Season 5

Live from Hollywood -- it's the season finale of "America's Got Talent" where host Nick Cannon will reveal who America has chosen to win the $1 million prize and a headlining show in Las Vegas. Special guest stars from Las Vegas and Hollywood will perform throughout the night.

The winner of this season of America's Got Talent is announced.

The top 4 perform for a chance to be crowned the winner of this season of America's Got Talent.

The result show taking the top 10 down to the top 4.

If you thought all that talk of semifinals the past two weeks meant this week was the Americas Got Talent finals, guess again. Why stop now, when we could stretch this season out for another week? The Top 10 competed for Americas vote Tuesday night, and this time around there would be no judges choice. The vote will determine everything this time, and the top four vote-getters will compete next week for the $1 million grand prize. Judge Piers Morgan threw down the gauntlet, saying that the acts had to be absolutely perfect tonight. Studio One Young Beast Society: The young, reckless dance crew, which focuses on its tricks when choreographing its routines, said they were trying tricks on Tuesday that theyd never done before. There were some tremendous flips that got the crowd on its feet. What a start, Piers said, adding that he really liked that the group got more ambitious every time on stage. He called it a brilliant performance. Sharon said their passion and ambition shows and loved that theyve really pushed themselves. Christina & Ali: The sisters said their supportive parents were the reason they were able to make it to the Top 10, and they promised to step it up by doing a song with a good beat. Sharon said she loved them, and praised Christina for hitting some of her big notes. She said she could tell the sisters really enjoyed their performance. Howie said he loved them, too, but wondered if their very nice, enjoyable act could stand up to the death-defying stunts that some of the other performers are doing. Piers said theyd blossomed into these natural entertainers. He again said they werent the best singers, but that they bring a little bit more than just singing to the competition. Jeremy VanSchoonhoven: Jeremy said that his fall during last weeks rehearsals was the worst of his life, and added that he hadnt had another chance to ride his bike until he went on stage live. He dedicated his performance to his wife, Melissa. Piers said that Jeremy was either going to win, or die trying. He went even bigger, climbing his bike up and down and over obstacles. Howie said he wondered how Jeremy could follow up last weeks performance, but said this was amazing. Piers wondered, What do you say? He guaranteed one thing: Nobody is a crowd pleaser like Jeremy. Sharon said her stomach was in knots every time he performs, and that he gets more and more confident with every performance. Taylor Mathews: The singer said music helped him overcome some shyness in his youth. Piers said in the intro that Taylor isnt the best singer in the Top 10, but he could become the best performer. He did an upbeat version of What a Wonderful World. Piers asked who chose the song and arrangement, and Taylor said he did it himself. Piers then called it Taylors best performance. Sharon said Taylor was so clever in making his own arrangement on the song. Howie agreed, and said Taylor was back in the running, as he had been earlier in the competition. Anna & Patryk: The young ballroom dancers said they were so lucky to be in the Top 10. They started upbeat routine with a timed walk down some steps while holding masks over their faces. Anna took a spills down the steps, but powered through the rest of the routine without incident. She started to cry a bit as soon as the dance was done, and Sharon asked if she was alright. When Anna said she was fine, Sharon said it was the sign of a true professional. The crowd cheered. Sharon said it happens to everyone, and that she shouldnt get down on herself. Howie told her not to cry, and that she was wonderful, and that millions of people at home wish they had a fraction of her talent. Piers said he understood she was crying because it seemed like things couldnt get any worse, and the fact that she got up as if nothing had happened is what being a star is all about. Be our guest: A rare performance-night guest appearance came from Enrique Iglesias, who performed I Like It. Fighting Gravity: The Virginia Tech frat guys who dropped out of school for the semester to focus on the competition, said they based Tuesdays performance on an epic moment in Americas history. Howie just said, Wow, as usual. He said they surprised the judges again, and said it was amazing that they came up with this routine in a couple of days. Piers said the act seemed to get bigger and more surprising every time out. He said theyd all taken a big risk, and that their act is the one that says to me, Las Vegas. Sharon, as shes done before, put them next in the sequence among Cirque du Soleil and The Blue Man Group. Michael Grimm: The singer and guitarist said everything in his life has been hard. He said his grandmother is the talk of the town in his Mississippi home. His grandparents were going to be in the audience, and he didnt want to blow it. For the first time, he was going to perform without his guitar. Piers said Michaels performance showed his confidence, and that it was perfectly executed. Sharon commented on what a difference losing the guitar made to his performance. Howie agreed, and said that he saw Michael connecting with the audience more than in the past. Michael Grasso: The illusionist, who made his comeback after being a wild-card choice, said he wanted to perform for his family, which has supported him his whole life. Michael did another bait and switch move with a couple of assistants. Sharon said Michael delivers every single week. She said she really hopes hell go through. Howie crowned Michael the king of magic. He demanded to know how the trick was done. Piers said America has an impossible job tonight because of the talent involved. Prince Poppycock: Prince Poppycock, in regular clothing, said his moms support has meant the world to him, and its been nice to show her that maybe he wasnt so crazy. He said Tuesdays performance was Poppycocks love letter back to America for getting him into the Top 10. Howie said he didnt know if that was what the forefathers had in mind, but... Poppycock is a show. He said it was truly a spectacle, truly unique, and there are no words to describe what you do. Piers agreed, and said he was rendered temporarily speechless. Sharon said there was no end to Poppycock. Jackie Evancho: The 10-year-old opera queen from Pittsburgh said she really wanted to make her family proud. She unleashed her angelic voice on the crowd, this time backed by a small choir. Piers made it all about him, saying that, when you hit those high notes, I knew that in 40 years time -- if Im still alone -- I will be now known as the guy who helped discover Jackie Evancho. Sharon said it was heavenly. She added, Its one of those performances that I will never, ever forget. Howie asked Jackie if shed ever swallowed a grown-up, because it sounds like she did. Howie then said it was honor to be here on the night that youre singing in front of Piers Morgan.

With just five spots left in the top 10, the 12 semifinalists who performed Tuesday night on Americas Got Talent would learn their fate in Wednesdays results show. Host Nick Cannon got straight to some results. To the results: Nick called singer Debra Romer, illusionists Michael Grasso and Murray, and singer Nathaniel Kenyon to the stage. Piers said that any one of the four, in previous years, would have had a place in the final. But the talent level is higher this year. He said Debra isnt quite finished, and Nathaniel didnt have a great performance. He said the two magicians are great, but Murray fell a little flat on Tuesday, and Michael stood out. The act moving into the next round was ... Michael Grasso. Piers said he was very happy and that it was great to see a wild-card act get into the Top 10. Be our guests: The cast of the Las Vegas show, Le Reve, stopped by to offer a sampling of the epic production. Later, singer Jason Derulo paid a visit to sing his new single, Ridin Solo. Back to the results: Fighting Gravity and bike stuntman Jeremy VanSchoonhoven were called to the stage. Between the two acts on stage, Sharon said she was confused and said they both deserved to move on. Nick announced the act moving into the Top 10 was ... BOTH! The Fighting Gravity guys quickly went over to Jeremy and included him in their group celebration. Next, Nick called dancer Haspop, little opera singer Jackie Evancho, and pianist Maestro Alexander Bui to the stage. To no ones surprise, Nick announced that the act moving to the next round was Jackie Evancho. Piers asked her what shed spend her $1 million on if she were to win, and she said she wasnt sure, but probably something for the animals. Finally, Nick called the final three acts to the stage: Studio One Young Beast Society, aerialists Michael Lipari & Ashleigh Dejon, and singer Alice Tan Ridley. The first act out was Michael Lipari & Ashleigh Dejon. That left Studio One Young Beast Society and Alice Tan Ridley, with the judges making the final call. For her part, Alice said she should move on because shes older and only has a few years left. One of Studio Ones dancers said the judges know how hard theyve worked and they can be sure that they wont be let down. Piers said this was the cruelest moment of the entire season, and said it would be heartbreaking for one of them. He told Alice it was her bad fortune that there are so many good singers in the competition. He told Studio One Young Beast Society they were great. He said he was going with the act who made him feel like it should really be in the Top 10: Studio One. Sharon said Alices performance Tuesday was sensational. She told the dancers they have great enthusiasm and that they were great role models for the youth of America. Sharon finally decided she was going to put Studio One Young Beast Society through. With two votes, the process was done and Alice Tan Ridley was sent packing -- one spot shy of the Top 10. The Top 10: Studio One Young Beast Society (dancers) Fighting Gravity (black-light enthusiasts) Jeremy VanSchoonhoven (biker stuntman) Jackie Evancho (10-year-old opera singer) Michael Grasso (illusionist/magician) Christina & Ali (singers) Taylor Mathews (singer-guitarist) Prince Poppycock (opera singer) Ana & Patryk (12-year-old ballroom dancers) Michael Grimm (singer-guitarist)

The next batch of Americas Got Talent semifinalists each had 90 seconds to impress the judges and America in an effort to remain in the million-dollar competition. Host Nick Cannon wasted no time in getting to the action. Alice Tan Ridley: The former New York subway singer, and mother of Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe, vowed to give it her all because she knew the opportunity in her hands at the age of 57. She said Whitney Houstons I Have Nothing. Piers Morgan said that in a big year for singers, Alice gave an incredibly strong performance. Sharon Osbourne said it had been so long since Ive heard that song sung that way. She said she had goosebumps, and said, from one 57-year-old to another, Alice looked fabulous. Howie said Alice has touched the heart of America. Haspop: The French street dancer who left his family behind to follow his dream, was intent to tell more stories through his dancing, and thats what Sharon said she wanted to see. It was an odd little scene, in which Haspop did some give-and-take with action on the screen behind him. Piers buzzed him near the end. Sharon said she respected the way he tried to step up the sophistication of the performance, but somehow it didnt work for me. Howie disagreed, and said there werent a lot of dancers that could do what he did, and that the video brought it to a whole new level. Piers said it was all a little bit over my head and said he would have preferred to see Haspop dance more rather than see some guy on the screen behind him. Maestro Alexander Bui: The piano whiz said it was the best feeling he ever had when he learned he was still in the competition. This week, he promised hed bring a combination of classical style and pop music. Howie buzzed him about halfway through. Howie tried to explain himself while Piers wondered, How could you do that? Howie said Alexanders talent was unquestioned, but its apples and oranges in comparison to the other acts in the competition. Piers called Howie an ignoramus. Piers said that Alexander was one of the most brilliant performers weve had. Sharon said it was the most difficult piece to play and said it was very exciting. Howie was booed again when he said it just wasnt as exciting as other acts. Michael Lipari & Ashleigh Dejon: The aerial dancers who shocked everyone with their last performance said they were going to try to win Americas hearts this time. Their intense routine, which featured them in angelic roles in the clouds pleading for each others love. Piers said there werent any big stunts, but he wondered whether they were needed at all because he really liked the performance. Sharon agreed and said she really loved it. Howie said it was scary and his heart was racing as he wanted them picking each other up. Howie said he knew Piers didnt get it, but Im a cultural ignoramus and I think it was great. Michael Grasso: The cool illusionist who stunned the judges with his most recent performance, talked about having had three kidney transplants -- one from his mother and two from different cousins. He pulled another switcheroo with an assistant in a covered cage. Sharon thought it was sensational and asked, How on Earth do you do that?! Howie said he loved magic and said it was fabulous. Piers said Michael was an interesting one, and that he has something going with the act. You are becoming a world-class magic act right in front of us, Piers added. Debra Romer: The young, blond singer whod run away from home at 17 and said her dream was to not wait tables. In her intro package, she recalled the day she left and cried. She wanted to show people she was strong. She sang To Make You Feel My Love. Howie said it was nice, but wasnt as moved as he would like to have been. Then, he was booed again, and reminded the crowd that he was a cultural ignoramus. Piers agreed with Howie and said that even though Debra has come along way, it didnt wow him the way other acts had. Sharon said she wanted to see something that was larger than life, and that Debra had to light up this stage, and tonight you didnt. Studio One Young Beast Society: The only remaining dance crew remaining in the competition said they wanted to be where the Jabbawockees have come, with a show in Vegas. They vowed to bring more tricks than ever. They did it, and earned a standing ovation. Piers said, That is what entertaining is all about. He said they proved what you can do when you put the hours in. Sharon also loved it and said America would love it, too. Howie agreed with everyone and said he loved the energy and the recklessness with which they danced. He then said his only criticism was with their name, saying it wasnt catchy enough. It should be Studio Two Young Beast Society. Jeremy VanSchoonhoven: The bike stuntman said he auditioned for the showing after having known ventriloquist Terry Fator from when theyd done shows together. He was worried he hadnt had enough time to practice. In rehearsal, he took a big fall -- the worst hed suffered in six years. He went to the hospital to get checked out. He made it to the show, though. He got tripped up on one of his smaller tricks early in the routine, but he pushed through and made it to the big finale without a buzz. Then, from the top of what had to be a 20-foot platform, he hopped down, keeping one wheel in the air while landing on a log. Sharon loved it and, after getting a rundown of Jeremys injuries, she said, Evel Knievel has nothing on you. She asked America to vote for him. Howie said Sharon sounded like she was running a telethon for Jeremy. Piers said Jeremys perseverance after the big fall in rehearsals and the small mistake at the start during the live show was remarkable. Most people would have given up, Piers said. Nathaniel Kenyon: The singer said he was motivated by his family, which needs him to support it. Piers buzzed him about halfway through. Howie said the audience likes Nathaniel and he has the package to be a pop star, but its not as exciting as other things weve seen. Piers said all the judges and the crowd like him, however, tonights been an incredible semifinal and he couldnt justify giving Nathaniel a place in the top 10 based on too many missed notes. Sharon said, luckily for Nathaniel, Piers doesnt have to decide because its up to Amerca. She said the young girls were going to love him. Murray: The illusionist said he came from a family of railway workers, and his act tonight would be a tribute to his family. He said it was the largest trick ever done on the show, and that he didnt think there was enough room in the top 10 for two illusionists. He made a 24-foot, steel train disappear. Piers said he was a little bored by the chatter (Murray spoke while the train was disappearing). Sharon said it was fantastic, and that even David Copperfield hadnt done anything as spectacular. Howie called Sharon out on that bit of hyperbole. Jackie Evancho: The 10-year-old opera singing sensation said she felt like shed won a Grammy the night she wowed the crowd with her voice and they gave her a standing ovation. She did it again and the crowd responded just the same. Sharon had to give her comments over the screaming crowd, and she told Jackie that her life will never be the same again because her voice is going to take her all over the world. Howie said Jackie was like an angel from another planet. He called her singing unbelievable. Piers said, This is why we do these shows, noting hes judges thousands of acts and a lot were terrible and some are quite talented. But we have got, in you, a superstar. Fighting Gravity: The group of frat guys from Virginia Tech said they had to make the decision to take the semester off of school to focus on the competition. They were adding props, scenes and a story to their act. They blew the crowd away again. Howie called them one of his favorite acts, if not his favorite. He said they were the only act that could follow Jackie. Piers agreed with Howie, and said their act was so original and fresh. He said it feels bigger and better every time. He said the American people have got to vote. Sharon said the act is so cool, and it is for all age groups.

