OHANA event

It went extremely well last night. It was the first time I did a set for 15 minutes. I showcased everything except for 3A. And did the quarter trick on a lucky volunteer who walked with with a Sunset NXG. Pretty awesome...

Here's the press release below:

Dear RAMA family,.

Just a friendly reminder that the 2nd installment of OHANA! is coming up THIS thursday, March 18th, at 7:30pm (doors open at 7) at La Pena Cultural Center in Berkeley, and we have a few very exciting updates to the show schedule for you...

*****Uncle Dougie's New York Style Italian Heroes has generously donated 50 sandwiches for us to give out for FREE. Check out Uncle Dougie's deli at 362 17th Street in Oakland: http://www.uncledougiesheroes.com/

*****We'll also have some delicious homemade Samosas available as well! All the food is first come/first serve, so make sure to get there when the doors open at 7:00pm!

*****And lastly, at OHANA! we'll be introducing the very talented Joseph Harris aka THE YoYo Joe, a Yo-yo competitor who has appeared on the hit TV show America's Got Talent! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ99VaoUsi0)

OHANA!
An evening of music and poetry, brought to you by RAMA
Thursday, March 18th, 2010

Doors open at 7:00pm / Show starts at 7:30pm
La Pena Cultural Center (3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, Three blocks from Ashby BART station, 18 Bus to Woolsey)

$8 General Admission / $5 with valid Student ID
Snacks available for sale! Drinks available at the La Pena bar!

Password: cbs

Finally, the producer sent me the DVD copy which is now available online!

Does it work? from Yo Mama on Vimeo.

CBS Sunday Morning News

ENDER: The Ins and Outs of Yo-Yos
The National Yo-Yo Contest in Chico, Calif., draws fans from around the country to a fierce competition that is far different from yo-yo contests of yore. "What you know about yo-yos, throw out of your head," says defending two-handed style champion Joseph Harris.

Paul Yath, another player seeking to defend his championship title, shows Rita Braver just how contemporary yoyos are different from the older ones with which most of us grew up. As National Yo-Yo Museum director Bob Malowney points out, yoyos date back to ancient times, but the sport is taking a new, dynamic turn. Next stop, the Olympics?
============================================
Clip will be posted soon once I see it online. I think I will just use this blog as a PR tool from now on. All things related to YoYoJoe. =)
============================================

Southpole® National Model Search II Sponsored by Southpole®

More PR stuff

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1902638/americas_got_talent_auditions_day_3.html?cat=2

America's Got Talent Auditions Day 3

July 01, 2009 by

Valerie David

• Published Content: 56
• Total Views: 127,798
• Fans: 7

Singing, Dancing, and Yo-Yoing Their Way to Vegas

Day three's auditions took America's Got Talent to New York and Chicago. Judges David Hasselhoff, Sharon Osbourne, and Piers Morgan once again got to sit through painful performances, quirky numbers, and true talents. While there was genuine talent tonight, these auditions included some contestants that were passed through on mostly charm, rather than million dollar talent.

America's Got Talent also seemed a little heavy on the editing again, not focusing enough on some of the acts. I like Nick Cannon, and think he's funny, but often the show cuts to him in the middle of someone's performance. When the audition is not worth seeing, it's not that big a deal, but some America's Got Talent acts that were given the green light for Vegas were similarly interrupted.

America's Got Talent Auditions: Is Unique Enough for a Million Dollars?

Enter Carol Lugo, a 62-year-old cashier who wants to be a dancer. While Carol had talent, I'm not sure if the America's Got Talent judges were as impressed by her routine as they were by her age. The quick cuts and constant focusing on her face also didn't help the home viewer decide if she was worth watching. Carol's act seemed to be channeling Charlie Chaplin, with the silent film melodramatic facial expressions and short pants. Yes, she has talent, but is it million dollar talent?

America's Got Talent Auditions: Surprises Are Good.

We see a lot of acts, and the America's Got Talent judges see even more, and all of us start to get a sense of when someone is going to be just awful--or at least, not that interesting. So when Yo-Yo Joe hits the stage, you can see on Piers' face that he's not ready to be impressed. We're all cringing, waiting for a moment that Web Soup would dub "That's Un-Incredible!"

Yo-Yo Joe really brought it, though, combining moves akin to break-dancing as he shot double yo-yos around his flying body. It was fun, exciting, and a total surprise.

