‘America’s Got Talent’ recap: The acts fight it out for the last spots in the finals

With only one week until the finals, Tuesday’s episode of America’s Got Talent saw the final group of semifinalists step on to the Dolby Theatre stage and give the performances of their lives in order to stay in the competition.

This week, Queen Latifah joined the judge’s desk as a special guest judge alongside Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough. This alone had me excited because I’ve always wanted to see her on this show.

Anyway, here’s a recap of all the performances from Tuesday night as well as my predictions on who could make it through.

V. Unbeatable

The dance group kicked off the show with some truly risky dance moves and gymnastics-style tricks. I did not think it was possible for them to step it up from their previous routines but that’s exactly what they did on Tuesday night.

“Dance is for everyone,” Julianne said. “I have to say: Oh, my gosh. I want to learn from you. You guys are unbeatable. You are the ones to beat.”

I’ve said in past recaps that Kodi is going to win and I still feel that way. However, it is far from a lock. If anyone can beat Kodi, it is V. Unbeatable.

Dom Chambers

Following that show stopping performance, it was time to combine my two favorite things: magic and beer. Australian magician Dom Chambers was next and took it back to his original audition. However, this time it did not really land.

“I need to know what kind of brewsky diet you are on,” Queen Latifah joked. “If you can drink that much and not get a beer belly, I want that diet. Your personality is amazing.”

Dom has amazing stage presence, but he really dropped the ball with this performance. There was a lot of talking and very little magic. I see him in trouble in tonight’s results show.

Luke Islam

Julianne’s Golden Buzzer choice Luke Islam was up next. He sang a stunning rendition of “It’s Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman and earned a standing ovation from both the judges and audience.

“I feel like a proud mama,” Julianne said. “You just sang a song for people to have that moment when they don’t feel enough, so thank you for articulating that. You are beautiful. You are enough. I can’t wait to see you in the finale.”

Regardless of how he finishes on the show, Luke has a great career ahead of him. He will definitely see his dream of becoming a Broadway star come true and in the end, that’s what AGT is all about.

Lukas and Flaco

Despite being eliminated in the quarterfinals, the dog act was chosen to return as a wildcard. It was an off night for Flaco and at the end of the night, it had me wondering why they were even considered to return.

“I love your dog and I love you,” Howie said. “But the most impressive thing about this act was that the dog was able to read my mind and press the buzzer.”

Let’s be real here: the only reason the act was brought back is because Simon loves dogs. It was not good enough to be a semifinal act and may have been the worst performance at this stage in the competition in years.

Chris Kläfford

The Swedish singer took another big risk singing an original song called “If Not With You, For You”, which is a song about finding love and being loved back. It was a great performance and ranked in my personal top three from him this season.

“Every time you open your mouth, I love your originals,” Gabrielle said. “I think America will turn out and vote for him.”

I’ve been a huge fan of Chris and I really do hope he makes it into the finals. Even if he doesn’t, I’m sure he’s made some fans here in America for life. I know I’m one!

Detroit Youth Choir

Terry Crews’ Golden Buzzer choice Detroit Youth Choir was up next. They performed a great rendition of “High Hopes” and was easily one of my favorite performances from them this whole season.

“This was as good as your first audition,” Simon said. “This is the semifinals, the most important night of your lives. It shows that we all need a Mr. White in our lives.”

The choir has come a long way since their original audition and have made the most of their time on the show. Terry gave them a chance and for that, I’m sure they will always be grateful. They are one of my favorite choirs in AGT’s history, but I’m not sure if there’s room in the finals for two choirs.

Alex Dowis

The light painter was up next and painted a beautiful and emotional scene that paid tribute to the first responders on the eve of the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It was so emotional and moving that it had me near tears.

“Forgetting the competition, I think what you did was so respectful, so for that you have my absolute respect,” Simon said. “I will watch that again when I get home. I want everyone to watch it online.”

When it comes to AGT, there are so many different types of talent. There are singers, dancers, and magicians – and that’s just scratching the surface. Talents like Alex are so rare and after Tuesday night, he deserves a place in the finals.

Marcin Patrzalek

The guitarist from Poland followed with an awesome flamenco-like version of Ed Sheeran‘s “Shape of You”. The whole performance was great because it was all about music and the talent Marcin has to convey it to everyone at home.

“That was so tight,” Queen Latifah pointed out. “I love the way you were able to create percussion out of that guitar. I was extremely impressed.”

The fact Marcin was in the bottom last week makes it iffy as to whether or not he will make it through to the finals. I guess we’ll find out soon enough.

Emanne Beasha

The pint sized opera singer performed performed “Quello Che Faro”, which is the foreign version of Bryan Adams’  “Everything I Do, I Do For You”. It was a solid performance and better than her previous round.

“The profoundest thing just happened.” Julianne told her. “You took those lyrics I knew in English and you shifted that meaning of what we do for each other. I am having a moment.”

I am not an opera fan, but there’s no doubt Emanne is making the finals after that.

Ryan Niemiller

The comedian was the penultimate act of the night and performed a hilarious set about not knowing how to swim and going fishing.

“You are a very funny, talented comedian,” Howie said. “Vote for Ryan.”

Howie is right: Ryan is talented and very funny. With that said, I do not think he was as funny as he had been in the previous rounds.

Voices of Service

I couldn’t think of a better way to close the show than the Voices of Service. They sang “Choke” by OneRepublic and delivered the song with a ton of heart and passion.

“What a way to end,” Simon said. “This song was your best performance of the series. You deserve to be in the finale. You have my sincere respect.”

There’s no doubt in my mind that this group deserves a place in the finals and after their performance on Tuesday, I think they may just get there.

Prediction

There are just five spots available in next week’s finals. At the end of the day, I feel that V. Unbeatable, Voices of Service, Ryan Niemiller, Alex Dowis, and Emanne Beasha have done enough to advance.

What did you think of the episode and who do you want to advance? Let me know in the comments below.

America’s Got Talent continues tonight at 8/7c on NBC with the results show live from the Dolby Theatre.