Wednesday night meant it was time to learn which contestants on Americas Got Talent would retain a chance to get into the top 10 and remain in contention for the $1 million grand prize and which would go home. Host Nick Cannon asked judge Piers Morgan whether the judges were being more critical in the semifinals, and Piers said it was business time. Nick called for the first group of acts to join him on stage. To the results: He called on electric band ArcAttack, magician Dan Sperry, kid dancers Future Funk, and singer Kristina Young. Asked to assess the group, Howie apologized to Kristina for buzzing her, but said her singing was off key. He also pointed out that Dans illusion looked choppy and fell flat. The act moving to the next round was ... no one. Nick seemed as shocked as everyone on stage after delivering the news that none of the acts on stage were moving on. Piers said he was surprised. He thought ArcAttack deserved a shot, and he thought Future Funk showed enough charm to move on. Be our guest: Recycled Percussion, the popular group from last season that bangs on buckets and garbage cans. They pushed their new live show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, starting Aug. 30. Next, Jimmy Fallon served up a bit of stand-up comedy, doing impressions of various comedians 10 seconds at a time. Later, Kylie Minogue paid a visit to perform her new song, Get Out of My Way. Back to the results: Rock-climbing dancers Ascendance and ballroom dancing youngsters Anna & Patryk were the next acts called to the stage. This time, there was no twist. The first act moving on to the next round was ... Anna & Patryk. Anna thanked everyone for voting and thanked Piers, especially, for bringing them back as a wild card. Sharon said America made the right decision and agreed that Piers did get it right. Next, Nick called for singer-guitarists Michael Grimm and Taylor Mathews, and operatic singer Prince Poppycock. Howie said, Unless youre going to trick us again, theres too much talent. Nick announced that the act going into the top 10 was ... all three. Sharon said she was so scared before Nick made the announcement, worried that they couldnt lose any of the three. Illusionist Antonio Restivo, singing sisters Christina & Ali, and indoor kite flyer Connor Doran were next up on the stage. Nick announced that Antonio was the next act knocked out of the competition. Antonio looked stunned, but said he was thankful for the opportunity. That left Connor Doran and Christina & Ali to vie for the final spot in the next round. Piers said he thought Antonio deserved to move on, but he knew why Connor and Christina & Ali were up there instead. Piers said that Christina & Ali's combination of personality and good voices made him lean toward them. Howie said he loves the variety the show offers, and for that reason, he was voting for Connor. That left the deciding vote to Sharon, who said she wished it wasnt up to her. She said the choice was whether to break two hearts or one, and she chose to break just one. She voted for Christina & Ali, knocking Connor Doran out of the competition.

The semifinals on Americas Got Talent were finally upon us Tuesday night as 12 acts got a shot at the top 10. Anna & Patryk: Nick didnt waste much time (beyond the overblown judges introductions) getting to the action and introduced the young ballroom dancers. The promised to bring an angrier side of them as they performed the paso doble. Piers said they behaved like stars. He said he was going to have a very firm view of all the acts on Tuesday, and he said they were the two most talented dancers in this competition, bar none. Sharon said their performance was perfection, as usual. Howie apologized if his past comments have made it seem like he didnt like them. He agreed that they were perfect and that this week they didnt creep him out. Christina & Ali: The singing sisters who have cystic fibrosis were ready to take on a big song in an effort to impress the judges and voters. They took on Whitney Houstons When You Believe. Sharon said their performance got stronger since the last time they performed, and she refused to say anything negative because theyre just too lovely. Howie agreed with Sharon that they were getting stronger. But he said that, at this level in the competition, the other acts are doing things that are spectacular and he wasnt sure where theyd fall among the group. Piers admitted, It wasnt great. He said they werent the best singers, but they were likable and inspiring. Antonio Restivo: The pyromaniac illusionist said he was here to win, period, and brought forth his toughest trick yet. Howie said it was so Vegas it almost makes him laugh at the campiness. But the illusion was solid. Piers said he liked Antonios act and appreciated that it got bigger every time Antonio hit the stage. He said Antonio is one of the rare magicians on the show who brings a top-level performance. Sharon mostly wanted to know what its like at Antonios house when he barbecues. Future Funk: The adorable little hip-hop dancers were primed to bring their A game for the biggest competition in the world. Piers buzzed them about two-thirds of the way through the performance, which started with a rap. He said, If this was called Americas Got Cute Dancers you would win. But its not. He said he was comparing them to Anna & Patryk, and, for now, he didnt think it was good enough to get through. Sharon said they were cute and needed their own little sitcom. Howie said they might get by on their cuteness. Taylor Mathews: The singing guitarist who was inspired by his dad said he was planning on doing something unexpected -- playing the piano. He said it was way out of his comfort zone. He took on Carolina Liars Show Me What Im Looking For. Sharon liked that Taylor was so natural and is just himself on stage. Howie said he was wowed by Taylor in the first audition, but that he didnt do anything Tuesday that people would remember. Piers said he could tell Taylor was feeling the pressure of the competition. He wanted Taylor to get back to the person he was in the first audition. Connor Doran: The indoor kite flying whiz whose hobby helps control his epilepsy said he was anxious and nervous about trying to prepare for the semifinals with limited time. Howie wanted to see him step up his act. Piers buzzed him halfway through, and explained that his act is heavily dependent on the music choice, and Piers didnt like the pop song Connor used. Howie agreed and said he didnt think Connors act goes with pop music. Sharon asked Connor if he was OK, and after he assured her he was, she said he was fabulous. She said she enjoyed how he mixed up the music. Dan Sperry: The twisted magician who sent Howie jumping out of his seat the last time he performed. Sperry said he intended to push America over the line that theyre comfortable with. Using Nick as a volunteer, he pretended to saw Nicks arm off, tattoo his signature into the sawed off limb, and then reattach it. Piers buzzed Dan and called it the most pathetic trick hed ever seen. He also called him out on using a fake arm that didnt even try to be convincing. Dan tried to say his magic was sometimes less about being convincing and more about imagination. Sharon loved his robot lady assistant. Howie said he loved Dans character and he wanted Dan to be more about his character. Kristina Young: The YouTube singer said that, until now, her great-grandmother has been her biggest fan. She said she was recently reunited with her dad, with whom shed had a falling out three years ago and hadnt seen since. She tried a jazzed up version of Lady Gagas Poker Face. Seeming nervous and a bit out of tune, she was buzzed, first by Piers, then Sharon and finally Howie. Sharon said she should have even attempted a Gaga song at this point. She said it was really wrong. Howie said her rendition of the song was comical and reminded him of a Bill Murray nightclub singer bit on Saturday Night Live. Piers praised her for taking a risk, even though it didnt work, and he told her not to give up. ArcAttack: The electric rock band -- like, seriously, they use electricity to make sound -- forced the show to move to another studio because of the danger level. Howie said that what they do doesnt play well on television. He said it might be a little boring on television, but its intense in person and people would vote if they could see it live. Piers said theyd had a fairly average semifinal, and ArcAttack had an act he could being very successful. Sharon called them a weird group of geeks and told them to step up the performance art aspect of their routine. Michael Grimm: The guitarist and singer said he was close to quitting before Americas Got Talent came along. He fell ill shortly before the performance. He went to the doctor and needed IV fluids because of dehydration. Piers was glad that, at last, there was an act that showed talent and an ability and desire to win. Sharon praised Michael for engaging with the audience and told him to take it up a notch again the next time she sees him. Howie said hed been waiting all night for a moment, and they were waiting for Michael. Ascendance: The rock-climbing group, led by a husband-and-wife team, said they stepped up the pace and the timing for this round. Piers buzzed them about halfway through. Sharon said she didnt like the music and said it was lacking that spark of danger that they usually had. Howie said he thought it was lacking because they picked up the tempo. Piers said that for the first time he found it boring and said he wasnt feeling it. Prince Poppycock: The operatic singer said he grew up always feeling out of place, and that Americas support in the competition made him feel like they were creating a place for him to belong. He gave his take on Queens Bohemian Rhapsody. Howie said this was his night and that Prince Poppycock brought it home. Piers said he didnt think anyone could outcamp Freddie Mercury, but he did. Sharon called Prince Poppycock the male Lady Gaga.

The final four spots in the Americas Got Talent semifinals were -- finally! -- ready to be claimed Wednesday night after 12 wild-card contestants got a second chance to prove themselves. To the results: Host Nick Cannon didnt waste any time getting some contestants on stage to learn their fates. He called Kruti Dance Academy, Michael Grasso, Swing Shift Sideshow and Rudi Macaggi to the stage. The act moving into the next round is ... Michael Grasso. Sharon was pleased and told Michael to keep raising the game. Bigger is better. Be our guest: Illusionist Criss Angel paid a visit to plug his show at the Luxor in Vegas, and performed two tricks. One was a record-breaking attempt at Harry Houdinis infamous straight-jacket escape. Houdini did it in five minutes, but Criss tried to get it done in one minute, hanging upside down -- and succeeded. He next did a bit where he was locked in a box, and quickly switched places with his assistant, where, after a flash, he was standing on the box and she was inside it. Later, Leann Rimes showed up in a two-piece bathing suit (seriously) to perform her new song, Swingin, in the theme of a beach party. Back to the results: Nick next called the Hot Shot Tap Dancers, RNG and Anna & Patryk to the stage. Piers said how pleased he was with himself and his own choice of Anna & Patryk, claiming they deserved a spot in the semifinals. He was right. Theyre in. Next, Howie called rapper CJ Dippa and indoor kite-flyer Connor Doran to the stage. The act moving into the semifinals was Connor Doran. Howie said he was proud of Connor and noted that hes Howard Sterns favorite act. Finally, Nick asked Doogie Horner, Michael Lapari & Ashleigh Dejon, and Harmonica Pierre to the stage. The first act of the three to leave the competition was Doogie Horner, who promptly revealed a T-shirt he said he made for no reason. It read, Americas Got Doogie. Piers made a joke of selecting Harmonica Pierre because he was his own wild-card choice, but he said he really believed Harmonica Pierre was better and deserved the vote. Sharon voted for her choice, Michael & Ashleigh. Howie, the tiebreaking vote, apologized to Harmonica Pierre for buzzing him, saying that was intended for Piers and not for Pierre. He praised both acts, but said he had to go with his gut and vote for the act he thought people would pay to see in Vegas, and that was Michael & Ashleigh.

