Who was your favorite 2013 AGT act?
I have been an avid fan of America’s Got Talent (AGT) for a few years now for a number of reasons. The obvious reasons include: enjoying the diversity of talent that flocks to the show and keeping up with the gossip of the judges. However, the biggest reason why I am a huge fan of the show is because of the tradition my parents and I have of completely obsessing over it.
Every summer we find ourselves watching the auditions and picking favorite right away. Then by the end of the show we feel like we know each of the acts so well, we could invite them over for dinner (well I think Taylor would say yes to that at least and Cami I would love to marry you). Just telling the truth.
While each year of the show is really special and is always marketed as “the best talent the show has ever seen,” this year really was special for a number of reasons. First off, I actually believe that it is going to be a hard year of talent to beat (but they are coming to Denver next year, so we will see). But more importantly, I believe that the best acts this year helped move classical stage entertainment into the modern age.
Collins Key was one of my favorites and front-runners since his audition (but I am not a 13 year girl, so I didn’t want him to win in the end). In my opinion he has completely turned the world of magic on its head because of his use of New Media (internet and technology). He knew that magic acts don’t usually go far and that people are tired of seeing old tricks. Therefore, Collins Key became the epitome of my generation and the collaboration of passion and technological reality.
The Kristef Brothers grew on me throughout the competition and became one of my four favorite acts in the end. While they did not mess around with technology like Collins Key did, they transformed how people view strength acts. They took their He-Man looks and utilized the discipline of comedy and wit to revolutionize their craft. Yet again, these two guys were multifaceted innovators of our generation.
Then there is Taylor Williamson. While he sticks to the roots of “persona comedy” (embracing his gift as being one of the most likeable comic characters I have ever seen), he too is an innovator. Instead of complaining about having to perform in front of an audience of four people, he embraces it and uses it to his advantage. Instead of saying, “screw it” and not retelling jokes he told previously due to a rule from the show’s producers, he makes fun of the fact that he has to retell jokes. Life is about making the most of every situation and Taylor made the most of everything all the way to second place.
Two words: Kenichi Ebina. He is literally the brain child of the previous three acts and then some. He may be the most talented human being I have ever seen. The basics of his act are dance, but he is much more. He is an actor. He is a writer. He is a director. He is an animator. He is an editor. He is a poet. He is genius.
By: Jonathan Havey | Editor-in-Chief
Filed under: Jonny Havey, Specials, The Film Industry Tagged: agt, agt 2013, agt winners, americas got talent, collins key, innovation, kenichi, kenichi ebina, kristef brothers, new media, passion, spot2, taylor williamson, technology
