'America's Got Talent': Semi-Final 1 recap

Having secured their place in the semi-finals, the first group of 12 hopefuls took to the stage again tonight in order to compete for a spot in the Top 10 of America's Got Talent's sixth season.

Here's what the judges had to say.

Zuma Zuma - Acrobatic Dance Group

The act includes fire breathing, as well as the group building massive towers atop stacks of wooden chairs. Piers admires the flexibility of some of their members and praises them for improving from previous rounds, keeping the audience engaged and putting on a "terrific" show. Sharon agrees, saying that she loves what they do and that they display such infectious enthusiasm, though she admits that it's not as good as past weeks. Howie sides with Sharon, claiming that it didn't share the same "exuberance" as past acts and that they didn't step it up from the quarter-finals.

Beth Ann Robinson - Dancer

Sharon thinks it's a "flawless" performance and hopes that American voters will take into consideration how young she is and how hard she works to compete with acts that have more people. Howie calls it "beautiful". He says that Beth Ann and what she does are "mesmerizing" when she begins dancing, and that she is "beyond her years". Piers insists that America should be proud that someone of her age possesses such "extraordinary talent" and confesses that they have not had many dancers who are technically better than her in the history of the show.

Sandou Trio Russian Bar - Acrobatic Group

The group changes it up by including singing with their act, with the female lead hanging upside down from a piano. Piers is unimpressed and buzzes "no" shortly into the act. Howie questions whether or not they were "going for comedy", admitting that they made a bad choice in leaving behind the "death-defying" aspects of their act. Piers calls it a "suicide mission", saying that they weren't voted through to sing badly on a piano but rather to perform on the Russian bar. Sharon agrees, calling it "disappointing" and saying that she is a "mediocre singer" and that they let themselves down, though she admires that they took a risk.

Kevin Colis - Singer/Songwriter

He performs a version of 'Rhythm of Love' by the Plain White Ts, which Piers buzzes "no" to partway through. Piers later admits that his nervousness was obvious and that the stage may have been too big for him, saying that it wasn't good enough to move forward in the competition. Sharon compares it to "something like The Wiggles", calling it very sweet and nice, but bland and forgettable. Howie thinks that he has a very good voice and considers him lucky to be part of the YouTube show as he was able to stand out during that round, but claims that he's not up to par with everyone else at this stage.

Matt Wilhelm - Stunt Cyclist

Sharon thinks that the routine's message and presentation was "great", but is saddened that he fell at one point, saying that she hopes that it doesn't affect his chances of getting votes. Howie is a huge fan of Matt, but admits that it wasn't much different or better than his past performance. However, he hopes that America can forgive him for his mistakes. Piers isn't bothered by the mistake and thinks that Matt is very talented, but thinks that the routine is repetitive and that it probably couldn't fill an entire show without boring people.

Poplyfe - Teen Band

The group performs a lively version of 'Come Together' by The Beatles. Howie thinks that they stepped it up yet again from their last audition, saying that they blew him away and that they are already stars and headliners in his eyes. Piers congratulates them on a job well done, saying that while he was initially skeptical of their song choice, they managed to impress him with every aspect of their performance. Sharon agrees, calling it a "great song choice" and loving that their confidence grows and that they get better every week. "I know I'm looking at the winner. I'm just so proud of you guys," she adds.

West Springfield Dance Team - Dance Troupe

Piers finds the horror-themed routine "scary" but is impressed with the performance, saying that it was their best yet. Sharon agrees, saying that she feels "a part of the team". She praises them for pulling off a successful routine and for their "brilliant" choreography, synchronisation and timing. Howie loves that they showed off what he sees as their "signature moves". He insists that they deserve to be there and move forward with the competition.

Melissa Villasenor - Comedian/Impressionist

The act includes impressions of Sarah Silverman, Christina Aguilera and Shakira. Sharon thinks that she did "so well" and that she achieved the impossible by making Piers laugh. Howie thinks that she has a huge act and really deserves to be there, while Piers praises her for sticking to four impressions which suited her well and for managing what little time she has on stage well.

Team iLuminate - Electric Light Dance Group

The video game-themed act impresses the judges and audience alike, earning them a standing ovation. Howie says that he "just watched a million dollars" and that they deserve to win, but admits that he's scared that America might take for granted how good they are. He urges viewers to vote for them. Piers loves that they manage to change their theme each time, playing to their core strength and remaining "exciting" every time. Sharon is dumbfounded, saying that she can't believe that they aren't already famous because of how good they are.

Daniel Joseph Baker - Singer

He performs a version of Adele's 'Turning Tables' on a white grand piano, prompting Piers to admit that he was initially skeptical but eventually came around to it and enjoyed it in the context of a Vegas show. Sharon loves him, describing him as "incredibly talented" and saying that he makes everyone smile when he performs, as he delivers with passion and is as "camp as Christmas". Howie also thinks that he's a star and says that he came into his own with tonight's performance as there is no one like him.

Miami All-Stars - Salsa Dance Group

The group performs a swing-inspired routine, earning high praise from Sharon, who says that she felt like she was watching a movie and calls it "superb". She wishes that she had something to criticise but admits that there is nothing she can think of to say. Howie agrees, calling them one of his favourite dance teams in the competition and urges America to vote for them. Piers calls it his favourite performance of the entire night.

Lys Agnes - Opera Singer

After a performance of Evanescence's 'Bring Me To Life', Sharon admits that it took her breath away, calling it "sensational" and praising her confidence and beauty. Piers is impressed that she finally moved him and showed her full range of capabilities. Howie is speechless, saying that there are no words to describe her beauty and sound.

source: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/s67/americas-got-talent/news/a336777/americas-got-talent-semi-final-1-recap.html