In an apparent effort to make this the longest summer season of television ever, Americas Got Talent busted out another gimmick to prolong the quarterfinal round of the competition. With 20 semifinalists having already been chosen (16 from the original batch of 48 quartefinalists, plus the four YouTube qualifiers from last week), the judges brought back their favorite 12 performers who have not already secured a place in the semifinals for one last shot (we think) at moving on to the next round. (Indeed, this season of Americas Got Talent will contain 32 episodes, which is longer, by far, than any other season. Last season had 26 episodes. Season 1, for some perspective, contained 16 episodes. Yes, thats half of Season 5.) This week, each judge selected four of the unlucky quarterfinalists who came just a bit short of securing a spot in the semis. Piers Morgan chose dancers Anna and Patryk, comedian Doogie Horner, Kruti Dance Academy and Harmonica Pierre. Sharon Osbourne brought back dance crew RNG, daredevil Rudi Macaggi, aerial performers Michael Lipari and Ashleigh Dejon, and illusionist Michael Grasso. Howie wanted to see Swing Shift Sideshow, indoor kite flyer Connor Doran, The Hot Shot Tap Dancers and kid rapper CJ Dippa. Kruti Dance Academy: The uptempo, high-precision group of Bollywood dancers made the most of their second chance (they actually never made it out of the Las Vegas round). Piers loved their performance and said his decision to bring them back was justified. He said he wanted to bring them through in Vegas, but Sharon and Howie overruled him. Sharon said that America is more open than ever to Indian dance and culture, and they could now rival the River Dance. Howie said he somewhat agreed, but wondered whether their act is wow. He wasnt sure that they rose to the level, which Piers called rubbish. Rudi Macaggi: Rudi said being sent home was like a dream crashing down. He thought that maybe his quarterfinal stunt was too intense and might have made people uncomfortable. Sharon wanted to see him again, and Rudi vowed to do something totally different. He took most of his time setting the stunt, which was a backflip in which he caught his feet in a small trapeze-like apparatus -- and he did it blindfolded. Piers buzzed him as soon as he completed the trick. Sharon praised his technique and timing, but she said he took too long to get to the one trick. Howie, quoting Rudi, reminded Sharon that you cant rush into the realm of genius. He said Rudis last stunt was more spectacular. Piers said the danger level was low compared to his previous stunt (risking just breaking his neck this time rather than risking losing his head, as he did last time). CJ Dippa: The young rapper thought his dream was over when he was cut. Howie said he was surprised at CJs exit. He said he wrote a rap for a girl from one of the competitions dance crews, Studio One. He said he was going to ask her out if he moves on to the next round. About two-thirds of the way through, Piers buzzed him. CJ was disappointed with his own performance, saying he didnt feel like he gave it his all. Howie agreed, saying it wasnt as polished as you can possibly be. Piers praised CJ for admitting he fell short, then said CJ was a bit too gimmicky with the props, gold chains, and the rest. He encouraged CJ to be himself. Sharon thought it was CJs best song, so far, and she loved the props and the look. RNG: Ousted at the judges choice in the quarterfinals, RNG got a second chance thanks to Sharon. The dancers vowed to give it everything we have and get back to their hip-hop roots, rather than trying the stunts they performed in the quarterfinals. Piers buzzed them about two-thirds of the way through. Toward the end of the routine, Howies voice, from his original critique of the group, in which he said they were more like a dance recital. At the end, one of the lead dancers threw a mean face at him (apparently as part of the act, but Howie looked scared). Sharon said she was happy she brought them back, the performance was strong and she loved the attitude toward Howie. Howie admitted he was scared, then he said the dancers are phenomenal, but he wondered whether they could compete against some of the shows best. Then he said he didnt think so, but he reiterated that they were great. Piers said Howie was trying to have it both ways. He said he wouldnt tell them they were phenomenal, as Howie did, because he didnt think they were. Harmonica Pierre: Americas new favorite harmonica player said he went back to watchmaking after he was ousted. He said he had something to prove and now had to up his game. He took on Lady Gagas Alejandro. Howie buzzed him before he even started, but it seemed to be an accident, because the red X was wiped away as Harmonica Pierre played. Howie clarified that he and Sharon agreed to buzz Piers pick immediately, but Sharon ditched him. Piers said his choice was great and that Pierre stormed the show. Howie said he didnt think Pierre had a chance to win it. Sharon said Pierre made her smile, but she didnt think he could sell out arenas. Piers complained that Sharon was applying inaccurate criteria. Michael Grasso: Michael went a bit too basic back in Las Vegas, but Sharon brought him back for another shot because she couldnt forget him. Howie wanted to see something from Michael that was made for the Vegas stage. Michael said hed bring more danger and show America something theyve never seen before. He stuffed an assistant into a box, lit it on fire as her hand was sticking out of it. He blasted the box, then revealed the assistant, and another one! Sharon loved it, saying he justified her pick. Howie said it was the first performance of the night that was up to where it should be at this point in the competition. Piers said Michael proved a miracle by showing that Sharon does know something about talent. Piers said that in a crowded field of great magicians, Michael just opened up the field. The Hot Shot Tap Dancers: Howie brought back to the sibling dance group, thinking they used too much of their quarterfinal performance on storytelling and props, rather than focusing on the dancing. Piers buzzed them about halfway through. Howie said it was a little muddy and it was four people just dancing, and he admitted he got a little bored. Piers agreed and said it was boring. He said he wished it would have been better. Sharon said she enjoys the group every time, but there was something missing. She realized that they danced too much as a team, but one of them had to come forward and stand out. Doogie Horner: After weeks of criticizing him, Piers brought back Doogie Horner -- a guy he couldnt stand until his most recent performance. Doogie brought a string of Americas Got Talent-centric humor, referring to various other acts from the competition. Piers claimed Howie didnt want to bring Doogie back, which Howie said was not true. Howie clarified that Howie wanted to bring Doogie back, but Piers had already claimed him. Sharon said Doogie was a very weird little man but hes funny. Howie said Doogie was in the moment and was in character, and said America was going to love him. Connor Doran: The indoor kite-flying teen who says his hobby helps him control his epilepsy was given a second chance by Howie. He said he was going to try something new for his second-chance performance. He started with a single kite, as hed done before, but then pulled out a second one and flew them parallel to each other. Howie gave a standing ovation and said, Need I say more? Connor told Piers he felt amazing, and Piers said he should feel amazing. He said there was something very magical about the way Connor does his thing. Sharon said she was in awe of the way he was able to move his kites to the music. Anna & Patryk: The young ballroom dancers said they were shocked to have been asked back to the show. Piers said he brought them back because they were the most talented dancers in the competition. Piers said they were great, especially for being 12 years old, and said they were dancing to a level that hasnt been seen on the show. Sharon praised their coordination and timing. Howie agreed that they were good, but that ballroom dancing is about the art of being seductive and it creeped him out a little seeing 12 year olds act seductively. Michael Lapari & Ashleigh Dejon: Booted in the Las Vegas round after they ran into some trouble on their aerial acrobatics routine. This time, they wanted to make up for it and add a new element of danger with a full release-and-catch sequence. Halfway through their routine, Ashleigh appeared to fall from the rope, but it was part of the routine as she and Michael both rose from a pit that was assembled on stage. They emerged bound together and finished the routine with flair and passion. Sharon said it was edgy and exciting. Howie said it was amazing and scary. Piers said he was relieved Ashleigh wasnt dead, and he wasnt expecting the trick. Swing Shift Sideshow: The self-proclaimed daring circus carnival freaks had to drop out of the competition for personal reasons after having been invited to Vegas, but the wild card brought them back. Sharon buzzed them after a dart-blowing gimmick. Piers buzzed them shortly thereafter, following a sword-swallowing bit. The crowd gasped as the sword-swallowing got more intense. Howie said people would either love it or hate it. Piers thought it was quite revolting. Sharon said she appreciated it as an art form, but its not my thing.

The night after a pretty terrible experiment -- the YouTube Special -- host Nick Cannon did everything he could to entice viewers to stay tuned, including teasing us about another twist that would be announced later in the show. Sharon Osbourne said the show took a risk, stopping short of calling it a failure. She instead chose to focus on some of the magical moments she said happened. To the results: Nick called for the first handful of acts to come to the stage: Accordion playing dog Pup, pizza dough juggler Pizza Patt, pianist Maestro Alexander Bui and comedian Austin Anderson. Sharon said she couldnt decide who America had chosen. After the seemingly obvious choice (from that bunch, anyway) of Maestro Alexander Bui was announced, Piers said he was baffled by Sharons hesitation. He said Alexander was the only true talent on the stage, standing among a guy whos not funny, a dog that didnt play the accordion, and a bloke who chucks pizzas in the air. He then encouraged Alexander to play a more recognizable classical piece next week. Be our guest: In continuing the YouTube theme of the week, the AGT stage welcomed back Quick Change, the wardrobe changing wonders who burned up the viral video site with more than 21 million views of their original Talent performance. Next, motivational-speaker-turned-YouTube sensation Judson Laipply brought his Evolution of Dance to the stage. Later, Taiwanese TV singing contestant Lin Yu Chun paid a visit to perform his rendition of Whitney Houstons I Will Always Love You, which has topped 10 million views on YouTube. Back to the results: Nick called the next group of acts -- kid dancer Dylan Plummer, dark illusionist Dan Sperry and dancer Booker Forte -- to the stage. The act that moved on was Dan Sperry, and the announcement sent Howie back into the rafters. Dan thanked America for responding in such a positive way to his act that he acknowledges is dark and can put off a lot of people. Later, Nick called dancer/mover Ryan Rodriguez and 10-year-old operatic singer Jackie Evancho to the stage with one spot in the semifinals on the line. Jackie moved on, sending Ryan home. Howie said he was delighted, but that people have asked him since Tuesday night whether Jackies voice was real. To prove it, he asked her to sing an impromptu note, which she did. Finally, Nick called for PLUtonic, Cam Hodges and Kristina Young. The first act leaving the competition was PLUtonic. That meant the decision over who stays between Cam and Kristina was left to the judges. Howie said he liked them both, but had to go with his gut and his gut said Cam was he bigger star with the most potential. Sharon said Kristina was very viable as an artist, so she picked Kristina. Piers had the tiebreaking vote and said he had to take a bet on one of the singers in guessing which of them could go the furthest. He said the act he suspected could deliver better than last night was Kristina, so he picked her. Nick finally announced the twist, which is that next weeks episode is a wild card show in which some of the judges and Americas favorites will return for another shot at the semifinals.

Nick Cannon took to his laptop webcam to introduce the YouTube special episode of Americas Got Talent. Twelve finalists who were voted onto the show based on audition videos they posted of themselves on YouTube, and given a chance to make it into the shows semifinals and compete for the $1 million grand prize. Piers Morgan said this was the most unpredictable show that could be expected on this show, and Howie said it was a chance to someone to make it big based on a homemade video, a la Paris Hilton -- although this is a little different type of talent. PLUtonic: A geeky brigade of a cappella singers who met at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU, get it?) in Tacoma, Wash., took on Flo Ridas Low. Piers said that if Bill Gates ever formed a band, thats what it would look like. He thought they were funny, well done and there was something about them was really likable. Sharon Osbourne said their performance was good and showed confidence, but she hates a cappella groups. Howie said they were talented and entertaining. He said people would go see something like this. Dylan Plummer: A jump-rope artist from Cincinnati who brings the childhood hobby to a new level with flips and trucks. He suffered an injury during rehearsals, but showed no effects. Sharon said his transition from performing at school to the Hollywood stage was great. She told him to be proud of himself. Howie said hes good at what he does, but that Dylan needs some time to perfect it. Piers said he expected Dylan to make a bunch of mistakes and was prepared to be bored, but he was impressed by Dylans performance. Pup: Pup, an accordion player, was no ordinary accordion player. He was a dog. At least he was an accordion-playing dog on YouTube. On stage, he was just a dog. A cute dog, but he refused to play the accordion, despite the crowds encouragement. Piers buzzed him immediately. Howie gave Pup a standing ovation. Piers explained that he Xd Pups handler because all anyone could hear was his handler playing guitar and singing. Cam Hodges: A singer and guitarist from Samammish, Wash., was worried about the difference between performing on stage and performing at his house. He did Taoi Cruzs Break Your Heart. Piers said he was reminded of James Blunt and that there were parts of the performance that were really good. Sharon said Cam had a good, strong voice and she enjoyed his performance. Howie said Cam sounded unique. Ryan Rodriguez: A plumber and dancer from Santa Cruz, Calif., whose wife submitted his YouTube audition said he just wanted to make her proud. Piers buzzed Ryan pretty quickly into his semi-chaotic routine. Sharon asked if hed ever been on a stage before (he said he hadnt) and she said he was confident. Howie said he wasnt sure what Ryans act was, but he knew he was good at it, but I dont know what it is. Piers agreed and said it was hard to work out what Ryan did, calling it stunt-like. He said nothing was really very dramatic in Ryans routine, and thats what was needed to move on to Vegas. Austin Anderson: Nick introduced Austin as an auto mechanic who makes you laugh. Austin, a comedian who performs in small bars in Omaha, tried to become the only comedian left in the competition. Piers buzzed Austin soon into his Facebook-centric shtick. Howie said it was mediocre and said Austin focused too much on Facebook rather than something more relatable to more people. Piers said there was an easier way to say what Howie was saying: Youre not very funny. Sharon said Austin was kinda funny, but agreed with Howie. Booker Forte: A data filing tech by day, hip-hop dancer by night was shocked to have the chance to perform on Americas Got Talent. Piers buzzed Booker about halfway through. Piers said it was a nice job, but Booker didnt do much. He said some of the backup dancers were better than him. He said it was too safe and the show has seen better. Sharon said it was well executed, but shes seen all the moves done before. Howie agreed, saying he didnt see one special thing in Bookers routine. Pizza Patt: A pizza shop owner from Columbus, Ohio, said he loves tossing pizzas, and brings his skill to a whole new level. Piers said in the intro package that Pizza Patts presence on the show was ludicrous. Piers buzzed him less than halfway through. Sharon said it was a new form of juggling and it was different to do it with pizza dough. Howie said it wasnt all that dangerous -- save for the possibility of getting a yeast infection. Piers said it wasnt an act. Kristina Young: The full-time student and singer from South Dakota said her passion was singing, was amazed at the opportunity she had. She teared up in her intro package just at the sight of backup dancers rehearsing for her performance. She sang Carrie Underwoods Before He Cheats. Howie said he loved Carries version of the song, but Kristina was good. He wasnt sure it was good enough for America to vote her through. He said there are a lot of good singers this year and she probably doesnt have the voice to win it. Sharon said it was good and Kristina has a strong, loud voice. Maestro Alexander Bui: The 16-year-old piano virtuoso from New Jersey said piano has been his life. In the intro package, Piers said Alexander might be the most talented person in the competition. Alexander said he wanted to prove that music is more than Lady Gaga. Sharon buzzed the kid about halfway through. Sharon explained that she buzzed Alexander because it was boring. She loves classical music, but it was the wrong choice at the wrong time. It sounded beautiful, but I was bored. Sorry, she said. Howie said Alexanders ability was amazing, especially at your age. But Howie thought Alexander was younger. Piers questioned Sharons wisdom of not wanting Alexander to bore her even though hes the most naturally talented person in the competition. Dan Sperry: The 25-year-old magician from Las Vegas said he shows some of the dark side of magic. He wanted to show there was more to magic than pulling scarves out of a hat with a girl in a bikini standing next to him. He intended to shock and leave America speechless. He took a Lifesaver mint, chewed it up, then took a piece of dental floss and tugged at his neck with it -- revealing the intact mint, which was looped around the floss. He tossed the floss in Howies direction, and the germaphobe jumped out of his chair, sending Sharon into a fit of laughter. She said she was going to pee herself. Howie said he thought Dan was great, then he came over near Howie. Piers congratulated Dan on the attempted murder of Howie. Sharon couldnt stop laughing, but said she liked it. Jackie Evancho: Nick described the 10-year-old singer from Pittsburgh as having a timeless voice. Howie revealed that Jackie won the most votes from all of the YouTube submissions. Jackie wowed the crowd with her strong, operatic voice. Howie said they were waiting for a special moment all show long, and that was it. Piers called it one of the most extraordinary performances Ive ever seen on Americas Got Talent. He said everyone in the audience probably felt what he did: goosebumps. Sharon agreed, saying shed never seen anything like it.

