A contorting breakdancer from Oregon, an opera singer from Texas, a percussive quartet from New Hampshire, a baritone singer from California and a singer-guitarist from Maryland round out the final slate of competitors on “America’s Got Talent.”
Hairo Torres, Barbara Padilla, Recycled Percussion, Lawrence Beamen and Drew Stevyns, along with five finalists chosen last week, will face off during next week’s season finale for a $1 million prize and a chance to headline a Las Vegas show.
“This is the big stage of the competition,” judge Piers Morgan said. “This is where we choose the acts we believe are worth a million dollars.”
Five other acts were dismissed from the NBC talent show during Wednesday’s episode.
Viewers had all the power this week, host Nick Cannon said, selecting their five favorites through phone, e-mail and text message votes. Judges Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff forfeited their “judges’ pick” Wednesday after breaking the rules last week. The three failed to choose between the fourth- and fifth-place finalists and allowed both acts to proceed.
“It was just impossible,” Osbourne said. “We couldn’t stand to send either one home.”
Fans favored singers for the finals, choosing three this week and three last week. A tap-dancing sister act, breakdancer Torres, drummers Recycled Percussion and a 75-year-old comedian occupy the remaining finalist spots. All 10 acts will perform on Monday’s episode.
The winner of “America’s Got Talent” will be announced Sept. 16.