Americas Got Talent 9 - Top 12 Preview

For British Viewers, This Article May Contain Spoilers

Twelve acts remain in Americas Got Talent, and this line-up includes an unprecedented three magic acts: Mike Super, David & Leeman and Mat Franco (Smoothini lost the Judges' Choice in the Second Semifinal). This week, they will compete for six spots in the Grand Final.

What Do David & Leeman Need To Do?

Of the three magic acts left, David & Leeman are probably the weakest. They are solid magicians with appealing personalities and enjoyable presentation, but so far, they have failed to fulfil the promise of their audition. Whilst their audition trick was unique and clever, their subsequent performances have been pretty derivative - did we really need another version of the "Spike Under Cup" trick?

The fact that David & Leeman barely made it through as a Judges' Choice demonstrates that they should do something different for their Top 12 performance. They need to perform a trick that is reasonably original, and do so with the comedic flair that has helped them to stand out. If they do so, then at the very least, they can go out on a high.

What Does Mike Super Need To Do?

Mike Super was the only one of the Judges' four wildcards to make the Top 12. The reason for this was the fact that he ditched his "Spirit Energy" Desmond and let his semifinal trick speak for itself. His performance in that round was not necessarily the best given by a magician this season, but it was probably the most spectacular.

Mike needs to keep up the good work, and continue to provide simple but effective tricks with a strong paranormal theme. However, he should leave Desmond out, at least for the next performance, as he is too much a distraction and limits the act. If he makes it into the final, then Mike will get to "Revisit" one of his best routines from earlier in the competition. Magicians should never repeat a trick, but they can reuse old ideas and themes, which probably means that Mike be able to perform with Desmond one last time.

What Does Mat Franco Need To Do?

Without question, Mat Franco is the magic act to beat. His semifinal performance was creative and enjoyable to watch. It was a big trick, but kept the technical skill that made Mat's earlier performances so impressive. Furthermore, by reducing his signature cards to a secondary element, Mat showed that he had the versatility to sustain an hour-long show in Vegas.

The only thing that Mat needs to do is build on everything that made his previous routine great. If he can manage this, then he will be able to prove to Americas Got Talent's viewers that he deserves to be the first magician to win the show.

What Is The Competition Like?

As was the case last year, the twelve acts can be placed in three categories: Favourites, Dark Horses, and Outsiders.

Favourites

• Emily West
• Mat Franco

Dark Horses

• AcroArmy
• Emil & Dariel
• Miguel Dakota
• Mike Super
• Quintavious Johnson
• Sons of Serendip

Outsiders

• Blue Journey
• Christian Stoinev
• David & Leeman
• Mara Justine

If you want to see how the three remaining magicians fare in the Top 12, then stay tuned!