With four semifinal spots on the line, the last batch of 12 quarterfinals prepared to learn their fates on Wednesday nights episode of Americas Got Talent. Host Nick Cannon didnt waste any time getting to some results, calling for the first three performers to come to center stage. To the results: Doogie Horner, Mary Ellen and Murray were the first three brought out. Howie said he would miss Mary Ellen if she were sent home. The act continuing to the next round was ... Murray. Piers thought it was the right decision, but noted the irony in that the first time Doogie Horner made him laugh, America sent him home. Movie plug!: Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg hosted an Americas Got Talent field trip as the contestants got a chance to preview their movie, The Other Guys. Be our guest: Taio Cruz paid a visit to perform his song, Dynamite. Later, Poison frontman Bret Michaels hit the stage to perform an acoustic version of Every Rose Has Its Thorn. Back to the results: Nick brought out the next batch of contestants: Taylor Matthews, Da Maniacs and Lindsey Stirling. The act moving on was Taylor Matthews. Howie was glad his prediction that Taylor will make it to the finals was validated. Nick called Strikers All-Stars, Nu Covenant and Prince Poppycock to the stage. The act moving on to the next round is Prince Poppycock. Sharon said she was a huge fan of Prince Poppycock and added that America got it right, again. Finally, Nick brought out the final three acts: Rudi Macaggi, ArcAttack and Anna & Patryk. The first act leaving the competition was Rudi Macaggi. That left the judges to decide between ArcAttack and Anna & Patryk. Piers said ArcAttack was completely unique, but he had a feeling weve already seen their best. He then said that Anna & Patryk have gotten better and better with each performance. He said he was going to go with who he thought we could see more from: Anna & Patryk. Howie said both acts were fantastic. He said Anna & Patryk were wonderful, but still wondered whether people would pay to see them in Vegas. He reiterated that TV doesnt do ArcAttack justice because the feeling of the electricity, literally, in the air when they perform doesnt come across. Sharon said Anna & Patryk were way beyond their years. She then said she didnt get ArcAttack before seeing them live. Even though she still has no idea what it is or how it works, she decided to vote for ArcAttack.

The final four semifinal spots were on the line Tuesday night on Americas Got Talent. The last 12 quarterfinalists had their chance before the judges, and host Nick Cannon told us that for the first time one act would be so huge and so dangerous that it had to be taken outside. After the judges were introduced, Nick called for the first act of the night... Da Maniacs: A group of friends who just decided to start dancing together, Da Maniacs said they were taking their craft much more seriously now. The oversized dancers were ready to shake the ground. They started their routine with an homage to The Blues Brothers. It continued with a tribute to the stylings of MC Hammer, which earned them a buzz from Piers. The party-pooper, as Nick called him, explained that he buzzed them because there is a reason that most dancers are not your size. He said there was already a TV competition for them -- The Biggest Loser. Sharon said their melding of dance and comedy was entertaining and she enjoyed it. Howie said that to stand out, you have to be either really good or really bad, and they were somewhere in the middle. Nu Covenant: The gospel quartet had Howie worried that they werent broad enough to appeal to a Vegas-type audience, and they found during rehearsals that the competition was proving to be more difficult than they had anticipated. They tried their hand at One Republics Apologize. Piers buzzed them at the first attempt to harmonize. Sharon followed with a buzz of her own when they hit the second chorus. Sharon said they looked good, but the harmonies werent working. Howie understood that the weight of live television on their shoulders was clear and they didnt rise to the occasion. Piers agreed, saying they were flat as a pancake for most of it. He said pop songs were not their thing and that they should have stuck with the gospel, which was where they were more comfortable. Anna & Patryk: The kid ballroom dancers who have been dancing together for four years said theyd been getting a lot of attention from other kids at school. They vowed to get a little less serious and to show America just how much we love to dance. Howie said there was no denying their spectacular talent, but his question is whether what they did was worth a $1 million prize and a headlining Vegas act, and he wasnt sure. Piers sought to be more talent, saying, I do know world-class talent when I see, and adding that he could see them in Vegas. Sharon praised their versatility, having seen them now do three different forms. She said they could do unbelievable business in Vegas. Lindsey Stirling: The hip-hop violinist from Provo, Utah, said people are often surprised that shes Mormon and a hip-hop violinist. Thats surprising, because every hip-hop violinist Im aware of is Mormon. After having heard about enough -- three-quarters of the way through -- Piers buzzed her. Piers explained that the violin was the problem, saying that she missed loads of notes as she tried to play while dancing around. He said that, at times, it sounded like rats being strangled. Sharon reminded Lindsey how much the judges loved her in the audition, but after having seen her three times, she realized Lindsey needs to be in a group because what shes doing now isnt enough to fill a Vegas theater. Howie hated to say Piers was right in saying Lindsey was great, but all the movement made her not as great. Doogie Horner: The seemingly misunderstood comedian who was booed off by the audition audience but made it to the quarterfinals, no less. Howie expected it would be tough for Doogie. He survived with no buzzes, and the crowd seemed to enjoy his deadpan comedy, which came with some Hollywood razzle-dazzle in the form of fireworks and background dancers. Sharon said Doogie made Piers laugh. She said hes silly, but she likes him. Howie said its the hardest contest for comedians, and Doogie did great. Piers called it a very uncomfortable moment and reminded Doogie that he once considered him the least funny comedian hed ever seen. But, Piers admitted, it finally got to me tonight, and he had to say the word he never thought hed say: Doogie, youre funny. Rudi Macaggi: The balancing acrobat said performing is all I have. He said he was a third-generation circus acrobat and performing was his passion. He was going to attempt an act he called the circular saw of death. He did a handstand on a stack of blocks, under which a circular saw was spinning. Midway through the handstand, he pushed the blocks aside and landed on a platform with his head inches from the saw. Piers called it the most extraordinary, dangerous, exciting thing I think Ive ever seen on this show. He said that as he waited for Rudis fall, he wondered what would happen to his own career if Rudi had cut his head off. Sharon said Rudi came from a dying breed and he delivered. Taylor Matthews: The singer-guitarist said he was living a musical life inspired by his father, who gave up his own musical career for a family life. Piers said in the intro he wanted to see Taylor come out of his comfort zone a bit. After his performance, Piers asked Taylor to critique himself. Piers then said there were a few shaky bits, but there were moments when I saw a real, potential pop star. Sharon said that each time she sees him, his performance gets stronger. She said she couldnt wait to see him again. Howie said this performance was his rockiest, so far, but still predicted hed make it to the finals. Mary Ellen: Nick called her the sexiest contestant of the night. It was Mary Ellen, who came equipped with backup dancers. She had trouble getting the beat early on, and Piers buzzed her. The boos started pouring in as the performance didnt get any better, but Sharon and Howie left her buzzer-less the rest of the way. Nick had to walk on stage and pull the plug on Mary. Howie, dressed in a Mary Ellen-like wig, called her a trend-setter, and said people would be talking about her Wednesday. Sharon said Mary Ellen didnt seem quite right, and Mary said she had some kind of virus. Piers said the only reason Mary was still in the competition was because of Howies undying love for her. ArcAttack: The electrifying group that said they make music with electricity. Nick said they were asked to take their act outside because of the high element of danger. The played Iron Man, which no doubt made Sharon happy, with the buzzes from electricity created by their instruments. Howie said TV might do them justice, saying that the electricity is tremendous live. Piers agreed, called it one of the most unique acts hes seen, and adding theres something there that I think could be a real Vegas act. Sharon asked for an explanation on how it works, and it devolved into a more technical explanation than anyone was prepared to hear. She then suggested a singer she knows who could sing Iron Man for them next time. Prince Poppycock: The opera singer went from royalty to jester with a classic jester outfit for his singing performance. Piers said Prince Poppycock was becoming his little guilty pleasure and it was making him a little uncomfortable. He said the Prince can sing and has great stage presence. Sharon said every time she sees him, he gets more theatrical, which she loves. Its so refreshing to see an opera singer whos not fat and sweaty, she added, calling him perfect. Howie said the whole outfit was fabulous, its like Liza Minnelli if Liza was a clown. He said the question was whether middle America would respond to the act. Murray: The illusionist said this was the biggest opportunity of his life and he couldnt afford to blow it. He had an assistant in a glass box and asked Piers for his jacket. He put Piers jacket on the assistant. He then pulled drapes over the box. He said America would be talking about the trick Wednesday, then pulled back the drapes to reveal a tiger in the glass box and the assistant appeared behind the judges table, scaring the heck out of Howie. The bald wonder called it amazing and Vegas and said, You wowed me. Sharon said Murray takes it up a notch every time she sees him and said he belongs in Vegas. Piers said the show usually doesnt get good enough magicians, and Murray is what Im talking about, in terms of the kind of magician the show needs. Strikers All Stars: The stepping crew from Florida said this was the most amazing opportunity theyve had. They were prepared to take as many chances and up the intensity -- to the point that one of them got kicked in the face during rehearsals and needed stitches in his mouth. Howie said their moves in previous performances were more spectacular, and that another dance crew was a little more impressive. Piers said it was extraordinary that Howie made sense. He agreed, and said that Wednesdays results show would be a tough one because he thinks seven of the 12 acts from Tuesday deserved to move on. Sharon said it was unfortunate that they went last because the judges have seen everyone else already, and so the bar was set higher.

With four more spots in the semifinals up for grabs, the 12 performers who showed their stuff on Tuesday nights episode of Americas Got Talent waited on Wednesday night to see which of them would move on, and which would go home. Howie cracked some jokes about the wow factor and said that while he didnt have another word for wow other than wow, he does spell it backwards. He and Piers Morgan then got into another verbal duel about Piers besmirching of him on Tuesday night. To the results: After a couple of minutes of filler, host Nick Cannon called the first three acts to the stage for their results: The South Philly Vikings, CJ Dippa and Haspop. The act moving on to the next round is ... Haspop. Howie said America made the right decision, saying that Haspop is raw, great talent. He said CJ Dippa has a future and will be a star, but if youre looking at raw talent, Haspop has it. Be our guest: The JabbawockeeZ, who competed in Season 2, paid a visit to promote their Las Vegas show at the MGM Grand. Later, Mike Posner performed his hit, Cooler Than Me.: Back to the results: The next three acts to hear their results were Chipps Cooney, Studio One Young Beasts Society and Polina Volcek. The act moving on to the next round was Studio One Young Beasts Society. Piers, who was none-too-sad to see Chipps gone, said the dance crew had the talent and drive to succeed. Nick next called for The Strange Familiar, Debra Romer and Luigi. Piers said Debra was gutsy, but noted that the singing wasnt as good when he watched her performance back on television as it seemed live. Nonetheless, the third act of the night moving into the next round was Debra Romer. Sharon said, as she does every week, that America always gets it right, and said well be seeing a lot more of Debra. Finally, it came down to Harmonica Pierre, Kaya and Sadie, and Jeremy VanSchoonhoven. The first of the three eliminated was Harmonica Pierre, leaving the decision up to the judges as to whether the belly dancers or the bike trickster would continue in the competition. Sharon went first. She said she wanted to put everyone through. She told the belly dancers they were beautiful and great at what they do. She called Jeremy dangerous and exciting. She voted for Jeremy. Piers said that under normal circumstances, hed choose belly dancers in about three seconds over a trick cyclist. But he said Jeremy opened his eyes to how exciting his craft could be. The dancers, too, were really, really good. He said he had to go with the act that he could see being a million-dollar act in Vegas. He gave his vote to Jeremy. That meant he was going to the semifinals. Howie didnt get to vote, but said, I think Jeremy should go to Vegas and Kaya and Sadie should come to my house!