(EDIT: Another long article cut short)
==================================================
http://www.examiner.com/x-11363-Dallas-TV-Examiner~y2009m6d30-Americas-Got-Talent-auditions-does-America-have-its-Susan-Boyle

'America's Got Talent' auditions: does America have its Susan Boyle?

Matt Carter

June 30, 9:31 PM

NBC really tried to build up Kevin Skinner throughout the show: they aired him during the promos, teased him throughout the commercial previews, and even played some goofy bluegrass music upon his introduction to the show. His outfit was questionable; his occupation, a "chicken catcher," was even more questionable. By the time the guy was set to perform, everyone expected this guy to be dud.

America, meet your new sensation...maybe. While the producers of "America's Got Talent" obviously wanted Skinner to be the next Susan Boyle, we actually really don't know exactly how much talent he has. Country music is a very comfortable genre to sing, meaning that it is easy on the voice. I fully enjoyed Skinner's performance of Garth Brooks' "Tomorrow Never Comes" and even found it quite moving; but was he actually, as judge Piers Morgan put it, a candidate to win the competition? He certainly has the likability factor if nothing else.

As much as it's difficult to praise singers on this show (mainly because there's a million singing competitions out there), one of the other top performers of the night was 14-year old Thia Megia. Unlike Skinner, she chose a very difficult Jennifer Holliday song and sang it soulfully and wonderfully. However, this show is just as much about your personal story, and hers just isn't as exciting.

Thankfully, there were two other variety performers of the night who were equally brilliant. Magician Jay Matiolli was even better than last week's Drew Thomas, doing two tricks that I honestly have no idea how he did. In addition, there was Joseph Harris (a.k.a. Yo-yo Joe), who had a brilliant yo-yo act but very little time to actually show it. One of the things that makes watching this show frustrating from time to time is the insistence on showing some of the wackier acts. Was watching a court judge embarrass himself really more important than seeing an impressive act? Apparently the show already answered the question for us.

So now we're three shows in and there are starting to be some solid contenders. Do you have a favorite? Let me know with a comment. Check back tomorrow for some more video content in addition to some other TV news and commentary.

===================================================

http://www.popculturekitty.com/?p=2922

Aired 6/30/09

America’s Got Talent 4 - Episode 3

Posted on July 1st, 2009 by Princess Kitty in America's Got Talent

We joined host Nick Cannon and judges Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff as the New York and Chicago auditions continued:

New York

Carol Lugo - Goofy 62 year old dancer. Ok, she was entertaining and I did laugh but the reality is that this woman would have been booed off the stage if she’d been 30 years old. She’s agile but the few real steps she did weren’t executed particularly well. The judges sent her on to Vegas but her AGT trip should end there.

Carol was followed by a succession of Vegas bound acts including a dance group lead by four drag queens (The Diva League), and a guy who eats glass and gushes fake blood from his mouth (Chris Allison - and, by the way, YUCK!). The standout of the group was Joseph Harris a.k.a. Yo-Yo Joe. He did a bunch of Yo-Yo stunts that were really flashy.

Jay Mattioli - Magician (pictured above). I agreed with Piers that we’d seen stuff like Jay’s disappearing box trick before but the levitating microphone stand was very, very good. The kid also had a nice bravado about him so he was definitely worth another look in Vegas. I also liked that, while he followed the new tradition of the “rock & roll” magician, it was toned way down from the Cris Angel excess. (EDIT: SAME OLE SAME OLE')

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http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2009/07/01/americas-got-talent-chicken/

REVELATION! “America’s Got Talent’s” Chicken Catcher

By Steven Tarlow, your America s Got Talent chicken catcher news source

Another underdog for us to chew on

The world likes to pretend that it loves the underdog. Susan Boyle of “Britain’s Got Talent” is a great example. When she appeared on the television program and sang “Climb Every Mountain” or whatever song it was that she sang (See? Memorable), the response was overwhelming. She was a great story: a housewife from a small town, with dreams of becoming somebody. People were swept up in the hysteria, claiming that her performance filled them with strong emotions. It was “the most amazing” thing they’d heard in some time. It made them weep and take out no fax payday loans and no fax cash advances for soft Kleenex. For what, I won’t say.

I didn’t buy it then, and I don’t buy it now. And mind you, I’m an idealist who likes to believe in happy endings. But I encourage fans of Susan Boyle to take a look at themselves in the mirror. Not long after Boyle was voted off the show, signs that she is a normal person began to emerge… she became belligerent and was hospitalized due to exhaustion. Where are her fans now? Most have disappeared, writing the woman off as another flash in the pan. It’s cynical and it proves that such fans are hypocrites hypnotized by the flashing of their own media screens. Be realistic, people. Susan Boyle was a regular person with some vocal talent. I wish her the best.

