(S03E10) "This is not talent." - Piers to the ZOOperstars!

Disappointment. That's the right word to sum up how I felt after watching this two-hour episode of NBC's America's Got Talent. The performances were so not up to standards that it was difficult to decide which five acts should move on. After reading a comment written by TV Squad visitor Mitch, I also paid attention to the editing and directing of the live show and I must say that it also was disappointing. The silver lining? Viewers used common sense when voting for Episode 3.09's performances.

The show started on a good note since the results from the previous show were announced asap instead of dragging everything throughout the two-hour long episode. I was really relieved to see jokes such as Ronny B. and Derrick sent home. The voting process for the fifth position was a bit awkward since it required the judges telling a 10-year-old that she wasn't good enough in front of a live audience and a few million viewers at home. It was a bitter sweet victory for The James Gang since they wanted to celebrate their win but at the same time console Elite.

Even if only three of my Top 5 got voted through, I'm satisfied with the end result: Extreme Dance FX, Jessica Price, The Cadence, Neal E. Boyd, and The James Gang. Are you happy with the results? Let us know by commenting below.

As I've mentioned before, I paid more attention to the editing and directing of the episode. I must agree with Mitch, the live shows are poorly produced: Jerry read the teleprompter way too often, the cuts between the shots were not smooth enough, the audio was not up to par (sometimes, it was difficult to hear the contestants), the lighting was faulty at times (we could barely see the dancers when Paul performed), etc. One would think that the "greatest and biggest talent competition in the world" would have the "greatest and biggest" production team, no?

Production mishaps aside, Episode 3.10 did have its moments... good... but mostly bad and weird. Let's review.

Beyond Belief Dance Company - What an energetic and entertaining bunch! They performed a fun and hip routine. Sadly, the camera angles and quick change of shots made it difficult to see their performance as it should have been seen. BBDC members have some areas of improvement but so do every other contestant. They deserve to move on at this point.

Paul Salos - The 72-year-old impersonator gave a really good performance this week. From the footage I've seen of Frank Sinatra, Paul seems to be doing a good impression of the legend. The show clearly believes in him. So why provide him with dancers and a piano player if it's to hide them by not providing enough lighting on stage? These background performers were important in setting the mood of the act. Good thing Paul is a great impersonator to carry the act on his shoulders. He deserves a spot in the Top 20.

Kazual - During performances, I take notes of how I feel and what I think of each act. When Piers started commenting after the act, it was like he could read my notes even if we are over 3,000 miles away. Singers #1, 3 and 4 were off key when they sang solo. Singer #2 was the best one and, as suggested by Piers and The Hoff, should become the lead singer. When the four of them sang together, their singing was adequate. I can't believe The Hoff said they sang badly because of the nerves. Yes, there may be a small part due to stress, but come on! If they can't sing properly now, how will they do if they move on and when the pressure really starts to build up?

ZOOperstars! - I must have some British blood that I don't know of running through my veins because I didn't find the ZOOperstars! act fun at all. The choreography was basic and the "jokes" were too easy. I have to side with Sharon when she said that the act is best for half-time or for kids. I can admit that they are somewhat entertaining but for five minutes at a time. I can't imagine watching them perform for two hours!

The Wright Kids - I don't recall seeing them in previous rounds at all. Based solely on this week's performance, I find them to be good musicians. However, they are not the greatest singers and are missing some stage presence. I don't know what to make of them. When compared to Episode 3.10's other performances, I think they should go through but it's clear that they won't win the competition.

Jonathan Arons - This guy should have been sent packing after his audition weeks ago. He may offer a unique act but his dancing and trombone playing are really bad. Maybe he is a good trombonist when he plays while sitting on a chair but when he is dancing, he is terribly out of tune! This week's performance was excruciating.

Daniel Jens - After his poor performance in Vegas, I wasn't expecting much from Daniel Jens. He redeemed himself this week even if his singing wasn't at its best. When the song picked up, his voice was all over the place and it was a bit weird watching him try to move a bit more. He seems to be best suited for ballads as we saw in the other parts of the song.

The Slippery Kittens Burlesque - I'm not a fan of this type of act at all. I did try to have an open mind about it but as soon as they removed their Army uniform, I wanted to do the same thing Piers did and X them. I found their dance routine too basic and their performances of the moves not energetic and precise enough. Sharon is right, they could perform in Vegas and do well, but they are not worth the million and the show given to the AGT winner.

George the Giant - I was really looking forward to his act since a two-hour show filled with freaks acts could do very well on the Vegas strip. This week's act started really well: it was intruiging. But, as Sharon said, the execution was silly. Turning himself into a human pinata was not a good idea at all. It made the act look childish. I was uncomfortable watching him get hurt by the children and the woman who were trying to get the candy out. Based solely on this act, George shouldn't move to the Top 20. However, based on the fact his act can do well in Vegas and be entertaining (and because I'm curious to see what else he has in store to shock us), I would like to see him go though. He is not getting one of my official votes.

Queen Emily - Yet again tonight, the powerful singer with a sad and touching story performs last. Her performance was really good. She had style, she had stage presence, she had the needed attitude. However, there were some parts of the song where her singing was a bit iffy. But I'm willing to forgive her because she has all the ingredients to become a great singer. Was The Hoff really crying at the end of Queen Emily's performance? It was a fantastic performance but the crying was a little too much.

Because the performances were not up to standard, it was difficult for me deciding which of the ten acts should be voted through. For sure, I would let BBDC, Paul Salos and Queen Emily go through to the Top 20. As for the other two spots, I'm unsure. There were flaws with every other act. I would probably vote Daniel Jens and The Wright Kids since they weren't that bad this week. Which acts do you think should go through? Vote in our poll and let your voice be heard in comments below.