Eight spots in the Americas Got Talent semifinals have already been claimed, and Tuesday night brought another chance for 12 more contestants to continue in the quest for $1 million and a headlining gig in Vegas. Sharon Osbourne laid down the gauntlet, saying, unfortunately, being great isnt good enough tonight. The South Philly Vikings: A group of regular guys from Philly came to show how its done in the working class town. Piers buzzed them about halfway through their high-energy group dance performance. He later explained he did it was because they were just overgrown schoolchildren in robot costumes. He said he didnt get it. Sharon apologized for her English friend -- he corrected her and said hes Irish. She said they had immense vision. She called it really good entertainment. Howie said he was someplace in between, calling it spectacular and fun, but noting that he couldnt place them in a category. CJ Dippa: The 11-year-old rapper was already dealing with the ladies trying to get all up in his business, but he was determined to focus on the competition at hand. He offered up another original that closed with the line, I still cant believe Im in the Top 48. Sharon asked when he wrote it, and CJ said he had another rap in mind but it wasnt a crowd raiser. This one was, he said. Sharon thought it was brilliant. Howie was impressed by CJs originality at such a young age. Piers told CJ it was time to get serious, telling him, on the negative side, I couldnt understand a single word that you said, but on the flip side he can never understand rap lyrics. Harmonica Pierre: The harmonica-obsessed senior citizen decided to show a different side of his musical offerings. He played Trains Hey Soul Sister. Howie loved Harmonica Pierre, but questioned whether harmonica is updated enough to carry a Vegas show. Piers agreed with Howie, but said he enjoyed the surprise choice of music. He also said that apart from Larry Adler, a legendary harmonica player, Pierre was the best harmonica player hed ever heard. Sharon said shed love to see more of Pierre. Polina Volcek: The most exciting hula hooper in the competition was labeled the absolute American dream by Sharon. She vowed to be a different Polina on stage in Hollywood than she was during the audition. Piers buzzed her about one-third of the way through her techno-contemporary-contortion-centric routine. He called it boring and said he was disappointed because he loved her in the first two rounds. He said it was just her marching around with a rope. Sharon disagreed and said she knew what a dedicated artist Polina was, and praised her timing. Howie also said Piers was totally wrong and said Polina was already a Vegas act. The Strange Familiar: A couple that had been together since sixth grade playing music and getting married along the way. They thought that after so many years of performing and being told no, they thought the show could be their last chance. They played Cyndi Laupers Time After Time. Sharon said she wasnt sure what she thought. She enjoyed the singers voice, but didnt like the song choice. She said it didnt seem clear that the band had a clear direction. Howie said it lacked the wow factor. Piers said it wasnt a big, superstar-looking Vegas act. He suggested the lead singer get rid of the band -- making for an uncomfortable situation because shes married to one of them. Haspop: The dancer/contortionist/popper/mime had traveled across the world from France to follow his dream. He works on the streets in Santa Monica in pursuit of this dream, leaving his family behind in France. His routine, he said, would tell the story of Haspop. It did. He woke from a dream with scenes of Paris behind him, and followed his journey to Vegas and Hollywood. Howie said that is wow and was impressed to see him move the way he did. I absolutely loved it, Howie said, calling it amazing and phenomenal. Piers said the judges had to weigh whether it was worth the sacrifice Haspop had made, and he said it was the best performance of the night to that point. Sharon agreed, calling it spectacular and joining Piers in calling it the best performance of the night, at the halfway point. Luigi: The singer talked about his day job, where he dreams about winning Americas Got Talent. He sang Maroon 5s This Love. Piers buzzed him toward the end of his song. Piers said that in any normal season Luigi would do well, but said there were a couple of moments where Luigis voice just lost it. He said there were better singers in the competition. Sharon stalled a moment and told Luigi, Anyone can win. But she agreed he started a bit shaky, but got into it at the end. Howie said that if he had to base it on Tuesday nights performance, it wasnt the best, but he hoped America would remember what hed done before. Luigi agreed with the critiques and promised to do better next time. Chipps Cooney: Howie continued making his case for Chipps Cooney, trying to spell out that Chipps is a comedian whose character is a bad magician. Hes not actually trying to be a magician. Chipps worked hard for the money, saying he had to go back to his roots as a Chippendales dancer. He then began stripping and earned buzzes from all three judges. Sharon was puzzled, and Howie wondered why Chipps gave up on the sad sack magician. Piers said Chipps did stick with the character -- a complete imbecile. Piers said he decided that morning that the only way Chipps act could get worse was if he took his clothes off. He then said Chipps had become the biggest trainwreck in the history of the show. Kaya and Sadie: The belly dancing duo that went straight through to Hollywood in the audition process said they wanted to bring back real women with curves. In the intro package, Piers said hed bet his house that if anyone could bring back belly dancing, it was this duo. Howie smiled and said he was just watching and wasnt judging. He said he had nothing to add, and told Nick to ask the other judges. Piers referenced the revolting naked performance of Chipps Cooney and thanked them for restoring his faith in the human body. Sharon said it was fantastic. Jeremy VanSchoonhoven: The bike jumping savant from Talent, Ore., took a massive chance by doing part of his routine blindfolded, and pulled it off to the crowds delight. Piers said he was never quite sure what was going to happen when Jeremy was on stage, but he was impressed. Piers said this type of act wasnt normally his cup of tea, but Jeremy was quickly making it so. Sharon said she was nervous at various points and called Jeremy the new Evel Knievel. Howie agreed and said Jeremy ratcheted it up every time, and he hoped the audience at home could feel the tension in the performance. Debra Romer: Debra said music was changing her life, and she was getting more confident. Sharon said in the intro package that she wasnt yet feeling Debras confidence and she wanted to. She sang Fleetwood Macs Dreams. Sharon said Debra should be proud because the confidence was there. She said Debra had a combination of being vulnerable, sweet and sexy all at the same time. Howie said America loves her and said she was growing, but he didnt want to see so much in the way of nerves and vulnerability. Piers told Howie to shut his clap trap and said Debra looked like a star and sang like a star. You are a star, full stop, Piers said. Studio One Young Beast Society: The friends and family dance group aimed to become the first dance group to make it to the semifinals this season. They decided to amp up the risk in their routine. They amazed the crowd with the energetic routine that included a ton of flips and tricks. Howie said they brought it, and called it the best dance crew performance hes seen at this point in the competition. Piers, who was clapping during the performance, agreed and said they were creative and current, and he could see the dedication in their eyes. He called the episode of two halves, in which the first half was disappointing and the second half was great -- capped by this performance. Sharon congratulated them for showing their personality.

With four spots on the line, the 12 acts that performed Tuesday waiting to learn their fates on Americas Got Talent. To the results: Host Nick Cannon didnt waste much time getting down to business, calling out the first three acts that would hear the news -- for better or worse. They were Mona Sampath Dance Company, AscenDance and Ronith. Piers hoped Roniths time was done. The act moving into the next round was ... AscenDance. Be our guest: The dancers of Ka by Cirque du Soleil stopped by to perform. Later, Train paid a visit to perform their song, Hey Soul Sister. Back to the results: Nick called for Cheer SF, Iron Horse and Alice Tan Ridley to join him on stage for the next batch of results. Howie said America always has it right and he called out that he thought they would have chosen Alice. Nick finally revealed that Alice, in fact, was Americas choice. Piers said he couldnt be happier, and said she could win the whole thing. Nick called three more acts to the stage: Michael Grimm, Lil Chris and The Strong Man. Asked for her opinion, Sharon said that her husband Ozzy had chosen Michael on Tuesday night. The act moving into the next round was, Ozzys choice, Michael Grimm. Howie called it a silly question when Nick asked if America made the right decision. Howie, a Canadian, said hes always been the voice of America. The final three acts -- Wreckless, Hannibal Means and Antonio Restivo -- were called to the stage. The judges would pick who advanced out of this group, but first of the three had to be sent home. The act leaving the competition was Hannibal Means. That left Antonio Restivo and Wreckless to make their cases. The judges took a commercial break to think about it. Howie said he had to go with his gut, which was telling him Antonio. Piers said he didnt know if hed ever seen two acts who he thought the competition meant more to. He said his head said Antonio, but his heart said Wreckless had done it the hard way. He went with his heart and voted for Wreckless. That left it up to Sharon. She called them both special and different, but she had to agree with Howie and voted for Antonio.

Last week, four semifinalists were sent into the next round of the competition, and Tuesday night brought a chance for 12 more contestants to claim four more spots. Howie kicked off the night with a David Hasselhoff joke, saying that choosing last week between RNG and Future Funk, two kids dancing groups, was like David Hasselhoff deciding which daughter to share a burger with. Cheer SF: The group leader said Cheer SF has been around for 30 years. In the intro package, Piers said his problem with the group was that they were mostly blokes and a cheerleading group should have more ladies. But the group is aiming to break down stereotypes. Not surprisingly, Piers buzzed them. Sharon followed, but Howie let them finish what wasnt a particularly bad performance. It just wasnt all that impressive. Piers said he simply doesnt get cheerleading as a form of entertainment in a show like this. He said he wanted to go to sleep. Sharon loved their enthusiasm, but thought that such a mature group should have presented more moves theyve never seen before. Howie said it wasnt as technically amazing as hes seen cheerleading done. Alice Tan Ridley: Sharon said in the intro package that she couldnt believe Alice Tan Ridley hadnt been discovered yet. Alice said the last time she was in L.A. was to be with her daughter, Gabourey Sidibe, at the Oscars. But her own dream has yet to come true. She sang Midnight Train to Georgia. Sharon said she wanted to be on that train with Alice, and she called her an amazing woman. She told Alice she did it right -- you took care of your family and now youre taking care of you. Piers said Alice has everything the show is looking for, and said it might not be long before Alice is on a red carpet again, but not as Gaboureys mom. Instead, folks might be asking Gabourey if shes Alice Tan Ridleys daughter. Mona Sampath Dance Company: The group wanted to bring its updated interpretation of Bollywood, and said Vegas needs it. Their leader said their version of the dance was more than just a guy and a girl dancing around a tree. Howie said the judges loved their connection between Bollywood and modern dancing, but this routine wasnt as good as what hed seen before. There was no wow moment, he said. Piers told them to relax and said Howie doesnt know anything about Bollywood. Piers said it was miles better than the audition. Sharon said it was very, very exciting to watch. She said their joy was infectious, but said she wanted to see some more traditional dance next time. Iron Horse: A bluegrass rock trio that didnt get a lot of face time during the audition process mixed their music with spectacle, by doing tricks like standing on their bass. The performance seemed a little thin and Piers buzzed them. He said the stage seemed too big to them and it seemed like they went backward, becoming a good bar band and not good stage band. Piers also said the singer was no good. Sharon said they should have cut the tricks because it distracted from the music. Howie took the other course and said that if they wanted to keep the tricks they needed to dedicate more of the 90 seconds to one or the other. The Strong Man: After some impressive auditions, The Strong Man vowed to bring something big to the Hollywood stage. He was going to work with over 2,000 pounds and raise the stakes on the danger. Nick gave the dont try this at home warning. He had a whole bit about his solution to the parking problems in Los Angeles, lifting a motorcycle out of the way, then flipping a car over. Sharon said she thought that with a big Vegas production, he could do more outrageous things. Howie thought it was amazing, even though he didnt know what it was. Piers said he didnt know how impressive it was, saying, There are people in South Central L.A. doing that every night. Piers then told The Strong Man he wasnt the strong, dynamic entertainer needed for Vegas. (As a side note, they showed the production crew removing the car from the stage, and it took almost a dozen guys to flip it back over). Ronith: The impressionist who constantly vowed to be back, was back again. He switched things up during the Vegas round of the audition, taking Piers advice in getting rid of the impressions. But Howie and Sharon wanted them. In his most awkward performance yet, Ronith brought back the impressions. Piers buzzed him almost immediately. Sharon buzzed him later. The crowd sat in stunned silence as Howie gave a standing ovation. Howie said Piers didnt get it, that bad is good. Ronith finally understood what Howie was trying to say and agreed, bad impressions make you laugh. Piers said Ronith is just bad, not brilliant. Sharon was just confused. As Nick read out Roniths phone number for the voters, Piers pleaded, No! Hannibal Means: Howie sang Hannibal scares him, and called the singer a human thrill ride, but clarified, I dont want to ride him. Hannibal went on some speech in his intro package, talking about how his singing is saying yes to life, and he invited everyone to say yes with him. He sang Elton Johns Circle of Life, complete with Lion King-inspired dancers. Piers said it was so crazy, and yet, underneath all the madness, theres a great singer in Hannibal. Sharon said Hannibals voice is so rich and amazing, she was just upset that he didnt knit her a hat. Howie just wanted to know what planet Hannibal was from. Wreckless: The dance group that was used to performing on the streets and once struggled to find a place to practice faced the biggest opportunity of their lives, on the biggest stage of their lives. They put on a dazzling performance that earned big cheers from the crowd. Sharon said it was amazing to see them pull off such a highly choreographed routine. Howie said he didnt sense the edge they had before. Piers said he looked for acts who can fill a big stage, and he said he completely agreed with Sharon. Lil Chris: Chris talked about taking a chance with Tuesday nights performance, going with something more current, singing Ne-Yos Closer. With two backup dancers, he showed some moves and some vocal chops. Howie was impressed at his level of talent at age 12. Howie told him to put the time in to practice and make it perfect. Piers was surprised to agree with Howie and said he was worried that this opportunity had come a little too soon for him. It wasnt quite there, Piers said, but noted that Chris is a very exciting prospect. Sharon said he held his own and that he did fantastic. AscenDance: The husband-and-wife couple said they were training incredibly hard and introduced two more dancers into their act. Howie said their act was one of the most dangerous because if the wall-climbing dancers lost one grip, it was all over. They put on a mesmerizing performance that wowed the crowd. Piers said that if someone explained to him that the act was to prance around on a wall to Snow Patrol he wouldve thought they were mad. He was stunned, though, and called it a beautiful thing to watch. He also said he could see them making it even bigger on a Vegas stage. Sharon agreed it was endless what they could do with the act in Vegas. Howie agreed it was unique and the dancers were passionate. Antonio Restivo: The fiery illusionist with a heart of gold became emotional in the intro package when talking about his father, who passed away but was 100 percent supportive of everything he did. He was raising the danger stakes and said he couldnt wait for everyone to see it. He sent flames flying as he moved an assistant from one cage at one end of the stage to the other. Sharon said it was hot and he used the time very week -- and, of course, the music was just sensational. (It was Ozzy). Howie said that act was consummate Las Vegas. Piers said the big question is whether an illusionist has a big enough performance to headline in Vegas, and he believed, after seeing Antonios performance, that Antonio had it. Michael Grimm: After a tough childhood that included being raised by his grandparents, Michael Grimm was ready to give it all that he had. He sang Al Greens So Tired of Being Alone. Howie said Michael is his favorite singer in the whole competition, saying he wanted to be the first customer to buy his album. Piers said Michael was a work in progress but noted hes a very, very good singer. He told Michael to connect with the audience more by having more confidence. Sharon said she could genuinely see and hear the hard times Michael has been through in his singing.