So who’s the next Susan Boyle?(because you know you want one)

That would perhaps be Kevin Skinner, the “America’s Got Talent” chicken catcher. Isabelle Carreau blogs for TV Squad that America “definitely got some magic” during the recent “America’s Got Talent” audition show. Kevin Skinner had a lot to do with that, although Carreau claims that overall, the performances were good. Here are a few of the highlights (lowlights?), capped by the Kevin Skinner performance of Garth Brooks’ “If Tomorrow Never Comes.”

• Jeffrey Johns, the Singing Librarian - Here we have a tiny librarian (5-foot-3). The man had good stage presence and energy, but his voice didn’t quite captivate. Subscribing to my underdog theory (that people pretend to love them when they really don’t care), this guy would be kept around long past the time he should be
• Carol Lugo, the Dancing Sexagenarian - She’s 62 and loves to flit about with lots of oomph. Gotta have that oomph to draw in the audience, particularly when the rest of your show doesn’t follow any definite plan. I love how judge David Hasselhoff said she had “amazing” talent. Of course we all know the Hoff has “amazing” talent, otherwise he wouldn’t be one of the best-selling pop artists in Germany
• Joseph Harris, the Yo-Yo Yenta: Well, I don’t truly know whether he’s a gossip monger or not, but clearly he bounded all around the stage. Gotta do the old razzle-dazzle if you’re going to rise above Tom Smothers’ old “Yo-Yo Man” act. Next time, bring along Y0-Yo Ma to play Bach cello suite number one behind your act. It’s infinitely hopeful, and you need hope
• Thia Megia, the Singing Teen - She’s 19 and has that big voice that can knock you out of the box at first. Then you get up and realize you wouldn’t buy her albums. If she proves me wrong, great. Carreau thinks this girl is a front runner on the show
• Kevin Skinner, the Man of the Hour - Give him the Susan Boyle treatment immediately, so that people other than me have something to blog about. Oh, wait… I’m a hypocrite. That’s right.

"Go for it, chicken catcher!"

Kevin Skinner appears to be a simple unemployed chicken farmer who’s looking to make more of his life. I applaud the effort and must say that I didn’t find his Garth Brooks take to be unpleasant. Over length, the holes become apparent, but he certainly did a better job than I would have been able to do approximating Neko Case. Carreau thinks his looks and accent were “a barrier” to her appreciation of this man, but I say “Fah!” You probably loved Susan Boyle, and she had plenty of both of those.

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http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20090701-ENTERTAIN-90701019

'America's Got Talent' recap: Kevin Skinner is our Susan Boyle!

Former chicken catcher from back woods of Kentucky can really sing

By Fred Dame Jr.

July 01, 2009 1:38 PM

Editor’s note: The following TV recap was written by musician Fred Dame Jr. of York, Maine, who auditioned in Boston for this season of “America’s Got Talent.”

Last night's edition of “America's Got Talent” started off in New York City on a good note, with the likes of 62-year-old supermarket cashier Carol Lugo.

Led by a dream of being a dancer, Lugo started the night's auditions with a bang, her wild and sometimes possessed dance routine whipped audience and judges alike into a excited state to push her through to the next round!

Lugo also gave a tribute to the late Michael Jackson by working the King of Pop's patented move into her routine known as the Moonwalk (note: This segment was recorded before the news of Jackson's death hit the media).

Following Lugo's performance, a string of competent and formidable acts lit up the stage. Such acts included Joseph Harris a yo-yo technician, The Diva League-drag queen dancers who delighted David Hasselhoff and Chris Allison-Geek magician extraordinaire! (The rest can be read found on the link)

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http://www.examiner.com/x-12169-Americas-Got-Talent-Examiner~y2009m7d1-Episode-3-June-30th-the-passed-acts-reviewed

Episode 3, June 30th: the passed acts reviewed

July 1, 12:03 PM · Michael Ross - America’s Got Talent Examiner

The producers seem to have taken the criticism of its viewers to heart. At the end of the hour-long third episode of AGT's open calls, only five rejects were given airtime. The presence of these rejects is actually so sparse that I almost feel as if I do not have enough to justify a separate article about them yet.

