‘America’s Got Talent’ recap: Acts miss the mark in second round of live shows

America’s Got Talent continued on Tuesday night with the second round of live shows, which saw fan favorites stumble and other acts surprise everyone.

In case you missed it, here’s a recap of the performances as well as my predictions for tonight’s results show.

Charlotte Summers

The show kicked off with 13-year-old Charlotte Summers from Spain. She performed a nice rendition of “Diamonds Are Forever” by Shirley Bassey. Now, Charlotte’s voice is very good but the song choice was poor and pretty boring. To start off a live show with that song was a risk that did not pay off.

“You have one of the best personalities of all the contestants,” judge Simon Cowell said. “But that was a terrible, terrible song choice for you. I hate saying this. I am praying the audience dismisses the song choice and remembers how great you are.”

The fans might not have agreed with the judges, but I do. I think Charlotte might be in danger coming into tonight’s results show.

Nick and Lindsay

Danger act Nick and Lindsay were up next and it was just awful. The best part of their act was when Lindsay nearly killed Nick with a knife. Nick’s singing was awful and the danger element was laughable. It made me question why they were even put into the live shows in the first place.

“What she was doing with the knife, trying to kill you, is what I wanted to do when you were singing,” Simon commented. “That was the worst live performance I have ever seen. Everything went wrong.”

There’s no debating: Nick and Lindsay are as good as gone in tonight’s results show. And get this — it wasn’t even the worst performance of the night.

Chris Klafford

The Swedish singer was in the lucky third spot and returned to the stage with an original song that was a tribute to his grandmother. Chris’ voice is easily the best in the competition; it is silky smooth and it’s one of the reasons he already has such as massive fan base. However, Simon did not like the song and fellow judge Howie Mandel agreed.

“I am on the Simon side of this,” Howie said. “I think it is the same thing as Charlotte. Bad song choice, but you have amazing hair and I know hair.”

Chris is one of the frontrunners in this competition, but I do feel like the results show will be interesting with so many underwhelming acts on the night.

Marina Mazepa

Marina took the stage for a spider-like performance and once again, I was bored. There is only so much that a contortionist can do with their body and it feels like she’s reached her ceiling. Simon was so bored that he buzzed her.

“I was disappointed,” he said. “For me what it lacked was the element of surprise. This started out crazy and then it got boring. I didn’t like the music. You had a chance to do something special and you didn’t.”

I would not be disappointed if Mariana was sent home this week. She is very talented, but I feel there’s not much room for her to grow as we get further along in the competition.

Robert Finley

The 65-year-old graced the stage with his soulful presence, performing an original song called “The Light in Me”. Mr. Finley’s performance was the first time all night that I could see an act going into the next round.

“Winners never quit,” judge Gabrielle Union said. “We are so glad you never gave up on your dream. You are a gift to us. Thank you.”

The Sentimentalists

This was easily the worst live show act in the 14-year history of the show. Not only did they massively fail with Julianne and Simon, but Gabrielle Union even called them out on Twitter about messing up her flavor.

“Without being rude, it was a total mess from start to finish,” Simon said. “I couldn’t understand a single thing.”

Since they are “mentalists”, they should see their own elimination coming, right?

Ryan Niemiller

How lucky was Ryan? He got to perform after that shambles of a performance from the fake mentalists. He performed a hilarious set about losing weight and growing up living in a trailer.

“I didn’t know how you could top your last performances,” Julianne said. “You were born to be on stage. That was better than both of your performances combined. This is your lane.”

I think Ryan is on his way to great things following this show. He’s just so funny and seems like a likable guy too.

V. Unbeatable

The dance group from India once again proved they have what it takes and pushed their limits even more. They tumbled, flew through the air, and had two of their dancers jump through a small hula hoop! Amazing! It was easily the best performance of the night.

“Every time we see you guys, you push the boundaries,” Simon praised them. “The creativity is incredible. Unlike some of the other acts, you made every second count.”

As I’ve said before, these guys are the best dance group I’ve ever seen in 14 seasons of watching this show. Not only are they a lock for the semifinals, I predict they’re going to be in the top five in next month’s finale.

Joseph Allen

Howie’s Golden Buzzer act was next up. Joseph Allen took the stage with an original song and he smashed it. I’ll admit: I was not a fan of Joseph’s when he first got Howie’s Golden Buzzer but his song on Tuesday made me a fan.

“You are vulnerable, you come out here and you put it out on stage,” Julianne said. “Do not compare yourself to anybody. That is the death of artistry.”

Light Balance Kids

Light Balance Kids are talented, but their performance on Tuesday reminded me of a movie sequel. It was good but not as good as the original.

“This isn’t going to make me very popular,” Simon commented. “You guys are unbelievably talented, but it lacked the wow factor. I didn’t like the music. You are so talented, but this felt tame. The difference in the energy compared to V. Unbeatable … I am disappointed in you.”

Tyler Butler-Figueroa

Simon’s Golden Buzzer act was the penultimate act of the evening. He brought out his violin and performed to performed “Don’t You Worry Child” by the Swedish House Mafia. This was a massive step up from his audition and he seemed to really be enjoying himself.

“The awesome thing about you Tyler is you inspired a nation of kids to pick up an instrument,” Gabrielle said.

Ndlovu Youth Choir

The final act of the night saw the choir from Africa bring their message of love and hope to the Dolby Theatre. They performed a beautiful rendition of U2’s “A Beautiful Day” and had the audience and judges on their feet.

“You guys come on this show to remind us what it means to be self-expressed and to be true to who we are,” Julianne said.

Predictions

Overall, it was a really lackluster night. Acts who did well in earlier rounds buckled under pressure and others took the chance to soar. So who will make it through? When the dust settles I think V. Unbeatable, Chris Klafford, Tyler Butler-Figueroa, Light Balance Kids, Ryan Niemiller, Ndlovu Youth Choir, and Robert Finley will advance.

What did you think of the show? Let me know in the comments below!

America’s Got Talent continues tonight at 8/7c on NBC with the live results show with host Terry Crews where seven more acts will advance to the semifinals.