The Top 10 America’s Got Talent 2018 contestants will take the stage on Tuesday (Sept 18) for your votes! On Wednesday (Sept 19) a winner will be crowned. Who will win America’s Got Talent? Five of the ten acts are musical, four of which are singers. Since Simon Cowell joined the judges panel in 2016, singing acts have dominated and I don’t think this season will be any different.
Here’s how I rank the remaining 10 contestants. How would YOU rank the Top 10? Sound off in comments.
10. Daniel Emmett – Opera Singer – Daniel’s narrative is all about persevering against the odds! He has literally been rescued–either by the judges or America’s vote–at every step of his AGT journey. And for some reason, I believe that Simon finds that particular backstory appealing. Why else would the judges save him over the musically talented family band We Three? Daniel is a marginally talented pop opera singer at best.
9. Samuel J. Comeau – Comedian – As a comedian, Samuel is hit or miss. He’s best when his jokes center on his disability (Tourettes). It’s Samuel at his most human–an appealing mixture of vulnerability and quirkiness. But when he strays onto other subjects, he becomes a run-of-the-mill comic. Vicki Barbolak, the other comic in the top 10, is more popular than his is. So Daniel is likely to finish in the upper regions of the Top 10.
8. Duo Transcend – Acrobats – These married acrobats put on a thrilling show. But they haven’t really landed with the audience, as they had to be saved during the semi-final rounds.
7. Glennis Grace – Singer – Glennis is easily the best technician of all the singers. But, surprisingly, it took America’s vote during a Dunkin’ Save to get her to the finals. Her problem could be that she’s more style than substance. When she covers the big divas, she comes off karaoke. When she flips a song, she’s more convincing, but doesn’t quite connect to what she’s singing. Also, while the show tries to paint her as an underdog, She’s really had a long successful career oversees. Bonus: This Youtube video is hilarious. Keep watching–the good parts are in English.
6. Vicki Barbolak – Comic – While Glennis had to sing for the save, middle aged comic Vicki Barbolak went straight to the Top 3. I don’t quite get it, as her comic stylings are never more than mildly amusing. I suspect the audience finds her “trailer trash” shtick relatable.
5. Zurcaroh – Dance group – This Austrian group had earned a Golden Buzzer on France’s Got Talent, and then again on AGT (Tyra Banks pick). These aerial acrobatics are compulsively watchable, combining dance moves with death defying acrobatics. I’ll be really surprised if they don’t land in the Top 5.
4. Shin Lim – Magician – On another season, this talented sleight of hand magician would have been a front runner. But now that AGT so heavily favors musical acts, a Top 5 finish is the best he’ll be able to do.
3. Brian King Joseph – Violinist – This talented musician, full of energy and positivity, is a terrific all around entertainer. He could possibly win it all. But I think it’s a singer’s year.
2. Courtney Hadwin – Singer – This shy 14 year old singer transforms into a female version of Joe Cocker when she hits the stage. The metamorphosis is jarring to say the least. But does it matter what I think? The singer has fans. She has her detractors too, which is why I think Howie’s Golden Buzzer will come close, but probably not win.
1. Michael Ketterer – Singer – In the pole position is Saint Michael Ketterer. He’s got it ALL. White guitar strumming singer. CHECK. Relatable backstory CHECK (Just a family man!). He loves the chillrun’ (Adopted a passel of at risk kids) CHECK. He’s on a mission to save humanity (He’s a nurse specializing in pediatric psychology) CHECK. I snark, but really he comes off as totally sincere. CHECK. Chooses the right song and knows how to connect emotionally. CHECK CHECK CHECK. Bonus: He’s Simon’s Golden Buzzer, and Garth Brooks MAY write a song for him.
The America’s Got Talent two part finale airs on NBC Tuesday September 18 and Wednesday September 19 at 8 pm ET/PT.