Eight more acts were revealed to have passed into Vegas, bringing their three-episode total to thirty-two. The criteria used to judge these eight acts is still the same: talent, excitement, variety, appeal to spoiler voters, chances of flopping in Vegas, and potential for an hour long show. They are as follows:

1) Carol Lugo

(text cut out...)

2) Joseph Harris

Act: Yo-yo artist

Passed with: Unrevealed

Talent: High

Harris could not have made it through to Vegas as a yo-yo artist if he was not one of the absolute best in his trade. AGT has had yo-yo acts in the past, all of which were made a mockery of in elimination montages. The very fact that Harris made it through to Vegas at all speaks wonders of his talent.

Excitement: Moderate

The reason no yo-yo act has ever made it through to Vegas until now is because the effort that goes into the performance does not always translate to the audience. In theory, Harris could have performed as a twirler with similar results.

Variety: Very high

In four seasons, AGT has never had a yo-yo artist in Vegas.

Spoiler Appeal: Moderate

Once again, Harris gets extra consideration for being a non-musical performer. This is an optimistic level, however, as many viewers may be skeptical about putting their support behind a yo-yo artist.

Potential to flop: Very high

Harris’s potential pitfalls are twofold. On one hand, his performance can fall apart in an instant if his yo-yo falls short of a return. On the other hand, the actual toss and return of the yo-yo is not where the actual entertainment is derived, so Harris will need to push the limits of his yo-yo just to survive Vegas week.

Potential for an hour-long show: None

Eventually the judges, if not America, will have to ask just how much can one man possibly do with a yo-yo.

Chances of advancing overall: Moderate

(as the title suggests, the rest of the article is a review of the other acts)

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http://www.gameshownewsnet.com/prime/agt4/

Auditions: New York City/Chicago
June 30

Last week, the talent came back with a vengeance, but we're nowhere near done yet, as the search for the million-dollar act continues in...

NEW YORK CITY

Back in the Big Apple (and home of the original Trouble Triangle), we begin again with a 62-year-old mother of three, Carol Lugo of Jersey City. She's a cashier, but tonight, all she wants to dance. She believes in following your dreams no matter what. Tonight, her dreams take her (and us, by proxy) to moonwalking, shaking, and doing jigs. Talk about entertaining... The judges think that she's amazing. She's off to Vegas.

Will Joseph Harris (aka Yo-Yo Joe) join him? The things he does with Duncans are legendary. So the answer... yes.

(EDIT; cut short again...check article for the rest)

*CONTINUED, JULY 13*

http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/americas-got-talent/americas-got-ta-2-10068.php

"Time for Joseph Harris, the college student. He wants to be called Yo-Yo Joe, which prompts an embarrassingly dated reaction from the judges. He throws some yo-yos around and everyone freaks out, and a minor stir is caused when David fails to catch the yo-yo Joe tosses to him. Sharon thinks that both yo-yo fanatics in America should be represented by Joe and he's joining Carol in the short-term Winner's Circle."

============================(CONTINUING TO ADD TO THIS ARCHIVE, JULY 13, 2009)

http://www.realitynewsonline.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article10303.art&page=1

America's Got Talent 4, June 30: Ad Nauseam

by Tyler Sandersfeld -- 07/01/2009

Some of the good acts in this episode could really surprise you. Or at least they could have if NBC hadn't shoved them down our gullets through the commercials. We've seen the chicken catcher, the super-leaning magician (right), and the 62-year-old dancer impress the crowd already, but what about a really short librarian and a light-bulb eater?

Of course, Carol isn't the only performer to surprise the judges. Joseph Harris and his yo-yo skills get three yo's from the judges.

In any case, Kevin is through to Vegas and will probably get second place. Here's who all made it in this episode, along with my rankings.

Full Acts

1: Jay Mattioli, illusionist
2: Thia Megia, singer
3: Carol Lugo, dancer
4: The Fab Five, cloggers
5: Kevin Skinner, country musician

Brief Acts

1: The Diva League, drag queen dance troupe
2: Joseph Harris, yo-yo artist
3: Chris Allison, sideshow comedian

(EDIT some out to get to the point)

AMERICA'S GOT TALENT!

I WAS ON FOR A GOOD 15 SECONDS! If you follow the show, I AM GOING TO VEGAS! HAHA...