The votes were in and the first four semifinalists on Americas Got Talent would be named Wednesday night. After the first dozen acts to make it to Hollywood performed on Tuesday, Americas votes would determine which four are guaranteed a spot in the next round. Howie said that last night he saw an act -- though he wouldnt say which -- that he thought could go all the way. To the results: Host Nick Cannon called three acts from backstage -- Nathaniel Kenyon, Airpocalypse and Sally Cohn. Piers said he had no clue which of the three acts would go through. Nick quickly announced that the act moving into the semifinals is ... Nathaniel Kenyon. He got (real) hugs from all three members of Airpocalypse and Sally Cohn. Sharon said America got it right. Sally said later that she wasnt devastated and that in some ways its a relief. Be our guest: Selena Gomez and The Scene paid a visit to the Talent stage to perform her song, Round and Round. Later, the cast of the Broadway musical Rock of Ages, including American Idol veteran Constantine Maroulis, hit the stage. Constantine was joined by Twisted Sisters Dee Snider for I Wanna Rock. Back to the results: Nick next called Nick Pyke, Kung Fu Heroes and Fighting Gravity to the stage. Sharon confirmed that Fighting Gravity was incredible, and Nick soon announced that they would be moving into the next round. Howie said not only was their selection the right result this week, but he believes they have a shot to go all the way. Nick called Christina & Ali, Maricar and the Hot Shot Tap Dancers to the stage. Howie said all three acts were so different it was difficult to pick one. Nick then revealed that the act moving on to the semifinals is ... Christina & Ali. Piers said theyd won the hearts of America, but told them to go practice, practice, practice for the coming rounds. Finally, singer Paul Safy Jr., RNG and Future Funk came to the stage and Nick announced that the judges would decide which act will move on. Sharon said she felt bad for Paul, having to stand in the middle of the smallest and cutest contestants on the show. Nick announced that, based on Americas vote, the first act of the three eliminated was ... Paul Safy Jr. That left RNG and Future Funk on stage awaiting the word from the judges. Piers said the girls of RNG were better technical dancers, but the boys were entertaining and he gave them his vote. On technical merit, Sharon voted for RNG. Howie, with seconds to decide, actually ran over the shows alloted time before announcing that his vote was for Future Funk.

Sound issues (at least on the east coast), a new studio, and a grand introduction for the judges could only mean one thing: It was time for the live competition to begin on "America's Got Talent." The first 12 of the final 48 contestants were vying for four spots in the next round. Kung Fu Heroes: The first act of the night was the martial arts crew. To boost the element of danger, they were using real weapons and taking more chances than ever. One of the group's members took a hard fall during rehearsals and nearly knocked himself out. Piers Morgan said he didn't find it as enthralling as the group's audition, because it seemed like too much of a routine. It wasn't as mad as your audition, he said. Sharon Osbourne said she loved the music, but agreed that it was too much like a martial arts exhibition and she'd prefer to see more intricate choreography next time. Howie Mandel agreed. Christina & Ali: Singing sisters Christina and Ali, who both have cystic fibrosis, were feeling nervous about their live performance but dedicated themselves to shoot for the stars. They sang Rascal Flatt's "God Bless the Broken Road." Sharon said the sisters make her smile every time she sees them and added that even though she could say something negative, she wouldn't. Howie said they were beautiful and inspirational and said it didn't matter if they missed some notes. Piers said it does matter and said he didn't want to patronize them by talking about their guts and bravery. He said the performance started shaky, but they got it together later. He said they were definitely much improved from the audition, and that's all we can ask for. Airpocalypse: The air band said they knew people weren't taking them seriously, but that their sense of humor shouldn't be confused with a lack of caring. They started with a big entrance, including their drummer descending onto the stage from high above while wearing angel wings. They started with Europe's "The Final Countdown" and finished with The Knack's "My Sharona." Howie said there was controversy on Twitter as to whether they had a place on the show, and he said that he was thoroughly entertained. "It's amazing how much you can do with absolutely nothing," he added. Piers said half the artists on the charts lip sync, and that there was no difference between them and singers who lip sync. Sharon said they were great actors, and it's about acting. "It's fun," she said. "It's not serious, its fun, and you're great actors." The Hot Shot Tap Dancers: The sibling tap group from Portland, Ore., knew they couldn't afford to make any mistakes in the live performance. Howie reiterated in their intro package that any mistake could send you home. Piers loved their look and the choreography, but said the whole thing needed a bit more umph. He said it was all a bit safe and said he wanted to see fireworks if they get through to the next round. Sharon said she loved their relaxed style and noted that they made it very current. Howie said they spent too much time on the story behind the performance, but he said they have it and wished them luck. Paul Safy Jr.: The New York City waiter knew he had to make the most of the chance he'd been given, and the jazzy crooner busted out "Cry Me a River" with some silhouetted backup dancers behind him. Sharon beamed as she told Paul he had great tone to his voice but his performance was dated and a bit cheesy for someone his age, 27. She told him to work on his delivery and style. (She might not be picking up on his Michael Buble-ness). Howie did, and said he's a Buble and Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett fan. He did say, though, that he wasn't sensing the umph Piers was talking about before. He agreed it was a little cheesy. Piers said he likes cheese, and Michael Buble is cheesy. He said Paul's problem was his act and told him to relax and feel the song. Future Funk: At just 5 and 10, the dancing duo is the youngest act in the competition. They said they felt like superstars. They brought the crowd to their feet with their fancy footwork, and the audience chanted Future Funk! One of the kids asked Howie, Deal or no deal? Howie said, "Without a doubt: Deal!" He said America was going to love them and they have talent. Piers said they were absolutely hysterical and said they had star quality -- this audience was going absolutely crazy. Sharon said it was a sensational, sensational act. She said they got everybody on their feet and you couldn't ask for more -- absolutely amazing. Sally Cohn: From the youngest to the oldest act in the competition, hand whistler Sally Cohn was up next. Sally said everybody and their dog wants to be my Facebook friend since she auditioned for the show. Hand whistling is here, get used to it, she said in her intro package. She whistled Mariah Carey's ''Hero.'' Nick Cannon called it a great choice of song and Mariah just got another chance. Piers called it probably the best version of that song hes ever heard. He said it was much more in tune than hes used to hearing it from a certain other performer, and Nick said he might have to kick his ass. Sharon said she was speechless but thought Sally was going to bring hand whistling to the forefront in America. There was some talk of Sally's inner kitty cat that made everyone a bit uncomfortable. Howie said her unique aspects would make her stand out. Nick Pike: Nick received a rare second chance on the show after not making it into the Top 48. Twisted Trystan and Krystan had to drop out of the competition and Nick was offered a chance back in. His high-danger act was going to get a whole lot more dangerous for the live show. Ive had a taste of what it is to leave this competition, he said, and he didnt want to do it again. Piers gave Nick the first X of the night as he raced around the stage with fire shooting around all over the place. Sharon was speechless. Howie said he understood that everything Nick did took skill and talent, but it was too much and he wasn't sure what he should take from it. Piers said it was a bit of a shambles and that if you take the fire out, which was everywhere, you were left with some very simple juggling acts, a quick tumble through the massive hoop, and you running around like a charge rhino, trying to pretend it was really dangerous. RNG: The dancing quintet worked on some new tricks and lifts to step up their act for the live show. They struggled with some parts of it in practices. Could they hold it together on stage? They did. Howie said they had a future in dance, but that it wasn't much more than a really nice dance recital. Piers agreed, and said they were looking for amazing dancers which might become the next big, national superstar act. He suggested they go and keep practicing and added, I'm not sure you're going to get through tonight. Sharon said they did a good job finding a routine that was good for their age and she loved the whole feel of it. Maricar: Nick introduced Maricar as a treat for the shows art lovers. The cat-suited painter, who paints panels in a sedutive style, ventured underwater this time. She painted inside the walls of a tank filled with water, finishing with a sketch-like painting of Piers. He said he hoped that when he dies and goes to heaven, he hopes Maricar is there in a tank full of water, painting portraits of him. Sharon said she enjoyed that Maricar made painting sexy. Howie quickly mentioned that Maricar had a very impressive pair of ... lungs, to be able to hold her breath that long. Fighting Gravity: This group of college students from Virginia Tech stunned the crowd with their lights-out act in the audition. They knew there was pressure to bring something new to the show, and said it could be a disaster if they didnt get the act right. They did it again, putting together a superbly choreographed routine that seemed to defy gravity. Howie said they blew him away again and said it was the most unique thing Ive seen up to this point with a black light is trying to find stains in a hotel comforter. Sharon called it incredible, and the prospects for this act are just endless, and all I have to say is Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, move over. Piers said that in terms of creativity and innovation, that is, without any doubt, the performance of the night. Nathaniel Kenyon: The singer-guitarist from Georgia who had struggled with nerves throughout the audition process now faced the biggest performance of his life. He was also having some throat problems. He sang Hinder's Lips of an Angel and did seem to be struggling with his vocals. Howie wore a surgical mask, due to Nathaniel's illness, but said America would like him but noted, ''Justin Bieber just called and he wants his hair back.'' Nathaniel, after a moment to think about it, told Howie, Mr. Clean just called. Piers acknowledged it wasn't the best vocal performance, but said he was turning into something resembling a pop star. Sharon said Nathaniel has the it factor, and if this wasn't good, "then I can't wait to see you when you're in top form.''

It was Day 2 of Vegas Week on Americas Got Talent, where the standby contestants got a chance to perform for 11 remaining spots in the live Hollywood round. The danger acts went first. The Kung Fu Heroes got things started with a high-flying martial arts routine that even impressed their fellow competitors who were watching backstage. Still, The Danger Committee threw their knives at each other and juggled flaming torches around each other. Nick Pike promised to deliver something that had never been done before. After having juggled flaming torches on flaming unicycle in his original audition, Nick put a hood over his head and juggled a machete, a cleaver and a flaming torch while walking on broken glass that had been doused with kerosene. After watching Nick successfully complete his routine, Piers said it was going to be a ridiculously competitive category. Jeremy Vanschoonhoven said there were lots of people who could juggle and throw knives, but there are very few people who can do the tricks he does on his bike. He said he quit one of his jobs so he could train all the time after the original audition. He put on another impressive display that nearly knocked Piers out of his chair. Piers said hes gone from being a rank outsider to someone who should definitely be in the top 48. The kid dancers were next up in the standby group, and Northwest Dancing Acro went first. They appeared to go head to head against RNG. Northwest Dancing Acro seemed to have the edge, but Sharon worried that the smallest kids in that bunch were better than the older ones. Howie didnt think that was a problem. Next were the standby singers. The large vocal group, New Directions, gave a great singing performance after a moving story about how theyd all been homeless. Howie wondered if they were stars, granting that they were talented and inspirational. Sharon said they were. Sisters Christina and Ali gave another rousing performance. Sharon asked if they could handle the stress of singing live every week. Piers said wild horses wouldnt stop those two from performing live. The novelty acts werent giving up without a fight, but things werent going so well for a few of them. The girl who paints canvases with paint on her body was deemed completely ridiculous by Piers. A juggler dropped a racket, and another guy popped a bunch of balloons with fire, Piers said. The guy who flings playing cards (and did it quite successfully in his first audition) tried to pop three confetti-filled balloons that were hovering above the judges heads. He nailed the first two, but kept missing the third, which hung over Howies head. The guy kept flinging cards at tremendously high speeds and missing until Howie demanded he stop. Impressionist Ronith came to Vegas not wanting to do impressions anymore. Instead, he did a sketch about an angry man on a Monday morning. Sharon was confused as to why Ronith was now doing a talking mime act. He said he changed things up because Piers didnt like his impressions. The bands were up next, starting with the rocking duo Strange Familiar from the Portland auditions. But this time, they brought more of a backup band. The Haitian band Harmonik was up next. Piers questioned their lead singers voice. More bands -- rockabilly, pop and classical fusion -- took the stage, but it was air band Airpocalypse that finished the group off. The other bands were upset that Airpocalypse was in their category because they didnt play real instruments. It didnt seem like it would matter much as the judges seemed to understand the absurdity of it all after watching Airpocalypse perform again. The standby male singers were fighting in what Nick Cannon called the most competitive group, by far because more of them made it through to Vegas than ever before. Singer Nate Kenyon was nervous again, but had to sit and watch a bunch of other guys perform before he could take the stage. Luigi Seno put on an impressive and relaxed performance, but Sharon wanted him to have worked harder. Backstage, Luigi cried at the thought of the magnitude of what was going on. Nate finally took the stage and told Sharon hed gotten over some of his fear. Howie told Nate that hes in a tough category and there simply isnt room for everyone. It was time for the judges to deliberate. Neither Nick Pike or The Danger Committee made it through, but Kung Fu Heroes and Jeremy Vanschoonhoven did. RNG made it to Hollywood, but Northwest Dancing Acro did not. Luigi Seno broke down when he got word from Piers that hes going to Hollywood. Howie unceremoniously dumped a quartet of male vocalists before Sharon told Nate Kenyon that hes going to Hollywood. Ronith, too, was Hollywood-bound. From the bands, Strange Familiar and the rockabilly band (whose name wasnt very clearly provided) were through to Hollywood. Harmonik, the band from Haiti, was told they werent good enough to move on. Then, Sharon told Airpocalypse that they werent a band, but a very entertaining comedy act, and they were going to Hollywood. Sharon then cried as she told New Directions that they didnt make the cut, and Piers got to deliver the news to sisters Christina and Ali that they were going to Hollywood.

