(S05E11) Mark your calendars as it seems that the show listened to its viewers! Not only did we see most acts perform in Vegas Week -- remember that last season none of the acts performed in Vegas Verdicts, and the judges just watched the auditions again -- but Group A got to perform by categories, which helped make the Top 48 way more diverse than in previous seasons.

However, the show didn't fix one of my biggest complaints: Stop putting through such terrible acts! I'm talking about you, screamer Mary Ellen and unfunny, bad magician Chipps! It's clear the producers have asked the judges to put through a few bad acts just to create a "WTF?!" buzz. Dear producers: Your show is called 'America's Got Talent,' not 'America's Freak Show.'

But no matter. We still love the show and have our own opinion. Let's review Group A's performances.

Magicians

- William Scott Anderson didn't take his act to another level as he performed yet another box trick that was less impressive than the one he performed in his audition.

- Michael Grasso is right when he says that sleight of hand tricks are an integral part of magic acts. But when you're competing for a million dollars and a headline show in Vegas, you must do more than sleight of hand. You must go David Copperfield grand!

- I missed the name of the blond magician who made the red car appear. I wasn't wowed by this trick as it was pretty obvious the car was hiding in the dark background. (Not that I saw it but it was easy to figure it out.) It would have been more impressive if the background had been colorful instead.

- Piers told the other two judges exactly what I was thinking about Chipps' act: It was pointless. I just don't get it. Not only is he a terrible magician but he's NOT funny. I was extremely bored.

Harmonica Players

- Both were once again this week extremely good at playing the harmonica. Not an easy call!

Acrobats

- AscenDance once again gave a solid and impressive performance on their rock climbing wall. However, their Vegas performance seemed to be a step down as the wall was flat compared to the one they used in their audition.

- Rudi and his female assistant took their act to another level. She is amazingly strong. Bravo!

- Technical glitches can be very costly. The rope duo learned this harsh lesson this week.

Danger

- Sideshow performers Twisted Trystan and Kristan made their already daring act even more twisted and daring! It was painfully entertaining to watch her hammer a nail into his tongue (see picture above) and then watch him swallow not one, but two, swords at once! That guy should give his body to science when he dies as it's mind-blowing what he does to himself for entertainment's sake!

- I don't get why they allowed two acts to perform outside when the winner will headline an indoor show in Vegas. Strong man John's performance was dangerous and unique but he'll never be able to perform the trick with the motorcycles inside.

- Ms. Donna did take her act to another level by adding fire but she dropped one. So she's out. I was surprised that the judges didn't hide under their seats this time around!

- I was a bit disappointed when I was watching Antonio. Not because his act wasn't flawless, but because his box trick was almost the same box trick Michael Grasso did in his audition. It was the same box and they used similar curtains to hide the box and performers.

Classical singers

- I expected more from Prince Poppycock. I wanted a new outfit and a different character but the same great voice. Sadly, he delivered none of these. Plus, the fact that he was sick made his last notes dreadful. He should have modified the end a bit so he could avoid singing high and long notes. Nonetheless, I still find him quite entertaining.

- Hannibal gave a weaker performance than in his audition. He's still a great singer but I didn't find him as entertaining. Plus is he full of himself or what? His greatest fear: His greatness!

- That suit proves that Carlos cleans up well. Sadly, the end of his song was too pitchy.

Dance

- Why was the violinist in this category? She doesn't really dance. She's more of a musician who moves around the stage while playing.

- Most dance groups were amazing again this time around -- with the exception of the tap dancers -- so it's not surprising a lot go through to Hollywood. My favorite act was Wreckless.

Female vocalists

- Alice Tan Ridley continued to shine and had a more put-together look.

- April Lane was a bit pitchy. Plus what was up with her pointing fingers up during her performance. Wouldn't holding up your entire hands in a sort of "Stop" gesture have gone better with the "I have nothing" lyrics?

- Debra was as lovely as in her audition. Although she seemed more confident she was still stressed, and it showed in her singing.

- Mary Ellen. What's there to say about her except that she's terrible? I can't believe she's in the Top 48. Having her there is once again proof that producers aren't really looking for the best Top 48 acts and want judges to add a few bad ones in there just for the buzz they'll create. Please, America: Vote her out of the competition now!

Kids

- The judges said they were impressed by the kids but I wasn't. It didn't look like they took their respective act to the next level. They were OK but unimpressive.

Comedians

- I didn't get the blond lady's name. She wasn't that funny except when the judges announced that Doogie was going to Hollywood and she asked if she could take his place if he died.

- It was nice to see Doogie perform a normal stand-up comedy routine. I didn't find him that funny but it was better than having him insult the crowd, which wasn't comedy.

Novelty acts

- Sexy painter Maricar once again proved that sex sells no matter the talent. She's not the worst performer going through to the Top 48 but I wouldn't pay to go see her paint for an hour.

- Arthur Nakane, the one-man band performer, may perform for 17 hours in three days, but that doesn't make him a great performer. His singing was as bad as in his audition. The instrument playing was better. Still, it's not a fantastic act as a whole.

- Sally must be the best hand whistler in the world. But no matter, I'm not entertained by her act, especially since nothing is happening around her. I hope that in the next round producers provide her with some background, maybe a slideshow of pictures for example.

Male singers

- Most male singers offered good performances. I enjoyed what Taylor and Michael had to offer. But one request to Michael: Open your eyes a few times when you sing. His facial expressions made it look like singing was causing him pain.

And the Top 48 ...

There are 11 spots left to grab by the Group C acts. The following acts are confirmed as being in the Top 48:

- The Belly Dancing Duo
- Paulina, gymnast (used hula hoops in her audition)
- Strikers All Stars, dancers
- Cheer SF, cheerleading performance
- Haspop, dancer
- Future Funk, dancers
- ArcAttack, technological performance group
- Da Maniacs, dancers
- Fighting Gravity
- South Philly Bikers
- John, strong man
- Twisted Trystan and Kristan, sideshow
- Antonio, magician
- Chipps Cooney, humor "magic". (Really?!)
- The blond magician who made the car appear
- Hannibal, singer
- Prince Poppycock, singer
- CJ, rapper
- The young African-American singer
- Maricar, sexy painter
- Sally, hand whistler
- Wreckless, dancers
- One of the Bollywood dance groups
- At least two other dance groups
- Pierre, harmonica player
- AscenDance, rock climbing wall performers
- Doogie, comedian
- Mary Ellen, "singer/musician" (Really?!)
- Alice Tan Ridley, singer
- Debra, singer
- Michael, singer
- Taylor, singer

I'm missing a few names and a few acts that were put through as they were quickly mentioned or shown. If you have the information, please share it below.

Are you happy with the selection of the first 37 acts to be part of the Top 48? As you see from my comments, I'm questioning some of the judges' choices. However, I'm ecstatic that we'll get more variety this season.

[Follow @icarreau on Twitter]