Thanks everyone for tolerating my spam emails, texts, and phone calls. Now let's see if anyone finds my blog now that I'm on National TV for the 2nd time ^_^

EDIT 10 minutes later: Googling "America's Got Talent yoyo" here's some text of the results!


Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

http://www.yoyoskills.com/?p=1011

Joseph Harris to be on America’s Got Talent TONIGHT!

Current reigning US National 2a champion Joseph Harris is expected to be on America’s Got Talent tonight. The extent of his appearence is not known yet. Will the judges just “Not get it” like when the incredible John and Rebecca Higby performed for them (they got totally ripped off), or Luke Roberts who killed with awesomeness, but was killed by the judges, or will Joseph be able to impress the judges to move ahead?
Tune in tonight to NBC at 9/8c and find out!

Joseph Harris seen here at IYYO 2008

Joseph’s credentials include -
Member of the AYYA Board of Directors
1st Place - 2A Division - 2008 National Yo-Yo Contest
1st Place - Open Division - 2008 California State Yo-Yo Contest
5th Place - 1A Division - 2008 California State Yo-Yo Contest
5th Place - Open Division - 2008 International Yoyo Open Contest
7th Place - 2A Division - 2008 World Yo-Yo Contest
1st Place - 2A Division - 2008 Pacific Northwest Regional Contest
2007 YoyoJam Scholarship Recipient
2006 Most Inspirational Player Award
2001-2003 Hawaii State Champion
6th Place - 2A Division - 2001 World Yo-Yo Contest
2nd Place - 2A Division - 2000 National Yo-Yo Contest
11th Place - 2A Division - 1999 World Yo-Yo Contest
4th Place - 2A Division - 1999 National Yo-Yo Contest

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http://blog.zap2it.com/ithappenedlastnight/2009/06/americas-got-talent-thea-megia-and-kevin-skinner-are-amazing.html

'America's Got Talent': Thea Megia and Kevin Skinner are amazing

By Andrea ReiherJune 30, 2009 9:04 PM Welcome back to "America's Got Talent." Thea Megia and Kevin Skinner just absolutely kill it tonight.

We kick things off tonight in NYC with 62 year-old Carol Lugo, a grocery cashier from New Jersey who dances. Could this be our Susan Boyle? As she starts weirdly gyrating to "I Can't Help Myself," I am alternately horrified and completely delighted. The woman moonwalks! She is strangely charming. The judges just adore her and send her through unanimously as the strains of "Flashdance" come up in the background.

Good Montage. YoYo Joe dances with a yoyo (it's no "Air on a G String" but it's pretty awesome); *SNIP, long article cut short*
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http://realitytvmagazine.sheknows.com/blog/2009/06/30/americas-got-talent-063009-new-york-and-chicago-auditions/

America’s Got Talent 06/30/09: New York and Chicago Auditions

June 30, 2009 07:11:15 by Paulene Hinds

Nick Cannon began America’s Got Talent by introducing the esteemed judges; Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne, and David Hasselhoff to New York city. Thousands of people arrived to show America that they have what it takes to win the big prize.

Nick said it was time to take a bite out of the big apple and see if New York has talent. First up was 62 year old grandmother Carol who came to dance tonight. Aside from the neck flailing, she was awesome. Sharon Osbourne thought that she was wonderfully bizarre. She was off to Vegas.

The rest of New York hoped to surprise the judges with their talent including Joseph the yoyo king, the Diva League drag queen dancers and Chris who ate a light bulb and all made their way to Vegas tonight. (EDIT; another long article...)

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http://www.reality-tv-online.com/blog/america%E2%80%99s-got-talent-the-auditions-continue/

America’s Got Talent: The Auditions Continue

Tonight’s episode of “America’s Got Talent” focused mostly on people who DID have talent. Moving on in the competition are the following: Carol Lugo (who looked like a school teacher, but her dance was deemed “wonderfully bizarre” by Sharon), Joseph “YoYo Jo” Harris (whose yo-yoing was incredible), The Diva League (I think each season is required to have a drag queen act), Chris “Coney Island Chris” Allison (I want to see more of his act!), Jay Mattioli (now THIS is an act that could go over big in Vegas), and The Fab Five (clogging sisters).

