can all look forward to the new season beginning at the start of next summer. I really enjoy the panel of judges and host Nick Cannon is entertaining and meshes well with everyone. Honestly, I think the producers have it perfect there. I also liked the addition of a YouTube show where acts can audition on YouTube and could wind up appearing during the voting rounds of the show. That's exactly where Jackie Evancho came from and look how far she went. It'll be interesting to see if any changes will be made to the show next year. As long as they are small and make the show even more interesting than it already is, I'm all for it. It's definitely the best and top rated show during the summer, and it's easy to see why.

America's Got Talent

According to overnight ratings since the new season started, America's Got Talent continues to be ranked as the summer's most watched program. I used to be an avid follower of the show. But this year, I am just not that enthusiastic about the program. The show has some serious flaws, yet people keep watching! The ratings seem to be as consistent as they were last year. I compare it to Britain's Got Talent over in the UK, which is a fantastic show. It's a well produced show and the talent really is there. Just look at world sensation Susan Boyle. Yet America's Got Talent just doesn't compare favorably to it. I just can't get into watching a full episode yet this season.

Last season was a down year for the show talent-wise, in my opinion. I thought winner Kevin Skinner was undeserving of the award, however, he was pimped so incredibly hard by the producers that he was an easy pick to win. The judges kept praising his off-key singing. It's not really much of a surprise to see he is not doing any large shows since winning the competition last season. He doesn't even have a professional-looking website. I have not heard any press regarding the Vegas shows that he did and really have not been able to find any information regarding those shows. Did his run end early? Were they canceled by AGT producers because of this underwhelming winner? If I were the producers, I'd be looking long and hard at who I'd be pimping this season. They really need to find a dynamic act that can sustain an audience. Yes, Kevin Skinner had a great back story. That's what America's Got Talent does best; showcases all of the great back stories of each contestants they find most compelling. But in my view, it's not always about the back stories either, and a lot of times they go overboard in bringing up back stories over and over again. Yes, it's great to hear those stories earlier in the season. But it gets old fast in the end.

In my view, the auditions go on for far too long. And I understand the show wants to display as much great/not so great talent that they can. But the auditions seem to go on and on. Why showcase the bad talent when there's plenty of good talent to show off? Why take a similar route like American Idol when they could be different? Condense the auditions and showcase the best of the best. Then let's see how they progress during the voting rounds. As we've seen in previous seasons, some acts may have great auditions but then totally tank once the voting rounds starts. It's all part of these kind of shows.

I may watch bits and piece of the audition rounds, but I doubt I'll be watching entire episodes. There's plenty of websites out there who do recaps of the show anyways. I'll probably start watching the show more regularly once the voting rounds begin. But if the judges and producers start pimping another "talent" like Kevin Skinner again, that may be my last straw with the show. As I said, it's not always about the back story. You actually need to have a talent to do well on this show.