Who Will Win “America’s Got Talent”?

Thousands of acts gave it their all in the past several months, but only six made it to last night’s finale show on America’s Got Talent. It was the best finale AGT has ever had. It’s the first, and only time, a singer has not made it into this position. That means a whole sleuth of variety performed on America’s biggest stage to vie for the country’s vote to take home $1,000,000 and become a headlining act. Last night we’ve had art, comedy, dogs, dancing and music. I don’t know about you, but I would pay just to see everyone perform together in one show. Still, there must be a winner. It’s going to be a very dramatic results show. Who stood out? Who fell short? Who will win?

Let’s touch upon each act from last night. First up to perform is David Garibaldi & His CYMK’s. Each time he performs, Garibaldi uses his creativity and artistic abilities to take something as simple as painting a picture, and make it into a spectacle. Not once was I bored with his performances. Everyone in the act works together to contribute to the performance and at times we’ve seen elements meshed together to produce a final product (i.e. The Statue of Liberty painting from last week). Garibaldi takes the world of art and catapults it into the 21st century by making it fun, catchy, hip and exciting. He keeps you thinking from start to finish with his creations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2B2SuNiO-Q

Next was Tom Cotter. By far, Cotter is the best comedian AGT has ever had. His timing is impeccable and his material is polished. It’s joke after joke. What Cotter does right is his ability to connect with the audience in some way. Best of all, once he has the audience he never lets go of them. Once again, Cotter’s set was determined by host Nick Cannon rolling a die. Of course, Cotter has practiced a magnitude of sets beforehand, but the unpredictability of the set he’s going to perform in his million dollar performance is risky and exciting. Last night, if you’re childhood wasn’t ruined, it is now thanks to Cotter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWg887MvC3Y

The night then features The Untouchables. I look at them as the surprise act of the season. Here is a dance troupe comprised of a talented group of children that perform as if they’re adults who’ve been doing this for years. Every time they perform, The Untouchables bring with them their charm and energy to dazzle us. They are known for their Latin routines, and last night’s performance seemed a bit off from what they are used to doing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y43-yGQlWA

Next is Joe Castillo. Who would’ve thought sand stories could be so captivating. Throughout the season, Castillo’s acts have been very moving and patriotic. He is able to touch the hearts of many Americans and tell a story. Last night, Castillo paid homage to AGT because of all the support the show has given him. The performance was a bit more upbeat as Castillo began sculpting the AGT crew in those tiny grains of sand. This man has talent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgiCPOqfw9E

Here is William Close and his Earth Harp. Whenever I see this act, the more I want to go out and see it in person. The judges praise the sound and feel when you are sitting in a theatre as he performs. Close added new elements to each of his performance throughout the season, and last night was a culmination of his work. There was even a new instrument, and the spinning drums returned. Close has already proven that he can play a variety of song styles with his instruments. Each performance yielded a standing ovation from the judges and audience. He’s been a favorite here since we’ve first saw him audition, and once again Close delivered.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddSUHBJHWME

Finally, Olate Dogs. Your dog can roll over and fetch? Big deal. These dogs jump, do backflips, roll over, dance, balance and so much more. It never gets old and it just puts a smile on my face. I do admit that we’ve been seeing some recycled moves from previous performances, but they are able to showcase new dogs. The key here is consistency. A trick never failed and these dogs are able to deliver week after week. It’s truly a fun act that anyone can enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRzkxjsaQ-g

As you can see, last night’s show was full of amazing talent. In the end, who do we think deserves that elusive $1,000,000 prize? Again, throughout the entire season, William Close has been our frontrunner. We’ve never seen anything like his Earth Harp before. On television, it sounds amazing. I can only imagine what it sounds like in a large venue in person. That being said, one act began to propel as the competition went on. With each consecutive performance, Tom Cotter was able to meet and exceed expectations. Close was able to introduce new instruments with each progression, but Cotter brings unpredictability and risk to the table with a roulette-style of comedy.

I see both of them easily cracking the top three in tonight’s results show, but I think comedian Tom Cotter is going to take it all. Keep in mind, I’m not saying Close fell short. I do admit that sometimes the stage felt a bit cluttered with accompanying dancers and multiple instruments. Sometimes I just want to hear the Earth Harp, a singer and a bit of percussion in the background. Regardless of tonight’s outcome, I have a feeling all these acts will have success going forward. It has been an amazing season, and quite honestly, the best yet. The addition of Howard Stern joining the crew has given the show  a new feeling; a refreshing feeling. Stern brought with him honesty and integrity to AGT. He took the job seriously and it gave him the opportunity to show a different side to him.

Tell us what you thought about the performances last night. Who do you think will win? The live two-hour finale starts at 8:00 PM ET tonight on NBC.