(EDIT...LONG ARTICLE AGAIN)
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http://www.buddytv.com/articles/americas-got-talent/americas-got-talent-recap-yo-y-29704.aspx?pollid=500000251&answer=500000861#poll500000251

'America's Got Talent' Recap: Yo Yos, Drag Queens and a Country-Fried Singer

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

It's time to start week two of the dumbest show on Earth, America's Got Talent. I say dumbest not because it isn't entertaining, but because there's no point. The judges are allegedly looking to give someone one million dollars and an act in Las Vegas. If that's the case, why would a 62-year-old woman dancing make the cut? It's amusing, but I can pay two dollars at any state fair to see that kind of generic bland entertainment.

When David Hasselhoff expresses amazement when the old woman can dance without being out of breath, we' as a country have lowered the standard by which we judge talent. In the old days, you had to have a demonstrable skill to become famous and acclaimed. Now all you need is a big butt, a sex tape, or a catchphrase like "That's hot."

And if those things fail, you can go on one of the billion reality shows, act like a buffoon, and pretend that 15 minutes of fame is someone validation for your existence. On talk shows I frequently hear Dr. Drew Pinsky comment on the fact that, for the first time as a species, achieving fame is now the primary engine for actions, not for the sake of accomplishing something.

Fame has become a drug, one which addicts like Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag can't live without. Sadly, America's Got Talent has become this nation's top drug dealer, even outshining Tommy, the white guy with dreadlocks who lives down the hall from me and doesn't wake up until 3pm.

American Idol may spend a disproportionate amount of time on the bad auditions, but they don't put people like William Hung through to Hollywood. On America's Got Talent, those same desperate fame whores willing to sacrifice their integrity for a chance to be on TV are rewarded with trips to Las Vegas.

Am I being too harsh? Judge for yourself, because here are the acts that made it through during the third episode of auditions.

Carol Lugo: A 62-year-old checkout lady who does funky dancing while gyrating her hips.

Joseph Harris: A guy who does yo yo tricks.

The Diva League: A dance troupe which features four large drag queens.

"Coney Island" Chris Allison: A comedian who eats light bulbs.

Jay Matteoli: A 27-year-old magician who is trying to rival Criss Angel for the title of "World's Douchiest Magician." He does for magic what Dane Cook does for stand-up comedy.

Thea Megia: A 14-year-old girl with a rhyming name who sings. She has a great voice, but does anyone think a 14-year-old girl should really be headlining an act in Vegas?

The Fab Five: Five Utah-born tap dancing sisters who are all quite MILF-y.

Kevin Skinner: A genuinely great country singer who acts like a country-fried idiot, talking about his past life as a chicken catcher who didn't know how many chickens he caught because he wasn't too good at the math. Sharon calls him genuine, but I'm 100 percent certain his country twang and "aw shucks" attitude is a huge fake act.


So one of those eight acts could get a show in Las Vegas and earn one million dollars. John Edwards always talked about the two Americas, so at least I know I have someplace else to go if one of them actually wins.

Which of these performers was your favorite?

8%

Carol Lugo

8%

Joseph Harris

17%

The Diva League

0%

Coney Island Chris Allison

0%

Jay Matteoli

8%

Thea Megia

13%

The Fab Five

46%

Kevin Skinner

Carol Lugo

8%

Joseph Harris

17%

The Diva League

0%

Coney Island Chris Allison

0%

Jay Matteoli

8%

Thea Megia

13%

The Fab Five

46%

Kevin Skinner

-John Kubicek, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image courtesy of NBC)
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http://thetvlegion.com/2009/06/30/americas-got-talent-june-30th-2009-auditions/

America’s Got Talent: June 30th, 2009 Auditions

By

eric

Published: June 30, 2009Posted in: America's Got Talent, Episode ReviewsTags: America's Got Talent, America's Got Talent Auditions

Three episodes in and I am already starting to worry about this season. Once again it appears that the singers are going to take over the show once again. I do have to admit though one of the best performers of this season so far was tonight along with another interesting act which was relegated to 20-30 seconds of screentime. Without further ado let’s get into today’s act and hope that future auditions have more original acts.

