Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan are back as judges while David Hasselholff is out and is replaced by Howie Mandel, a Canadian stand-up comic more known for his stint as host in “Deal or No Deal.”

Nick Cannon will be back as host.

In case some of you missed, Simon Cowell is the creator and executive producer of America’s Got Talent.

It is a talent show that features singers, dancers, magicians, comedians and other performers of all ages. The last talent standing gets US$1 million, payable in a financial annuity over forty years (or the present cash value of such annuity), and a show as the headliner on the Las Vegas Strip. The show debuted in June 2006. (wikipedia)

This is what this show is all about! The unassuming country singer, known as the “chicken catcher’ Kevin Skinner wins over Barbara Padilla, gifted and survivor opera singer. We really liked Kevin’s very first performance. He blew it on his last. That was the Aerosmith “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” version we wouldn’t want to hear again! Over all Barbara Padilla was consistent, flawless and a powerhouse and should have won the competition. She is destined for greater things. She should be just fine.

A Willie Nelson original, Kevin Skinner sings “You are always on my Mind.” Not his best performance but enough to get to the finals…

A Bob Dylan original “To Make You Feel my Love” ; Chicken Catcher Kevin Skinner gives his rendition of the song that’s been covered by so many artists including Garth Brooks and very recently Adele and Kris Allen

Kevin Awaits his fate on this video:

Mariah Carey sings “OBSESSED.” The new single from her new album “Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel”.

… and here we go for the ridiculous hits and misses of America’s Got Talent as the judges deliberated on the fate of 160 acts who made it to Las Vegas. The semi-final round in Hollywood has only 40 spots to fill. What do the judges do? Of course “balance” the acts by intentionally putting through undeserving acts over better performers to make for an ‘interesting’ show. That’s what they think!

As in American Idol and SYTYCD, eliminations in the audition process tend to be done in fast forward. They give names to certain people while most remain just a face on TV and we will never know them. Those who they did name in the initial audition, they dismiss and cut in Vegas without so much as an explanation why. They’re just gone.

Sorry we don’t have a complete listing of all those who made it in tonight’s episode where they picked 20 acts because everything has been a blur…

Here’s who made it:

> 14 yo singer Thia Megia.
> Peter Peterkin, an Obama impersonator. Go figure!
> Acrodunk
> Platt Brothers
> Barbie Rockers
> Haido Torres, we wonder what in his mediocre dancing moves the judges liked?! We’ve seen better in So You Think You Can Dance.

“Billy Elliot” 13 year old Arcadian Broad is in.

Chicken catcher Kevin Skinner and Lawrence Beaman

Kari Callen who was dubbed by viewers as the Susan Boyle of this year’s AGT is eliminated! So is the kid who’s got soul, guitarist Tallan Noble Latz.

This is Callen’s audition video where all three judges gave her a standing ovation and NBC site says: “Kari proves that all you really need is a stage and a dream”

This is going to be a crazy Top 40… Elimination continues.

Overnight singing sensation Susan Boyle has told NBC’s “Today” show that the impact of sudden fame hit her like a “giant demolition ball.” (July 23)

This is part one of the full video interview of Susan Boyle in London. ‘Daring to Dream:’ A Meredith Vieira exclusive. Also features British Got Talent judge Piers Morgan.

Part two if the interview featuring Boyle’s ‘idols’ Donny Osmond and Elaine Paige (best remembered for the song “Memory”)

America got quite the surprise on Wednesday night’s “America’s Got Talent” when Tallan Noble Latz played his guitar!

It’s hard to believe when you listen to him play, but 9-year-old Tallan is the definition of “Soul Man” with his  mad guitar skills.

“America’s Got Talent” airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on NBC.

Tallan Noble Latz’s Performance. This nine-year-old defines to meaning of soul man with his guitar skills.

Many of us would argue, we’ve seen too many of these in the circus but we have to admit this act is pretty impressive. Good buildup and showmanship from the husband and wife tandem, Mario and Jenny.

Don’t let the age fool you, this grandma has quite a mouth on her.

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Barbara Padilla’s Performance. This cancer survivor’s performance brings tears to the eyes.

America got quite the surprise on Wednesday night’s "America’s Got Talent" when Barbara Padilla got up to sing!

Barbara was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, but now resides in Houston, TX with her husband and 3-year-old daughter. The talented soprano was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and underwent several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. She feared that she might lose her voice, but, as she displayed on last night’s show, she not only beat the cancer, but she can sure hold a note!

"America’s Got Talent" airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on NBC.

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In our books, the unpretentious, unassuming laid back chicken catcher Kevin Skinner from Kentucky wins America’s Got Talent auditions. They should end the search right now. America has found its talent! Much as we dislike singers auditioning in America’s Got Talent because we think it should be in a different avenue or category and not to be put on the same basket as an Illusionist, magician or juggler- 35 year old, unemployed farmer Kevin Skinner blew us away. Our jaws dropped and almost fell on our seats hearing him sing Garth Brooks.

He is the real deal. The phrasing was perfect. Emotions flowing. We have never seen an honest performance in a long time. It is a rare gift not even seen in huge names in the music industry. Dare we say his audition cover of “If Tomorrow Never Comes” was better than that of Garth Brooks himself?! Enough said. Watch the audition and yes, it’s all right to get chills and be misty-eyed.