Up until last night, I would have voted for Prince Poppycock. I love the way he jazzes up the Opera image. He made Opera fun for me. Last night was boring in comparison to his other performances. I don't think Piers should have buzzed him but I can understand why he did it. I like Michael Grimm but singers are a dime a dozen. I do like the type of songs that he sings...very refreshing. I didn't know he was so far along in his career either. Jackie's performance last night was spectacular. She sang a song we all know. I love her voice but I really am not an opera fan. I do agree she is far to young and she is already a star. Defying Gravity is good, but we have seen this kind of act in Ontario before, actually for many years now. They just take it up to a higher level. I already knew how it was done so it wasn't really that spectacular to me. I wouldn't have put them through to the finals. If you didn't know, yes then I can see where people would be thrilled with this act. It is the type of show that I could see in Vegas but if I had to choose a show in Vegas, I would choose Poppycock hoping that he would do more spoofs and keep the fun in his Opera acts.

I really enjoyed Preacher Lawson! I also thought he was poking fun at himself for losing to a 12 year old - not complaining about her. I liked that he was able to respond in a very funny way in the moment....while he may (or may not) stick to a script for his act, he didn't need a script to have a funny comeback. I liked Terry Crews as host much better than Tyra, who was fine, but Nick Cannon was a hard act for Tyra to follow. Edited to add, YES, Sophie was absolutely amazing. That spinning from her neck in the hoop was incredible. I am happy with Preacher Lawson winning, but do wish Sophie would have won.

"But how can you judge someone like Jon or Shin against Paul Pott who I love. ?" I guess that's the difference in being able to judge on the basis of actual talent (not sure that's the proper term here) and a popular vote. I'm not clear on whether the finals will be judged solely by the so called "super fans", or if Simon, Heidi, Mel B and Howie will also have a say in it. I think Simon is the most capable of putting his own likes/dislikes aside and judging on talent, and Howie, too, to some extent. Heidi and Mel B, not so much. And I'm thinking the super fans' votes will be a popular vote only. But I could be wrong on that. We'll see next Monday! It should be interesting. I wonder if the judges had any inkling ahead of time that they would be called to participate in the knife throwing act? Rusty

No, Lily, you aren't the only one that doesn't care for that Spanish lady. I don't like that kind of music at all! Another not so favorite of mine was Brian Justin Crum. I would have enjoyed the Deadly Games act a lot more if those two hadn't been screeching on the sidelines. I don't know how he could concentrate on throwing those knives with all that racket on the stage with them. And the gal that did the sand painting! While I was very happy she advanced as far as she did, it also surprised me for some reason. I love her art, though. And she is so pretty, and so poised and elegant! Darci Lynn has been one of my very favorite favorites from the first time I saw her a couple of years ago. I think her talent is amazing, especially at her young age. Shin Lim is the first card trick magician (not sure what the 'proper' name for his act would be) that has ever been able to hold my attention much past their first trick. He is amazing! Paul Potts has a nice voice, but I found his performance to be pretty blah. No emotion or personality that I could see. But, different strokes for different folks. We all like different things, and that is a good thing. This world would be a pretty boring place if everyone were alike! Can you imagine the tension they were under standing up there waiting for the results? Even the judges looked like they were about to collapse under it! Rusty