Americas Got Talent Live

Talent-packed variety show

By Caroline Fontein

Instead of just watching it on television, audiences in Vegas can experience all the fun and excitement of NBC’s America’s Got Talent live at Planet Hollywood. Hosted by celebrity talk show host Jerry Springer, the production features this year’s top performers including million dollar winner Kevin Skinner. Some of the other performers in the show include Recycled Percussion, Lawrence Beamen, Grandma Lee, The Texas Tenors, Barbara Padilla and Hairo Torres.

Even if you aren’t familiar with the performers from the television show, this talented-packed revue has something for everyone - singers, dancers, musicians and a comedian.

Recycled Percussion opens the show with an explosive performance. This all-male quartet features two industrial drummers, an electric guitar player and a DJ spinning hip-hop and funk. What makes them unique is that the drummers play on non-traditional surfaces like large plastic buckets, trash cans and other recycled materials. Their high-energy performance includes rocking out on the drums and jumping off ladders to create awe-inspiring music.

Before each act, Springer comes on stage to tell a few jokes and introduce the next performer. Through his explanations and an accompanying video clip, you learn the acts in this show are the products of everyday people just trying to follow their dreams.

Beaman is the next to perform. He sings “Old Man River” and then takes things up a notch with a song he wrote called “Thinking of You.” His deep, smooth Barry White-style voice makes ladies in the audience swoon.

Grandma Lee, 75, changes pace with her sometimes-racy comedy. Despite her age, this comedian has a lot of spunk. The showroom fills with laughter as she jokes about aging, dating and trying to work as a call girl.

The Texas Tenors entertain with their rendition of Alabama’s “Mountain Music.” Dressed in black cowboy hats, suits and cowboy boots, the three men get the audience clapping and singing along to the feel-good hit. Then they slow things down with “There’s a Place for Us” from “West Side Story.” Padilla joins them, creating a stunning harmony.

Padilla performs again later in the show. Her incredible voice has audiences spellbound as she sings the Sarah Brightman classic  “Time to Say Goodbye” and “All I Ask of You” from “Phantom of the Opera.”

If it’s cutting-edge dancing you’re after, Torres has you covered. Not only does he demonstrate his aptitude in hip-hop style dancing, but he’s a contortionist. One minute he's break dancing and the next he’s hopping across the stage with his leg wrapped around his head. Torres can really bust a move.

Before the final act, Springer takes a moment to reflect on his youth. His family moved to New York City in 1949 aboard the Queen Mary. Growing up, his parents instilled the idea that in America you could achieve anything. Today, that idea continues to inspire people including the performers in this show.

Now a millionaire and headliner in the Entertainment Capital of the World, Skinner used to work catching chickens. He opens with “If Tomorrow Never Comes” by Garth Brooks. His casual stage demeanor yet passionate singing and guitar skills captivate the audience.

“This really is the entertainment version of the American dream,” says Springer.