(S04E21) "We're getting down to the wire." - The Hoff

This week's performers needed to up their games big time because some of them did not impress viewers that much in the past four weeks when each performed for a place in the Top 20. And, as The Hoff pointed, we're getting down to the wire and will soon crown the season four winner of America's Got Talent.

The first ten acts to show their talent in the semi-finals are from performance shows one and two of the Top 48. This way of breaking the acts allows diversity as we were treated to dance, acrobatics, singing, canine tricks, comedy and magic.

Do we have a potential winner amongst tonight's performances? Did the judges Piers X anyone? Comments and Top 8 -- yes, you read correctly no Top 10 -- predictions coming up!

Acrodunk, Basketball Dunking Entertainers (Performance show one and their official website) - Wow! That last bit of the act with the guy jumping through the fiery hoop and then throwing the ball in a fiery basketball hoop was just amazing. It was a jaw-dropping trick! Overall, their act this week was really good. As The Hoff pointed out, there were some tiny so-so moments in the beginning, mostly when some did dance moves while the others got in place, but all was forgotten by their amazing acrobatic moves and the addition of fire. What will they come up with next?!

The Texas Tenors, Singing Group (Performance show two and their MySpace page) - Their rendition of "Unchained Melody" was too cheesy for my taste but I loved the ending with the different harmonies. Having Marcus sing solo first showed how weak his voice is when compared to the two others, who really have powerful voices and can be truly called "tenors." Don't get me wrong, Marcus has a great voice, but that intro didn't do him justice.

Paradizo Dance, Acrobatic Dance Group (Performance show two and their official website) - Their act was less magical than the one they performed about a month ago (see picture on top of the post). However, they once again performed a solid routine and found a way to incorporate humor. Sadly, their act lacked new daring moves. It was pretty much the same moves we've seen them do in audition and in the Top 48.

Drew Thomas Magic, Illusionist (Performance show one and his official website) - This act is one of those I've been rooting for from the start, since the show has not been kind to magicians and illusionists. I thought the storyline of the performance was touching even if a tad slow as Piers pointed out. I was deeply saddened by the fact that Drew once again did a trick he performed in previous rounds. No wonder Piers Xed him. I am still rooting for Drew and his ladies and hope that America votes for him so he can prove he can do more than a disappearing act. Plus, it would show AGT and the judges that we want more magic acts on the show.

Tony Hoard and Rory, Canine Flying Disc Team (Performance show two and their official website) - Tony took a huge risk by quitting his job to continue on the show, especially since it's not likely that he will win the competition. However, maybe he'll get more gigs thanks of the exposure. I'm surprised Piers didn't X Tony and Rory because their act was pretty much same old, same old. I wasn't wowed by their performance as I was when they auditioned. Pam Martin and her top dogs offer more entertaining and daring acts that have more variety in moves and tricks. One improvement is that Rory caught all the frisbees this time around! If they get a spot in the Top 8 it will be either because voters gave their vote to Tony because he had to quit his job or because the judges will be able to vote for the fifth spot in this week's result show.

The Voices of Glory, Singers (Performance show two and their MySpace page) - Ouch. The boy who started the song was really weak. Why didn't they have the young girl or the older brother begin the song since they are more confident when singing? They once again chose a pretty safe song but it allowed the young girl to showcase her amazing voice once again. Piers was right when he told the trio that the girl is a star and that she should take the lead.

Fab 5, Power Tap Dancers (Performance show two) - Once again, the Fab 5 offered a tight and energetic routine. I really enjoyed them adding the cymbals and drumsticks moves throughout the performance to add some more challenge to their routine. Thanks to the AGT sound guy for ensuring this time around that we heard the tapping.

Grandma Lee, Comedian (Performance show one and her MySpace page) - What else can be said about this incredible 75-year-old woman other than she rocks? She's funny, she doesn't censor herself and she knows how to connect with the audience and the judges by adding tidbits about the Hoff, Piers and even, this time around, Kevin Skinner!

Arcadian Broad, Dancer (Performance show one and his official website) - Arcadian listened to the judges by dropping the piano and focusing on dancing. I've said since his audition that I wanted him to have a real routine and that's what he offered this week by performing on a High School Musical song. For one of the first time this season, the backup dancers and his partner added to an act instead of being superfluous. I knew that the producers had their say in what the performers did each week -- you know they add loads of backup dancers here and there to fill the stage -- but it was the first time I heard a contestant complain live on the fact that the producers made him do something he didn't want to do. I'm with Piers when he says that Arcadian is not good enough when compared to the other dance acts in the Top 20. Sadly, if Arcadian doesn't go through, he'll probably blame the producers for it; you have to admit though that even when the producers weren't involved in his performance, it was clear Arcadian wouldn't win the competition.

Kevin Skinner, Singer/Guitarist (Performance show one, fansite #1 and fansite #2) - I would like to see Kevin perform songs that are a tad riskier so we see his full range and talent. However, even if he's not the type of singer I usually enjoy listening to, I can admit that he once again gave a solid and emotional performance that pleased the crowd and the judges. He'll definitely move on since he's a judge, a producer and a fan favorite.

My Top 5 4: Nick kept saying that America could only vote for four acts. I kept wondering what he meant by that. Was it that the judges would choose the fifth act? Or ... I did some digging on The Futon Critic to see what NBC said in its official descriptions and turns out we will have a Top 8 instead of a Top 10! So no Top 10 and Top 5 this year. We will go from Top 20 to Top 8 and the winner. In any case, my heart votes for: Acrodunk, Drew Thomas Magic, Fab 5, and Grandma Lee. While my head votes for: Acrodunk, The Voices of Glory, Grandma Lee, Kevin Skinner.

If you want a chance to win a trip to L.A. to see the final two shows, check out the AT&T-sponsored America's Got Talent sweepstakes.

What was your favorite act? Which acts do you want to see go through to the Top 8? Which acts do you think America (and possibly the judges) will vote through to the next round?