I think it's worth noting that both Mel & Heidi's picks were acts that lost in the judges' choice of their respective rounds – therefore, I think there's a good chance that Howard & Howie's picks might also be acts that lost the judges' choice. However, I think there's also a few acts that the judges were hoping would make it further and didn't – so their picks may be acts that didn't even make it as far as the judges' choice. Hell, they could feasibly even pick acts that didn't make it past Vegas…and Howie in particular is pretty unpredictable, so he very well may chose something completely out of left field.
I've picked a handful of acts that I think stand the best chance of getting picked for the wildcard, as well as allowing write-ins. Which do you think will get picked? Vote for the three you think are the most likely.
Personally, I would be surprised if Howard picked any act other than the American Hit Men – he had be gunning hard to get a "great rock band" in the finals, and I think he really wanted the Hit Men to be that band. If he doesn't pick them, for whatever reason (maybe too many music acts?), I could see him maybe picking Alexanderia…he seemed to think she should have made it further than she did, plus we don't really have any danger acts in the semifinals. Howie is a bit more unpredictable – I could see him doing something totally dumb and bringing back Aaralyn & Izzy (ugh), just to be weird; but then again, I think he could possibly bring back Aerial Ice or Alex Magala, to try and get some more unique acts into the finals, since he seems to be the judge that is the most vocal about there being too many singers in the competition this year.
So how did you guys vote? And who do you hope to see winning these wild card spots?
David "The Bullet" Smith: This act was interesting in the auditions. Definitely dangerous. But I always have wondered, what more can he do? Sure he can fly through the air, but there's only so much you can do with that. I felt like the cheerleaders were a little ridiculous, and the fireworks just were there to make the act seem cooler, but in the end, it was pretty much the same act we saw when he auditioned. I do not think he should go forward after tonight. The cannon cam was pretty neat though.
All That!: They were cool, but not as good as some of the other dance acts, which, as we've been told time and time again, is the hardest category this year. I like the shirt colors. They looked like they were having a lot of fun up there though. I did enjoy them but we will see how they fare against some other acts tonight. It sounded like this was going to be a tough night to be performing in.
Ulysses: I was shocked when he got through initially, and I'm going to be even more shocked if he gets through tonight. He's a nice guy…but that's not what this show is about. I think the triple X's from the Judges says it all. And the dancers? It's like they were trying to take away from his badness.
Joe Castillo, Sand Artist: What this man does is very powerful, and he does it with such zest. I've been excited to see his performance tonight, and I wasn't let down. I loved the images he created, and I feel like the possibilities are endless for his act. This act is something that should be appreciated, and I hope people who do appreciate it will take the time to call in and vote.
Eric & Olivia: An any other night of the Top 48, I think they would have had a good chance. However, tonight, the competition was tough, as I already mentioned. Olivia has a good voice, there is no denying that, but I really don't think they will get through to the next round. Even though they were good, there were even better performances tonight that I think will push them out of the competiion.
Eric Dittelman: It blows my mind how he does this. My husband is convinced he has an ear piece in his ear, but I feel like they would have discovered that by now. Who knows. I love it though, and I'm curious to see what else he can do. It seems like it could be a bit repetitive after awhile, but I do like how he switched it up tonight with the mock "Deal or No Deal". I'm not sure how he did it. It seemed more like he predicted the future though, rather than reading their minds. My friend suggested that maybe he gave the case to the most attractive girl, betting that Howie would pick her in the end. I really hope he goes through.
Horse: I'm sorry, but I hate this act. Ever since I first saw it, I was disgusted. I don't think he deserved to even make it to the initial auditions. This isn't a talent, no matter how much he, or the judges, want to believe it. Acts like this just get through to get a rise out of the audience, that I am sure. Maybe I'm missing something, but could someone please tell me what the allure of this act is?
Lindsey Norton: Here's the thing — I really like her. I think she's an excellent dancer. However, I'm not sure if I want her to go through. There are SO many dance acts in this competition, and quite a few seem similar to this. The audience seemed to love her though, and maybe what she does is different from everyone else. It was very beautiful, and she has a great presence about her.
Olate Dogs: Well, Britain's Got Talent just had a dog act win, maybe AGT will too. I think this act is so much fun, and definitely sets it self apart from the other groups. I was watching the show with quite a few family members tonight, and everyone, from my nephew who is almost 2, to my grandparents, were loving it. I'd love to see something so different from the typical singing/musical act win this year, and I think the Olate Dogs could be major contenders in the competition.
Sebastien "El Charro de Oro": There is sure an abundance of younger kids in the Top 48 this year, hasn't there? I think this was one of my favorites though, probably because he's so dang cute. I kind of felt like I was being serenaded in a Mexican restaurant, but that's okay, because I love when that happens! He has a great voice. I thought the rose at the end was rather classy though. My grandma commented that this little boy sounded like a full grown man — I have to agree. He definitely has an old soul, as Howie said. Was he the best of the night? I don't think so. But he was adorable!
Unity in Motion: I really, really loved these girls. I feel like dance fans will have difficulty voting between them and Lindsay Norton tonight. They are definitely one of the best dance acts in the competition, and I hope they go through.
William Close: Another home run act for the night. I love the instruments and vocals that were added to the performance. It was just an over all awesome act. It's so different from a typical musical instrument act, and he seems to do with it such class and precision. He got a standing ovation, from the audience and the judges. I imagine that it takes a lot of time and talent to play the earth harp. It seems like the judges have already deemed him the winner, what does everyone think?