By Arthur Perkins
 
Last night opened with David Hasselhoff reminding the audience that Kevin Skinner made a huge impact by telling a story with his singing. Next was video of the NASA Space Center and a farm near Houston, Texas. It illustrated the first stop of AGT in Houston for auditions. A trip to Miami followed.
 
I will again start with the rejected acts:
Divani - 29 yof sings punk music badly. Her excuse is that she can't sing when the audience is loud. Imagine how she would do live in Las Vegas if the crowd did not like her singing?
 
Joli+ Lester, 47 year olds; he balanced a lawn mower on his chin and had Nick cannon throw lettuce at it while she is playing a guitar. This was truly weird.
 
Randy Reece - sang "If I Were A Rich Man" with no talent. He got a quick hook.
 
Stone White, 33 yom singer His act was so memorable I can't remember any part of it.
 
Diego Baner, 44 yom, sings "You'll Never Walk Alone" from Carousel badly.
 
Marty Brill 25 yom professional magician with as assistant; I thought his act was OK but the judges found it commonplace, tired and stale
 
Brandon Patton - recited original poems about past girlfriends; do you think a poet will ever win AGT? I don't. They shouldn't even try, as the audience response to poetry of any sort is somewhat predictable.
 
Next are the acts going on to the next round in Las Vegas:
 
Pam Martin and dog Viva - Pam is a dog trainer and Viva does some interesting tricks. I think this act ultimately has little chance against Rory, the Flying K-nine but it could do well for a bit. Piers quips "Viva Las Vegas."
 
Lake Houston Performing Arts Center - 27 teenagers or younger girls, who wear identical wigs (Nick Cannon was over the stage in one) who do an OK dance routine.
 
Midwest Entertainers - 3 wrestlers (2 male, 1 female) who do some schtick before getting the hook
 
Joseph Constantine and Kate - the only controversial judging decision of the evening. He is an illusionist, she a contortionist. I like their routine, as does Piers but David hates it. Sharon does her typical "I can't make up my mind" con but finally decides yes. The 2 to 1 vote sends them to Las Vegas.
 
Fuschia Foxxxx - Belly Dancer; I don't find her act worthwhile but the judges do.
 
Circus R Us - 3 people doing tricks on the stage
 
Hurricane Tricksters - 5 martial arts guys ages 17 to 23; I liked them and so did the judges.
 
Hairo Torres - 23 yom break dancer and contortionist. Nick says "I don't think he's got any bones." Piers calls it "one of the most original acts he's ever seen.
 
I have to say that none of the Las Vegas-bound acts in this group truly impressed me. Hairo Torres is the best of a low-talent group.