‘America’s Got Talent’ episode 16 recap: 11 acts perform for America’s vote in ‘Qualifiers 3’ [LIVE BLOG]

Denton Davidson
·7 min read
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This summer, “America’s Got Talent” returned for its 18th season with Terry Crews resuming his hosting duties and Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofía Vergara once again making up the judges panel. As in the past, this year’s champion will take home a $1 million cash prize and be able to showcase their talent as a headlining act in Las Vegas. Only 55 acts get to perform in the “AGT” Qualifiers to compete for America’s vote and hopefully move one step closer to the finale.

Tuesday’s “Qualifiers 3” features encore performances by two Golden Buzzer acts: South Africa’s Mzansi Youth Choir selected by the audience and singer/pianist Putri Ariani chosen by Simon; as well as comedian and pianist Barry Brewer Jr., aerialist and sword swallower Herwan Legaillard, tap dancer Justin Jackson, brass group MOS, violinist Philip Bowen, dance group Phil Wright & Parent Jam, singer Summer Rios, magician Trigg Watson and acrobatic group Warrior Squad.

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In “Qualifiers 2” on August 29, Howie’s Golden Buzzer dance group Murmuration and stand-up comedian Ahren Belisle were the two acts that America sent through to “The Finals.”

8:10 p.m. — The first act of the night is Warrior Squad. They’re stepping up the danger with high-risk tricks never seen before on “AGT.” They launch a few members from a swing, flying high through the air before forming a human pyramid. Their ability to build various unique shapes by balancing their bodies is impressive. Howie calls loves the act, calling them “a human water fountain.” Heidi says, “I know this show just started, but they’re definitely a highlight.” Sofia thinks they took it up a notch from their audition. Simon takes too long to comment and basically gets cut off, but it sounds like he loved it.

8:23 p.m. — Trigg Watson is happy to expand his magic from kids parties to the AGT stage. He quit his day job and admits there is no plan B. He wants to bring his magic to a global audience. Sofia compliments him for creating a trick she has never seen before. Simon thinks Trigg’s presentation is “a bit annoying,” however the trick was clever. Howie says Trigg is his favorite magician this season, but the middle of the act was “boring.”

8:34 p.m. — Next up is Ohio native Summer Rios. She’s hoping to go from Pizza Hut worker to pop superstar with this performance of “Control” by Zoe Wees. I’m not sure what it sounds like in the auditorium, but she’s weaving in and out of key from what I hear on TV. Sofia calls it “beautiful” and says she hopes America will vote for her. Simon says the performance felt “over-produced.” Howie says it wasn’t his favorite song, but she did the best she could. Heidi thinks Summer “nailed it.”

8:45 p.m. — Phil Wright & Parent Jam is happy to have made it to the live shows and hopes to open dance studios all over the world. It’s totally amateur and Howie buzzes them with a red X. Simon likes this act “because they have a purpose.” Apparently talent is secondary. Howie says parent jam should be “all over the nation” but it’s not a $1 million act worthy of a show in Vegas. Heidi  calls it “endearing” and “beautiful to watch.” Sofia isn’t sure they can compete with the rest of the talent tonight.

8:55 p.m. — Closing out this first hour is violinist, Philip Bowen. He says prior to his audition he was considering throwing in the towel. He wasn’t healthy, but since his audition he’s lost over 50 pounds. This act is fine, but it’s not much of a show. He needs more going on around him for this to be a popular act in Vegas. Howie says people love watching a man “fiddle with himself.” Heidi loves Philip’s energy. Sofia calls him a “great entertainer.” Simon calls Philip a “great personality” and he can feel how much this means to him.

9:05 p.m. — Next on stage is the Mzansi Youth Choir from South Africa. Their mission is to change lives and prove dreams come true. They’re singing “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac, which is an interesting choice. It’s not the most choir-friendly song I’ve heard and definitely doesn’t show off the full range of their talent. I’m underwhelmed. The judges are on their feet. Heidi felt “good vibes.” Sofia says they “all got goosebumps.” Simon thinks the act is “spectacular.” Howie says they always bring their culture to the stage and they’re “so magnetic.”

9:15 p.m. — Tap dancer Justin Jackson is next. As a soloist, he’s nervous. He’s adding jump ropes and confetti in an attempt to stand out for America’s vote. He does what he can, I’m just not sure how this is going to translate to a TV audience. Sofia says he makes “something so difficult look so simple.” Simon doesn’t find tap dancing interesting, however he thinks Justin is talented. Howie loves tap dancing, but isn’t sure he can snag one of two spots in the finals.

9:25 p.m. — MOS is back, the Japanese brass band hoping to capture America’s hearts. For me, this is the most fun act of the night. I like their energy and they truly have talent. It’s different than what we’ve seen before. Simon loves the act. Howie says, “They performed their brasses off” but it should be the brass section of a bigger act.

9:38 p.m. — Comedian Barry Brewer Jr. reveals he’s been chasing this dream since he was 19 years old. He won’t be using music this round, instead relying only on his stand-up routine. I didn’t laugh once – let’s see what the judges think. Howie says the audience loves Barry no matter what he says. Simon thinks Barry is likable, but he preferred his first audition. Heidi agrees with Simon.

9:48 p.m. — Aerialist and sword swallower Herwan Legaillard is next on stage. This showman from Paris wants to be sexy, unique and have his own Vegas show. This was my favorite act of the night. Howie says, “You did it all. You deserve to be in the finals.” Simon says Herwan brought his “A game.” Sofia says she’s speechless, and goes on to speak about how great he is. Heidi says Herwan is her favorite act of the night.

10:00 p.m. — Simon’s golden buzzer artist Putri Ariani will close out this episode. She chose tonight’s song to break stereotypes and show she’s more than just a blind singer. Putri wants to be an inspiration, but also be known for her talent, not her perceived disabilities. She’s singing “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2. She was pretty easily the standout of the night and I can’t imagine how anyone could get more votes than her. Simon says he’s speechless, and goes on to speak. He thanks U2 for clearing the song, which they don’t usually do. Sofia says she’s never heard anything more beautiful in her life. Heidi says this must be what it sounds like when an angel sings. Howie calls it “perfection.” And that’s a wrap for tonight!

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