Carol Lugo (Elder Dancer): She’s not a bad dancer but not nearly good enough to win the competition in my opinion. Somewhat entertaining even though I personally wouldn’t have moved her on. C+ Moved On

Also moved on: Joseph Harris (Yo-Yo Performer), The Diva League (drag queen dancing group), and Chris Allison (Eats glass/variety act). (EDIT: more text about other acts...though I like the part about singers which I think is worth reading:

Thia Megia (Singer): She’s a pretty good singer but I will reiterate that I don’t root for singers on America’s Got Talent. Most of these singers can showcase their singing on other reality shows. For example in a year or two she could just go on American Idol, get more publicity, and most likely have a better career. That opportunity is not available for these other acts. I really think America’s Got Talent needs to institute an individual singing title or I fear we will have a singing final showdown once again this season. I don’t mind singing acts moving on, I don’t like 75% of the acts moved on being singers though. B Moved On

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http://bigdaddybs-main.blogspot.com/2009/06/americas-got-talent-2009-06302009.html

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

America's Got Talent 2009 - 06/30/2009

Starting in New York

62yo mother of three, Carol Lugo, Cashier - Dancer - to "Sugar Pie Honey Bun" Fun... She dances VERY hard. Sharon: You're very bizarre, but wonderfully bizarre. David: You deserve to be here... You're terrific! Piers: There's just so much to say about you. David: Absolutely Yes. Sharon: Yes. Piers: Your dream lives on with three Yeses.

Joseph Harris, aka: Yo-yo Joe. Dances with two yo-yos doing tricks. Yes, all the way.

The Diva League - Drag queen dancers - They're in.
(EDIT: describes other acts...)
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http://gskingdom.blogspot.com/2009/06/americas-got-talent-630.html

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

"America's Got Talent" 6/30

NYC:

WINNERS:
Carol Lugo (62-year-old dancer)
Joseph Harris (dances with yo-yos)
The Diva League (variety act)
Chris Allison (magician)
Jay Mattioli (magician)

Chicago:

WINNNERS:
Thia Megia (14-year-old singer)
The Fab Five (female dancing group)
Kevin Skinner (singer/guitarist)

NOTABLE DUDS:
Franklin Sane (singer that works in real life as a juvenile court judge)
Jeffrey Johns (a man who sings on a high chair)
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EDIT: MORE!
http://www.tvsquad.com/2009/07/01/americas-got-talent-audition-show-3/

America's Got Talent: Audition show 3

Posted Jul 1st 2009 12:28AM by Isabelle Carreau
Filed under: OpEd, Episode Reviews, America's Got Talent

(S04E03) "America's Got Magic." - Read on the magic box used by a contestant

America definitely got some magic tonight, as this was the first episode of the season where there were more good acts and not-so-bad ones than there were bad acts.

Before I give my two cents about the performances and let you comment on them, as well, I need to raise the issue of sponsoring. It looks like Orville Redenbacher is now sponsoring America's Got Talent. So far, it was done with some taste -- just a sort of "pop corn" ad telling us to watch the show -- but I'm afraid it may become as intrusive as the "Gone Completely Crakers" were last season. Let's hope we won't get a "Poppin' It" segment similar to the "Crakers" one, as they were boring and used good air time that could have been given to good performances.

Some of the acts I didn't enjoy:

• Frank inSane, singer: What was he thinking? As Piers said, his job as a county judge demands that he be serious, yet he comes to AGT and gives a bad performance. People coming to his court and who saw the show will not be able to take him seriously anymore.
  
• Jeffrey Johns, singing: This 5' 3'' librarian should definitely not quit his day job. Having fun on stage is key to connect with the crowd, but you also need to have the talent and, Jeffrey doesn't. However, I think he could be a clown. He seems to love the stage and be a fun guy. Mix that with a wacky voice and you could get a small clown.
  
• Witches in Bikinis, singing: Just the name of the group is scary and weird. No surprise that their act turned out to be, well, scary and weird!
• Robert Meyers, impressions: I didn't get his impressions but what really killed his act was the fact the costume changes took way too long. If he wants to try out again next year -- you know the show will get renewed for a fifth season, right? -- I suggest he meet with Season 1 contestants "Quick Change".
  
• Samba, Samba, Samba, dancing: We didn't see much of that act but they didn't look like they were having fun dancing the samba, and the act wasn't energetic enough to win the crowd. After three seasons of the show, I'm still surprised that the dance numbers don't know they have to be energetic, have rhythm and be in sync to move to the next round.

Some of the acts I don't know what to think about:

• Carol Lugo, dancing: This 62-year-old woman did give us a fun performance. She had loads of fun on stage and her energy was contagious. Her moves were not too bad but it's clear she didn't really know what she was doing, as there was no real routine. I get that the crowd and the judged loved her because she did amazing for her age and was fun, but the Hoff went way too far when claiming she had amazing talent and was terrific. She was good. Period. They sent packing better dancers than Carol. I don't see her going very far in the competition.
  
