If America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League, in which all the judges of the hit reality competition pick their “dream teams” of contestants from seasons past, has proven anything, it’s this: The show is an absolute treasure trove of entertainment, one from which vast deposits of talent can be mined for years to come.
And America’s Got Talent Presents SUPERSTARS Live takes full advantage of that lode, changing its lineup to reflect the amazing variety over the show’s 18 seasons. Recent additions are some of the most exciting in recent memory, performers with a world-class skill set who could easily command shows of their own.
Aaron Crow
The Strong, Silent Type
He never says a word, never changes his stoic facial expression, never shows an ounce of emotion. But Aaron Crow (season 13) quickly shows he doesn’t need words to bring an audience to its feet—or to its knees. His specialty is death-defying acts, but with a significant twist: It’s often his audience volunteers whose safety we fear for. Whether he’s wielding a bow and arrow, nunchucks, knife or sword, Crow is absolutely magnetic in his stage presence, and his act can best be described as mentalism mixed with danger and, for lack of a better word, magic. He’s one of the few acts to elicit a genuine sense of fear from Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B and Heidi Klum—no small feat at all.
Soaring Sexiness
There have been amazing sword-swallowing acts on AGT, and there have been even more amazing aerial acts. But before Herwan Legaillard (season 18), no performer had done them simultaneously. And Legaillard does both so effortlessly, it’s easy to forget while watching him how frigging hard both are to master. (Oh, and he’s also a master at hand balancing!) But what really puts his act over the top is his presence. The man has a hypnotic stare and devilish good looks. He’s a born showman, and promises to be a huge draw while he’s with the show.
Puppets and Personas
When Pandersonium (season 18) first appeared on AGT, the judges and the audience were a bit dumbfounded. Here were four puppets, all singing a very bland version of Britney Spears’ “Toxic.” Suddenly, a Simon Cowell puppet appeared (the act is called Puppet Simon & The Cowbelles), immediately trashing their act in a very meta moment and taking it over, launching into a great rendition of Queen’s “Someone To Love.” The Cowell impersonation, combined with its performer’s amazing vocals, won the crowd—and the judges—over. And they’ll do the same to you.
But Wait, There’s More …
Just like the show itself, SUPERSTARS promises plenty of surprises throughout the year. You might get the chance to see:
• Lavender Darcangelo (season 18), whose story of living with both blindness and autism was affecting enough, but when she opened her mouth to sing “Out Here On My Own,” a star was born. She did not win her season, but her place among the AGT greats is all but assured.
• Brian Justin Crum (season 11), who came so close to winning his season with one of the most powerful singing voices the show has ever seen.
And if you’ve seen the show recently, you’ll be happy to know that some of the show’s fan favorites are still firmly in place, including:
Kodi Lee
• Kodi Lee (season 14), a brilliant singer and pianist who won his season handily and continues to be a focal point of the production.
• Human Fountains (season 13), a trio of men who specialize in spitting water (and other fluids) into the air in a choreographed, hilarious routine that will either have you in stitches or slightly grossed out. Either way, this is unforgettable stuff.
• Mervant Vera (season 17), a magician and rapper who combines both in an act that changes with each and every audience.
• The Pack Drumline (season 17), a troupe that will get your body moving with propulsive drum beats and impeccably timed choreograpy.
Light Balance
• Light Balance, a dance troupe that combines state-of-the-art technology to create some mind-blowing illusions.
• The Silhouettes, a troupe that performs behind a backlit screen to create shapes, telling emotional stories that may have you tearing up a bit.
And tying all this together are your emcees, alternating between stand-up comedians Mike E. Winfield (a Golden Buzzer recipient) and Jordan Conley (both from season 17), who made it to the semifinals. Come and join the ever-changing fun!
Luxor, 702.262.4400. luxor.mgmresorts.com
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