The Americas Got Talent audition process is taking a big step this week as the more than 100 acts to make it to the Las Vegas round will be whittled down to 48 finalists. The contestants enjoyed the sites and sounds of Vegas and talked about how much theyd love to have a show there -- the grand prize (along with that $1 million) for the winner. With the cameras rolling, Howie, Piers and Sharon pretended to debate which of the acts they preferred to see move forward. Finally, the contestants were brought into the theater as the judges appeared on stage. They were on edge, knowing that in the past some contestants have been cut even before they performed in Vegas. The acts were separated into three groups as they sat in the theater. Howie told the acts seated in Group A that they were the judges favorites and theyd be performing that night. Sharon then explained to the contestants in Group B that theyd have to wait until Group A performed to see if there were any spots still available in the final 48. There could be 10 spots, there could be two spots. Theyd just have to wait and see. Piers then told Group C that they were the most difficult one to determine. He paused for effect, saying that their journey in Vegas ended that day -- because they were being put directly through to Hollywood. The 10 acts with Hollywood passes were: From Chicago, The Belly Dancing Duo, Polina (the hula hooper) and the Strykers All-Stars; from Los Angeles, Cheer SF, Haspop and Future Funk; from Dallas, Architect and The Maniacs; and from New York, Fighting Gravity and the South Philly Vikings. The remaining potential finalists were grouped into categories, and the first to perform for the final 38 Hollywood spots were the magicians. Army pilot William Scott Anderson used a new box trick in Vegas while the other magicians watched from the wings. Sharon liked him, but Piers shook his head and Howie wanted to wait and see. Michael Grasso, who wowed the judges in the original audition with a big illusion, went back to old-school slight of hand. Murray SawChuck went big, with an illusion in which he snuck a sports car onto the stage. Magic satirist Chipps Cooney then went on and did his thing, which Piers still didnt understand. A harmonica players group was established for the two harmonica players in the mix. Harmonica Pierre, who plays classical music on his harmonica, and Jia-Hi Ye, who played five of them at once. Sharon wasnt sure the competition needed even one harmonica act. The next group was the acrobats. AscenDance, the rock climbing/dancing couple, impressed even the other acrobats who were watching backstage. Another acrobat duo, Michael and Ashley worked on a rope and had a technical error in which they got stuck on the rope for a moment. Rudy Macaggi, the man who stood on his head on a stack of wine glasses and a basketball, upped the ante in Vegas by introducing a partner and doing some contortions and balancing displays that left Howie astonished. The danger category was up next. Twysted Trystan and Krystan raised the stakes when Krystan hammered a huge nail into Trystans tongue. The strong man took the judges outside to demonstrate his skills, and the Paul Bunyon Lumberjack Show did the same. Antonio Restibo said he came up with something bigger and better for Las Vegas. He came up with an illusion that was very similar to the one Michael Grasso did in his original audition, but that wasnt mentioned. Piers noticed a bit of a flaw in Antonios fire demonstration and he admitted the whole thing didnt go perfectly. The classical singers were struggling with the dry Vegas air. Prince Poppycock wasnt feeling 100 percent, but went on with the show. Piers asked the singer if his illness effected his voice and Prince Poppycock got emotional when he talked about how badly he wanted to be well for the performance. The flamboyant Hannibal came dressed in a wildly colored robe and a rooster that prompted Howie to ask, Is that a cock on your head? Hannibal confirmed it was, indeed, and the rooster symbolized a new dawn. He displayed his booming voice and left the stage. Carlos Aponte, the geeky wedding singer with a big operatic voice followed. The dancing categories were up, and they started with the tappers. The Hot Shot Tap Dancers from the Portland audition, the family tapping group, went first and one of the brothers tripped, missed his step and it was obvious. They could only wait and watch the remaining dance groups. The final two dance groups were dueling street-style crews. The female vocalist category turned into what seemed like a head-to-head between April Lane and Debra Romer. Mary Ellen took the stage and didnt want to leave. She started singing and got carried away, continuing for what Nick Cannon said was at least 10 minutes. Piers left the judges table, getting himself some tea. The kids got their own category. Connor Doran impressed the judges again with his indoor kite skills. Still, 11-year-old rapper CJ Dipper didnt shy away from playing up the cockiness. Comedian Doogie Horner did his best and thought it went well, or so he told Nick Cannon when he saw him backstage and said, It felt good, Nick Cannon. The novelty acts were, well, novel. It was quite the mix, as latex-suited painter Maricar was joined by dog acts, a guy who catches marshmallows in his mouth after shooting them off mouse traps with an air gun of some kind. Hand whistler Sally Cohn gave her rendition of Over the Rainbow. The male vocalists experienced some highs and lows while 18-year-old Taylor Matthews watched and waited for his turn. He gave his rendition of Tracks of My Tears. Michael Grimm, 30, went next and got so into his song that he went over his allotted 90 seconds. Piers reminded him that he could be disqualified for that. The judges deliberated pretty quickly, it seemed, and decided who was heading to Hollywood. In all, 27 of the contestants filled the 38 available spots, leaving 11 spots open for the standby contestants whose performances will be shown Wednesday night.

The final auditions for the sixth season of "America's Got Talent" were finally upon us, and Wednesday's episode took us to ... well, it wasn't clear where we were. But there were more acts waiting to impress the judges enough to get to Las Vegas. The first was a 26-year-old comedian named Jimmy Dinh (pronounced "Dean," but he didn't sell sausages, he does eyelash extensions). He was very excited to be on stage. He was funny at first, but it fell apart when he began his shtick. All three judges buzzed him, but Howie encouraged him to stick with comedy and continue to perform as himself. A belly dancing duo calling themselves The Belly Dancing Duo floored Piers and Howie, who said they were both "overflowing with talent." Even Sharon was on board, despite saying that Howie was "just looking at the T&T." He said it was "the talent, and the timing." They made it to Vegas. A hip-hop violinist from Utah went through, as well, followed by a team of pogo-stick jumping guys. A large group of large guys dancing made it through next. A guy named "Clownvis," an Elvis impersonator dressed as a clown, He was barely a line into "Old McDonald" before Piers and the rest of the judges buzzed him. Cownvis made a crack about Sharon giggling because she was on a contact high from hanging around with Ozzy so long. She brought the whole show to a stop by telling Clownvis, "Nobody disrespects my husband," before pausing and finishing, "so (expletive) off." Clownvis then turned his aim toward Howie, saying he hasn't been funny since the rubber glove. Howie gave Clownvis the same sendoff. A card thrower named Rick successful cut through a piece of celery from several feet away. He made it through. Phil Trau, a 74-year-old tap dancer, got buzzed by Piers but kicked his routine into high gear using some small steps. Piers took back his X after the performance and voted yes, along with the other judges, to send Phil to Las Vegas. A guitarist/singer named Luigi Seno brought the ladies to their feet with his take on Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning." Piers told Luigi he was going to go a long way with his talent, but first he'd be going to Vegas. One-man-band performer Arthur Nakane took over three hours to set up his multi-faceted instrument, then it had some trouble getting started. The act was a bit of a mess, but even Piers couldn't resist paying tribute to Arthur's dedication and gave him a ticket to Vegas.

It's the final week of auditions on "America's Got Talent" (already, you ask?). Tuesday night's episode brought us to Chicago, where the hope was that the talent would be as deep as the pizza. The first contestant of the night promised to wow and disgust America with his talent -- sneezing with his eyes open. Germaphobe Howie Mandel refused to watch and buzzed the guy right away. The guy couldn't even get himself to sneeze, despite jamming a Q-tip into his nostril, and Piers Morgan buzzed him. Finally, Howie ran over and buzzed Sharon's X to send the guy off. A eight-man hip-hop dance crew called Strikers All-Stars from Florida said they'd been dancing together since 2002. They put on an impressively choreographed routine that had the crowd roaring. Sharon called it good, Howie called it "great." With three yes votes, the Strikers were heading to Vegas. Another group of college friends, the Gentlemen of NUCO, put a rock twist on classical music instruments, and a gospel quartet called NU Covenant were sent along to the next round. A dancer named Naishon Jones moved on, as well. A 50-year-old magician calling himself Spellbound vowed to give the judges something they'd never seen before. He stuck a handkerchief onto a little prop suitcase and made it dance. It was a debacle and all three judges buzzed him. He was followed by more terrible acts, including a girl who danced in a bubble and a guy wearing a cheese hat who sang a song about cheese. Singer Carlos Aponte of Puerto Rico walked onto the stage meekly and sort of sheepishly talked about what he was going to sing, and then amazed the crowd and the judges with a booming operatic voice. Howie told Carlos he'd created one of the show's trademark "unexpected, fantastic moments." Sharon said it was "stunning." Piers said he got goose bumps. All three judges voted to move Carlos to Las Vegas. Performance artist Polina Volchek wowed the crowed with her hoops, ribbons and contortions, spinning hula hoops on her legs and arms, and made it to the next round. John Beatty, a 43-year-old registered nurse, showed off some serious "strong man" skills. He first rolled up a frying pan, then drove a nail into a license plate and two wood planks with his bare hand. Then he bent a thicker nail while holding a 290-pound cement ball into his lap. Piers buzzed him, saying he wasn't entirely impressed. Piers even suggested the drying pan was weaker than most, at which point Howie asked Piers if he could unroll it. He couldn't, then said it might be easier to roll it up than to unroll it. Then John unrolled it. All three judges, including Piers, then put John on a plane to Vegas. Debra Romer, 21, of Kalamazoo, Mich., shared her story of running away at the age of 17. She hasn't been home since. She said her two younger siblings have been the only constants in her life and that music saved her after years in and out of foster care. She said her dream was to sing for a living and "not wait tables." She played acoustic guitar and sang Sarah McLachlan's "Angel." She started slowly and nervously, but the crowd cheered her on and she picked up her confidence and she went on. Howie said he didn't sense that Debra "owned" her performance. Piers disagreed, saying Debra was showing innocence and vulnerability rather than fear. Sharon straddle both sides of the issue, encouraging Debra to stand stronger on stage. Howie voted no. Piers gave her a "definite" yes. Sharon said she couldn't see Debra handling having her own show in Vegas. "If that's what you want me to do, I'll do it," Debra replied. Sharon then said she was going to give her that opportunity.

The second day of auditions in Portland, Ore., started just as weirdly as the first day had, with a taxi driver named Soriah offering up some bizarre humming that he called Tuvan throat singing. It sounded like a human vuvuzela and after the judges mocked him a bit, they sent him on his way. Soriah was followed by a run of odd acts, including a contortion yoga dancer, a needle swallower and a girl with pink hair who admitted she made up her lyrics as she went along. It got so bad that Piers Morgan walked away and called it a complete waste of time. A family tap dancing group of three brothers and their sister, calling themselves The Hot Shot Tap Dancers, tried to turn the tide in Portland. It worked. The crowd was pumped and the judges were all smiles. Howie loved it and said there was a connection and a "unity" that made it work. Piers liked it but wasn't thrilled with their choreography. Although he said it wasn't perfect, Piers voted yes, along with Howie and Sharon, and they were tapping their way to Vegas. A "wall-dancing" couple called AscenDance put on an impressive display of dancing on a rock-climbing wall. Piers said that ever time he thinks he's seen everything on this show, something like this comes along as surprises him. Howie had the same sentiment. All three judges voted yes and AscenDance was heading to Vegas. A dancing group of girls, ages 11 to 13, called RNG ("Radiant Next Generation") put on a precise performance of hip hop. Howie said he enjoyed it but told them to step it up if they were to return. Piers said he liked it more than he expected to. Sharon praised their timing and said she liked it very much. Piers voted yes, along with the other two judges, and RNG was moved on. A crooner named Paul Safy Jr. channeled Tony Bennett and the crowd loved him, as did the judges. A doubles trapeze act called the Sky Sirens and a teenage boy playing an instrument made with PVC pipes that he and his father built also moved on to Vegas. Ryan Compton said his talent was going to blow people away, and he turned down jobs better than his present role as a janitor so that he could hone his talent. Ryan's singing was terrible, but then it became some kind of crumping act. All three judges buzzed him and he was sent on his way. Harmonica Pierre, 74, was in love with his harmonica and divorced his wife after she stopped playing harmonica and told him he had to stop, as well. The crowd rose slowly as Pierre rocked "Flight of the Bumble Bee" on his harmonica, and they applauded when he was done. Sharon said she enjoyed it, but didn't think she could take too much of it at once. Piers said Pierre brought a touch of class to the show. Howie asked Pierre to make it more marketable. Howie voted yes, but Sharon said no. With the crowd urging him on, Piers sent Pierre to Las Vegas. A pair of sisters, Christina and Ali, 13 and 20, who have cystic fibrosis wanted the judges to "look beyond everything" and see them for who they are. They wanted to prove that you can achieve your dreams and do anything you set your mind to. The crowd jumped out of their seats as the sisters belted out "The Climb." Howie said that their talent combined with their illness was so moving that he wanted everything for them that they want in life. Piers said it was "an amazing thing" they'd done just by walking out and singing. He said they weren't the best singers the show has had, but they were good singers and had "absolute sincerity." He called it "an extraordinary performance." Sharon praised the joy they had when they sang. Sharon voted yes, and Howie said he'd be an idiot not to say yes. Piers, then, invited them to Las Vegas.

