(S05E13) "The pressure is on! You know why? It's live!" - Howie

After 12 episodes of auditions, it is now time for America to take control of the show and vote for their favorite acts. Live shows are back! This not only means that the pressure is on, as Howie mentioned, but that we will finally get to see every performer for a full act before we vote -- some of them we've seen for only a few seconds during auditions.

One of my big beefs in past seasons when live shows are concerned was that the sound was terrible during a lot of the performances. Bad sound can send an act packing if viewers aren't able to get the full experience and if the performer doesn't get a second chance. Sadly, tonight's show started badly with sound problems during the opening credits, but also when Nick started to talk on stage. Would acts suffer from the same faulty sound?

It's time for America to make all the decisions!

Kung Fu Heroes, martial arts performers: Sharon and Piers said exactly what I was thinking as I watched these martial arts performers at work: It felt like an exhibition where one guy showed his skills while the others watched in the background. Yes, they interacted for a few moves, but not that much. As the judges pointed out to them, if they return they need to change their routine to have more moves where they are performing together. Nonetheless, the Kung Fu Heroes performed an energetic routine set to a cool soundtrack and with great lighting and background effects.

Christina & Ali, singers: Before you throw stones at me, let me say that I could never do what Christina and Ali do and that they are good singers. However, Piers is right, this is a talent competition and they must be evaluated on their talent. I know a few people will vote for Christina and Ali because they are beating incredible odds and singing when doctors told them they would never be able to. Heck, I even think their story would influence my vote if they were tied with another performer for my vote. However, it's important that we keep in mind that we must vote for talent and not for touching stories. The winning act must be able to headline a show in Vegas. That said, even if the sisters were a tiny bit shaky at first tonight, I enjoyed their performance. Their passion for singing is almost palpable during their performances and they have great voices. If they come back, and I wouldn't be surprised if they do, I would like to see them perform a song that is a tiny bit more upbeat as we've only heard them sing ballads.

Airpocalypse, air instruments performers: I tried to watch their performance with an open mind as I, too, like many other viewers, question why Airpocalypse is part of the Top 48 when they don't really have a talent other than look silly on a stage. I loved their song choices -- especially 'The Final Countdown' -- but their performance was missing the energy and "magic" of their audition and Vegas performances. I was expecting more wild doings and better air playing, but they fell short, except for the "angel" drummer. I'm definitely not a supporter. Like them or not, they did make America chit chat about them around watercoolers and got more than their 15 minutes of fame.

Hot Shot Tap Dancers, tap dancers: Contrary to what Howie said, I liked the stage setting and the "street" story line. It made their performance more entertaining and showed us that they could do more than just plain dance. After all, we will want some story telling in a few of their performances if they get a Vegas show, no? But as Piers pointed out, their performance was too safe and they stayed in their comfort zone. Their performance needs to be more fiery. Kudos to them, though, for improving on their past two performances and for mixing classing tap dancing with current music.

Paul Safy Jr., singer: Paul's performance made me feel like I was watching a soap opera! He overacted in his facial expressions and hand gestures. I get that he was trying to be sexy and trying to charm us to go with the song, but he actually turned me off with his performance. As the judges pointed out, Paul has a great voice, but it's his performance that is too cheesy. With such a performance, I doubt he'll be in the Top 4 of the night.

Future Funk, dancers: This duo, composed of a 5 year old and a 10 year old, is extremely cute and fun to watch. However, this is a talent competition for performers aged from 5 to a 100 years old and they will be compared to one another at some point. Future Funk shows a lot of potential but they are nowhere near the level of the other dance groups -- but watch out for them on season 10 of 'AGT.'

Sally Cohn, hand whistler: Sally was off her game tonight and I blame it mostly on song choice. She was a bit off key and her performance of Mariah Carey's 'Hero' was not as magical and powerful as the song really is. Her performance could have benefited from some background footage as Sally doesn't move while performing. Even if she is one of the, if not the, best hand whistler in the U.S., I would not watch an entire show of her hand whistling. She may be unique and quirky -- "My inner kitty cat is purring" was priceless -- but hand whistling is not hip enough to win this show.

Twisted Trystan and Krista had to drop out of the Top 48. Nick didn't explain why. Maybe health reasons as their act is extremely dangerous for Trystan. Too bad, because they offered really interesting and daring performances. This turn of events allowed Nick Pike to be part of the Top 48.

Nick Pike, juggler/tumbler/comedian: Nick's act may have been daring due to the fact there was fire here, there, and everywhere, but it was not that entertaining as his timing was off. There was too much going on, there were a lot of pauses so he could set up for the next bit, and his performances were too short. I would have liked to see him juggle for more than 10 seconds at a time, especially when he was on the unicycle. The attitude he showed when the judges gave their comments will surely rub a few viewers the wrong way and will make him lose a few votes.

RNJ, dancers: The setting may have been appropriate for their age and fun, but their routine was not as tight and energetic as the ones we've seen before. As it is the case for Future Funk, RNJ are young dancers with fantastic potential but who are just not there yet when compared to the other Top 48 acts.

Maricar, painter: Maricar may be creative and may offer a unique act but I'm not entertained by her performances at all. I know she can't paint faster but I can't help but start to fall asleep while watching her. I would never be able to stay awake for an entire show of her painting. That said, kudos to her for painting underwater tonight. I had no idea this could be done!

Fighting Gravity, novelty act performers: Wow! The frat brothers once again offered us a creative, unique and well-executed performance. However, it was rather similar to their audition. Can they have the puppet master, balls and bodies move a bit more around the stage so as to create new routines? They were amazing and I would vote them through to the Top 10 immediately.

Nathaniel Kenyon, singer/guitar player: I would have liked it if Nick had told us before the performance that Nathaniel was sick as it would have changed my reaction to his not-that-great singing, especially before the song really picked up. Nathaniel probably plays guitar most of the time when he performs, which would explain why his hand gestures were a bit repetitive. Even if it wasn't the best performance of the night, Nathaniel is promising and will surely do much better when he is healthy. One thing is certain, he'll get tons of votes from teen voters.

Only four acts will survive. My picks: Christina & Ali, Fighting Gravity, Nathaniel Kenyon and Kung Fu Heroes. I wouldn't be surprised to find Future Funk instead of Kung Fu Heroes in the four acts that will move on to the next round as the cute factor will surely help them get a few extra votes.

What are your picks to move on to the next round?

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