By BILL BRIOUX
“This is the stage that makes dreams come true,” declared judge Lilly Singh off the top of Tuesday’s exciting first-of-two semi-final episodes of Canada’s Got Talent. Added Howie Mandel: “Are they going to rise to the occasion? Or are they going to be crushed under the pressure?”
First up on Tuesday’s semi-final showdown was Alexandra Côté and her two fantastic fidos.
Trish Stratus, as viewers may recall, showed no puppy love in the audition round. Can’t all dogs do tricks? She asked to the amusement of the other judges. There were no catty remarks from Trish Tuesday. After all, how many pets can skip rope with their master? Alexandra and her clever canines performed in a park-themed setting while “Walking On Sunshine” blared over the Fallsview Casino speakers. Best of all they looked like they were having a doggone good time. As Lilly remarked, “It’s so clear the relationship you have with your animals is so pure.”
Maya Gamzu, a 14-year-old singer/musician from Toronto, was next. She sang a peppy pop song accompanied by several dancers, cranking her voice way up several octaves for some diva-like high notes. “OK, Maya,” said Lilly, who was impressed. This was Kardinal Offishall’s Golden Buzzer choice, and he was equally effusive in his praise.
Cool Giraffes, a dance act from Edmonton, gave it their semi-final shot. The age range for the troupe is 12 to 27 years old, and they all sounded very confident in the warm-up video. Unfortunately, Tuesday’s performance did not wow the judges. “I didn’t think this routine was as good as your first,” said Howie. “Giraffes stick their necks out.” Kardi said it was cool, but “there was no explosion.”
Next: could The Turnbull Brothers live up to their charming audition round? The Glace Bay, Nova Scotia twins, backed by the house band, ripped into “Heaven.” Kardi said he loved the energy and the personality. “It’s super loveable,” he said, but, like Lilly, he also felt “it started and ended in the same place.” “I don’t agree with my colleagues,” said Howie. “I think the people at home are going to love you,” adding, “I enjoyed it from beginning to end.”
Appearing next was magician Atsushi Ono from Calgary. Once again, he came down to the judges table to perform an intricate, sleight of hand card trick. It all involved a seven of diamonds. Trish drew a star on the card. The real star, however, was Atsushi Ono, who wowed all four judges. “You’re amazing!” declared Howie. Lilly felt his talent “was undeniable.” The Fallsview Casino crowd loved him as well.
Next up was powerhouse blues vocalist Beatrice Love from Edmonton. She enjoyed a standing ovation in the audition round. Love confessed that she fell into addiction in her indigenous community, losing her husband and family. “After I got clean, I discovered my voice again,” she declared. “Music is why I survived.” Dressed all in white, Love sang an original song, “Warrior,” backed by four singers and the house band. Kardi gave her major props for singing an original song. “Catch me crying in the shower to that song,” said Lilly. “People just feel held in your voice.”
Another singer musician, Paola Troilo, followed. Two of her sons submitted her name in the audition round where she wowed everyone with her operatic voice. “I’m ready like a magnum of champagne, I’m going to pop out,” she declared. Then she tapped into her inner diva, hitting all the high notes as a figure skater under a streetlamp pirouetted behind her. Her husband could be seen wiping away tears in the audience. Trish Stratus said she loved every second of it. “You are a star today,” said Lilly. Howie cracked that you can always tell a Canadian opera – “the backup dancers are skaters.”
Next the evil octopus puppet Mr. Cuddles took the stage. The novelty act from Gibsons, BC. included his “useless lobotomized assistant.” Suddenly, dozens of mini-Howie’s flooded the stage. There was a satellite feed showing more Howies in an underground lair. A time machine was wheeled out, set to the past and Mr. Cuddles and his assistant were reduced to evil youngsters. “This is the perfect portrayal of what it’s like working with Howie,” said Lilly. Cuddles crusade of world domination continues.
The final act Tuesday was Conversion, a dance troupe from, Trois-Rivieres, QC. These 36 dancers were Trish Stratus’ Golden Buzzer. This time they did what Howie and the other judges are always seeking – they took things up a notch. Dressed in red robes and looking a bit like a Handmaid’s Tale choir, they seamlessly morphed into all white costumes right before everyone’s eyes. “It wasn’t just the choreography,” said Kardi afterwards, “but every facial expression you had. Congratulations.” Howie felt it was the best dance troupe performance this season.
After the first nine semi-finalists were finished performing, the judges narrowed them down to two acts who will go on to the final round: Conversion and magician Atsushi Ono. Both were popular choices with the Fallsview faithful.