• Chris Allison, magician(?): Weird. You'll have to tell me what you think about this act because I have no idea what to think of it other than say that it was cool and weird at the same time.
  
• Kevin Skinner, singing and playing guitar: The "touching story" of the night... then again, it looks like AGT is not only doing touching stories as the last act of the episode but also underdog stories such as last week's Arcadian Broad. Kevin Skinner falls in the underdog category with his farmer look and his "I was a chicken catcher" background. I must admit that the guy sang well and his guitar playing was good. However, he did not move me as he did the crowd. After thinking about it while writing this posts, I think his looks and his accent were a barrier to me, so I couldn't really enjoy his performance. Do you share the same opinion?

Some of the acts I enjoyed/loved:

• Joseph Harris, yo-yo: Wow! I've seen a few cool yo-yo acts before but most of the performers were standing still. Joseph was moving all over the place, which made the act even more daring and impressive. Will we get a flamed yo-yo during his next performance?
  
• The Diva League, dancing: I was expecting them to give a terrible performance when I saw how they were dressed. But you have to admit that they were entertaining and had a good choreography. They are not the best dancers we've seen so far but they gave a good enough performance to move on to Vegas for sure.
  
• Jay Mattioli, magician: Very impressive act even if, as some of the judges mentioned, the second part contained a trick seen time and time again. You have to admit that the box was really well built and worked like magic during the trick. I really enjoyed the rocky and hip side of his performance. Making his acts young and fun will definitely win him votes in the upcoming rounds. I can't wait to see what else he has in store for us.
  
• Thia Megia, singing: What a voice this 19-year-old girl has. When she walked on stage, I had no idea such a deep and huge voice filled with emotion could come out her. She is definitely one of the front runners.
  
• The Fab Five, tap dancing: The outfits were too shiny for TV, but their act was really cool. Good tap dancing routine, well choreographed, in sync, energetic, etc. Sadly for them, that type of dancing group doesn't usually go very far in the competition so let's hope they add lots of daring stuff and new moves in the next round.

What did you think of tonight's performances? Do you think there were more good acts than bad? Do you think This is a front runner or do you think someone else is? Share your ideas, theories, musings, in the comment section below.
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That's the end for now. Another post with all the PR stuff on here later! So happy I interned at a PR firm this past semester. This is what they did practically in addition to other things!

-YoYoJo

EXCLUSIVELY 2A now that BAC IS OVER!

BAC WAS GREAT! I focused mainly on 1A for this contest because I know I will practice exclusively 2A the next 3 months until World's.

Here is a video of my PRELIMS IN 1A:

Joseph Harris-BAC 09-1a Prelims from ittuzed on Vimeo.

The results:

1A Prelims:
1 Jensen KIMMITT 100.00
2 Charles HAYCOCK 77.34
3 Alex BERENGUEL 64.21
4 Joseph HARRIS 60.60
5 Trent FRANKS 53.86
6 Zach GORMLEY 53.27
7 Mark ALLEN 50.70
8 Masanobu IWATA 49.95
9 Gentry STEIN 46.69
10 Vncent DEZUTTI 46.33
11 Josh YEE 38.46
12 Ian BAILEY 36.91
13 Travis OWEN 34.46
14 Boyd SETH 34.04
15 Alex KIM 33.99
16 Vincent ARECELLANA 32.56
17 Sam UNGERER 31.07
18 Juan RENTERIA 30.68
19 Sam LOPEZ 30.29
20 Tyler GOLDENBERG 25.21
21 Dalan KERR 24.77
22 Joseph LIU 24.25
23 Sean VANZANDT 24.02
24 Everett CADAY 23.19
25 Paul DANG 21.58
26 Jared TISHER 21.47
27 Luke ROMERO 16.67
28 Joe BENSON 14.76
29 Mateo OLIVENCIA 8.70

1A:
1 Jensen KIMMITT 93.76
2 Sebastian BROCK 93.07
3 Paul HAN 85.49
4 John CHOW 77.31
5 Augie FASH 74.25
6 Mark ALLEN 73.40
7 Alex BERENGUEL 69.96
8 Grant JOHNSON 66.18
9 Zach GORMLEY 62.97
10 Paul YATH 61.28
11 Andrew BERGEN 60.41
12 Vincent DEZUTTI 57.97
13 Charles HAYCOCK 56.40
14 Joseph HARRIS 51.94
15 Gentry STEIN 50.81
16 Masanobu IWATA 46.08
17 Trent FRANKS 32.48

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