The "America's Got Talent" auditions were back in Orlando, Fla., and the first act of Tuesday's two-hour audition episode was magician Frankie Elliston, a 19-year-old Chili's waiter who earns extra tips by performing magic tricks. He swallowed a piece of string and pulled it out through the skin on his stomach. He freaked everyone out, and Piers Morgan called it "one of the most disgusting things I've ever seen." He was intrigued, though, and voted yes as the crowd cheered. Sharon said she didn't know if it was good enough, so she voted no. Howie liked something about Frankie and put him through to Vegas. Another magician made it through with a slick "girl in a box" trick. A group of South Philly's Mummers, and a knife thrower who surprisingly used host Nick Cannon as his target all made it to Vegas, as well. Erin Barylski, a painted-up gymnast painted an American flag using pigment on her thighs was just odd enough to make it through to Vegas. A 16-year-old kid dressed as Amadeus came up next. Simeon Mulder recently immigrated from the Netherlands and played the keyboard like a whiz. The crowd was on its feet, his mom was beaming with pride and the judges really had no choice but to send him to Vegas. Customer service representative Tiahizzi Charrelle was pretty well covered up before taking the stage to perform a "song-and-dance routine." Howie buzzed her immediately, and Sharon followed suit. Piers held out long enough to watch Tiahizzi remove most of her clothes, then buzzed her. A string of extremely odd characters followed, including a large man with small talent who pranced around the stage in short shorts before stripping down to briefs. A young dance group, Studio One Young Beast Society, made up of dancers ages 10 to 21, impressed the crowd and the judges and earned a trip to Las Vegas. A 73-year-old Russian immigrant named Efim Tabachnikov, who moved to the U.S. 33 years ago, sang "Some Enchanted Evening" using a style and technique he developed himself. It didn't work. Piers buzzed him almost immediately, and Sharon soon followed. Howie let Efim finish, but the crowd was somewhat relentless. All three judges seemed to like him personally, but voted no. A Haitian group called Harmonik hit the stage with something to prove. They performed for themselves and for their families back in their homeland, who are still reeling from the massive earthquake that hit in January. They wanted to win so they could send the prize money back home. They sang their version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," and the crowd was into it. The judges agreed it was a great performance, and voted them through to Vegas as the crowd gave a standing ovation. A singer and songwriter named Sponjetta wasn't lacking in confidence, saying she felt she could be as big as a Alicia Keys and Beyonce. She performed some original material, a song called "Studio." She kept repeating the line, "I'll be in my studio, studio." All three judges voted no. Nick took the stage and tried to give her another chance, encouraging the crowd to bounce as she sang the song all over again. Sponjetta was the last act Orlando had to offer, and the second hour was dedicated to auditions held in Portland, Ore., for the first time. The first act in the city that prides itself on being weird was a magic duo called "The Magique Bazzar." The guy changed his face mask five times in 90 seconds, but while performing with his back to the crowd, he fell of the stage. They went home, and they were followed by a string of bizarre acts, including one in which a woman dressed as a zombie kept telling a leashed man to roll over. The early portion of the auditions displayed mostly the weird part of what Portland has to offer. But bicycle trickster Jeremy Vanschoonhoven, 27, brought the crowd to its feet. He first used Nick as a prop and balanced his front tire over Nick's face multiple times, then went through an obstacle course. Piers buzzed him because he fell at one point, then he voted no. Sharon voted yes, along with Howie, to send Jeremy on to Vegas, where he vowed to crank it up even higher. Banghra Empire, an Indian dance group, had the crowd and the judges smiling, and they kicked off a run of quality acts who earned tickets to Vegas, including a singing duet called The Strange Familiar and a kids' dance group. Airpocalypse, an air band supergroup, started slowly and Piers was primed to buzz them, but he held off and they kicked it up a notch, bringing the crowd on board with them. Howie voted yes, as did Sharon, and Piers was into it, as well, sending Airpocalypse to Vegas. A classically trained cellist with a heavy metal vibe was X'd off the stage, but Connor Doran was ready to demonstrate his indoor kite flying prowess. The 17-year-old said he was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 4 and flying his indoor kite helped give him confidence and calm. The crowd and the judges were mesmerized by watching him guide the apparatus around the stage. Howie called it "one of the most beautiful, unique things" he'd ever seen. He was flying off to Vegas. William Scott Anderson, a medical evacuation team member in the Army who performed magic for injured children, amazed everyone with an illusion in which he put a woman in a box, then folded the box up, drove swords through it and then unfolded the box with the woman still inside. How and the judges loved it and put him through to the next round. Sally Cohn, a 75-year-old former teacher who vowed to knock everyone off their asses with her performance, was a hand whistler. She whistled "America the Beautiful" and Sharon buzzed her. She wrote a book about hand whistling and had copies for sale for $12. Howie bought one. Sharon liked Sally, but said no. Piers, though, had the last vote and as the crowd cheered, "Vegas! Vegas!" he voted yes.

The "America's Got Talent" auditions headed south to Orlando, which Piers Morgan called "very, very cool." Howie Mandel said he'd not only been to Orlando before, but he's performed on this very stage. The first contestant was local lifeguard Jason Pote, who called himself a "freestyle dancer." A quick three buzzes later, a winded Jason was sent home -- at least he lived nearby. He walked to the audition. Jason started a run of terrible acts, including a guy whose eyebrows danced, a guy who put some kind of colorful paint on an overhead projector, and a horrible dancer who referred to the new judge as "Howie Mendez." A college student dance troupe called The Morphs were dressed in head-to-toe leotards that covered their faces. They were awful and Piers buzzed them quickly, then shook his head as he wondered why the other judges weren't buzzing them, as well. But they did, eventually. Another guy named Billy Bob beat his bicycle like a drum and was buzzed by all three judges. A hula-hoop dance group was buzzed three times over, as was a bad singer named Stacey Weaver. Piers called it "the worst day of auditions I can remember." A 44-year-old guitarist and singer named Lonnie Lear who looked and talked like last year's winner Kevin Skinner was also from Kevin's hometown of Mayfield, Ky. He claimed he was better than Kevin. He wasn't. The crowd hollered for X's, which came from Piers and Howie, and finally from Sharon. Howie struggled to come up with a positive comment, and gave up. Nick Pike, a 30-year-old cruise ship performer, tried something he said was very dangerous and he'd never done it before. He laid out a complicated agenda for his routine. He rode a unicycle that was on fire, while juggling clubs that were also on fire. After more juggling, he did some backspins that make him dizzy. Then he fired up a chainsaw and incorporated it into his juggling routine. The crowd loved it. He dropped a club at one point, so Piers buzzed him. Sharon loved it and Howie called him "truly a great entertainer." Piers, even after X'ing Nick, gave him a yes vote. He was heading to Vegas. Kruti Dance Academy sought to make Indian dance well known, and their tight choreography won points from the judges and the crowd. They were given a pass to Vegas. Lil Chris, 12, wowed with his singing and dancing, continuing the trend of successful acts. Jayna Lee did "a strong-woman act" in which she literally bent over backwards while Nick Cannon stood on her stomach. Mama T, who is 73, sang and danced her way to Vegas. Unassuming Nathaniel Kenyon, 19, carried his guitar on stage and tried to overcome his nerves. He talked about working at an elderly person's home and that he does it because he was inspired by the people who helped his grandmother in her final days. The crowd seemed to enjoy it, but Piers hit him with an X. The crowd chanted "Vegas!" Sharon said Nathaniel had something special about him. Howie said he wasn't the world's greatest singer, but he's good looking and has some talent. Piers said he didn't think Nathaniel was quite there. Howie said yes. Sharon broke the tie by telling Nathaniel she'd be seeing him in Vegas. "Twisted Trystan and Krystan," a sideshow performing couple carrying a large and imposing hand drill, did something they admitted wasn't entirely safe. Trystan said he went to the hospital performing the trick he was going to do on stage. He swallowed a sword, then he dropped to his knees while Krystan stuck the drill down his throat. Piers said it was "not normal" and said "the pair of you are mad." Sharon said she enjoyed it. Howie called it more compelling than other sword swallowers. All three judges gave them yes votes and invited them to Vegas. The final act of the night was a dance group called Wreckless from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., whose leader said they had no formal training or a professional setting in which to train. Piers said he'd been looking for a dance group that could "kick butt" and said they made it worth the wait because they kicked butt. Sharon liked that they were "raw and edgy," and called them fantastic. Howie loved it and after some quick votes, told them they were going to Las Vegas.

The "America's Got Talent" auditions headed for New York City, and the first contestant out of the gate was 74-year-old Mary Ellen. She struggled out of the gate to get her keyboards working on Patsy Cline's "Crazy." Piers buzzed her immediately, and Sharon buzzed her once she started singing. Howie was the lone holdout, and as the crowd roared in disapproval, and Mary busted into some yodeling that got the crowd back into it. Sharon told Mary she's "absolutely barking mad" but she loved her. Howie said he didn't know why he loved it, but he did. Piers said no, but Howie realized that even though everyone would think he was crazy, he gave her a yes. Sharon hoped Mary would find herself a husband in Vegas, and she'd get the chance because that's where she was headed. Rudi Macaggi wowed the judges and the crowd by doing a headstand on a basketball that was set on a stack of shelves that were propped up by champagne glasses and bottles. Rudi vowed more of an act that would blow our socks off. All three judges gave him yes votes for Vegas. The '80s dance group, "The Spangles Dance Company," started a montage of green-lit acts, and they made Howie feel like his mullet was growing back. A kid named Eric put on an impressive yo-yo display. Michael Grasso, a 36-year-old magician, dazzled the crowd with a switcheroo in a box, where he and his assistant swapped places. All three judges were amazed and Piers even called it "absolutely brilliant." With three yeses, Michael was heading to Vegas. A 12-year-old ballroom dancing couple earned a ticket to Vegas before a married couple calling themselves "Just the Two of Us," playing a flute and a lute, took the stage. Just a few seconds into their serenade, which appeared to be done more for each other than for the crowd, all three judges buzzed them, and voted no. A 39-year-old singer named Chale with a deep, radio DJ's voice walked off stage to give himself a grand emcee's introduction, but that was the highlight as all three judges buzzed him and he was gone. A few more bad acts, including a weird dancing guy and a female accordion band followed. Nina Mojares, 10, and her dancing quartet called Legit, impressed the crowd with her singing and their dance moves. Piers said Nina had a good voice, "but it wasn't great." Sharon praised her stage presence and confidence, but said she seemed too precise. Howie agreed with both judges, saying Nina needs to take it to the next level. Howie voted yes, but Piers voted no, saying they weren't quite ready yet. Sharon strung her along, by saying she didn't know if Nina was quite ready yet. It seemed as if she was dragging out a yes vote, but she wasn't. Sharon said no. Alice Tan Ridley, the 58-year-old mother of Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe, said she's been singing in the subways for 20 years, but was still chasing her dream. The crowd rose to its feet after hearing her sing Etta James' "At Last." Sharon wondered why no one had signed her yet, and Howie said she deserved to be heard by more than just the people on the trains. Piers called it the best audition of the day. All three judges voted yes. Chipps Cooney, a 61-year-old illusionist from New Jersey, put on a clearly satirical "magic" show in which all of the illusions were obvious. Piers buzzed him, but Howie pointed out that Piers just didn't get it. Then Piers admitted he didn't get it. Howie loved Chipps' deadpan delivery, and Sharon said she found it very entertaining. Howie said yes, Piers said no, and Sharon said yes.

The New York City auditions of "America's Got Talent" started with a remarkable act called "Fighting Gravity," a group of college students who shut down all the lights in the theater and delivered a performance that blew the judges and the crowd away. Four dancers dressed in white, who were the only figures visible on stage, turned in some precise choreography and surprised everyone when there were a couple dozen guys on stage after it ended. Howie called it the most unique and exciting act he's seen since The Blue Man Group, and "Fighting Gravity" was on its way to Vegas. Father-and-son duo Gino and Tony Antanies gave a so-bad-it-was-worth-cheering-for rendition of "All By Myself." Piers buzzed them quickly, but the other judges were willing to indulge them a bit more. Piers said no, but Sharon said, "Absolutely yes." Howie said he could sense the passion and the love, and said it was a beautiful father-and-son thing, but he voted no. A guy named Joe Menchetti put his speed-eating skills to the test, trying to eat five pizzas in 90 seconds. Three buzzers came before he could finish, though, and he set off a run of terrible auditions that included a guy playing a very over-sized guitar and a terrible singer. A guy dressed in 18th-Century garb calling himself Prince Poppycock turned heads with his outfit, but delivered a stunning operatic performance that Sharon called "magnificent." Piers said he was expecting the performance to "take a certain route," but instead it took a different one. Howie called Prince Poppycock "great talent." All three judges voted yes to send the Prince to Vegas. The Peek-a-Boo Revue, a burlesque group, won over the judges and earned a ticket to Vegas. A guy named Jia-Yi He played four harmonicas at once and earned a standing ovation from the crowd and the judges. A group of knife-throwers earned a unanimous nod from the judges, as well. A singing duo featuring a couple of guys who were very into themselves and called themselves "On Repeat," weren't nearly as good as they thought they were and earned three buzzes from the judges. Antonio Restivo, a 39-year-old street vendor, showed off a pyromaniac routine that mesmerized the crowd. Howie said it was exactly the kind of thing that works in Vegas. Piers appreciated how polished it was, and all three judges gave him a vote for Vegas. Three stand-up comedians were quickly shown the exit as a ramp-up to Doogie Horner, a 30-year-old guy who hoped to turn around the fortunes of stand-ups. The relentless crowd started booing him almost immediately, but Howie seemed to like him. Howie said he thought Doogie was talented, and Sharon appreciated how he held his own against the tough crowd. Piers told him the audience turned on him because he wasn't funny. Howie voted yes, Piers voted no, and Sharon broke the tie with a yes vote.

The judges travel to Dallas, Texas, for auditions.

The two-hour fifth season premiere kicks off with auditions from Los Angeles. The series is a true celebration of the American spirit featuring a colorful array of hopeful stars, including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to strut and perform on stage hoping to win America's hearts -- and the $1 million prize.