AGT: Who will make the finals?

Luckily, my cable crisis has been averted and I've been able to catch up on my summer shows before the demanding fall schedule starts. I'm still scratching my head over the “True Blood” season finale – thumbs up to Tara and Pam, thumbs down to more fairy (faerie?) nonsense, and question marks all around in regard to “Billith.” However, since we have the better part of a year to ponder this, let's move onto more pressing matters: “America's Got Talent” (AGT).

One of the things I've been enjoying most about AGT is that, somehow, America has voted to keep what I felt were the most indisputably talented acts on the show. Until last week, anyway. During the first part of the semifinals, I thought the best performers were Earth harpist William Close, dancer Turf, acrobatic artists Donovan and Rebecca, and comedian Tom Cotter. I would have been happy if any of those four made it through. I've loved young singer Edon from the beginning but he made a weak song choice. Sorry, kid, there's no time for that in the semifinals.

When Turf got cut in favor of beret-favoring sand artist Joe Castillo - who was good, but not phenomenal like Turf was - I knew we were in for a rough night. Then canine puppeteer/ventriloquist/not-so-amusing comedian Todd Oliver made it through instead of Edon and Donovan and Rebecca - and Castillo was chosen for the finals - I could not have been more disappointed. America got it so, so wrong.

I'm really hoping that Thursday night's results show will not cause me to flip over my living room furniture in a Hulk-like outrage. Everyone gave their all last night, but the choices are clear. Let's review the best of the night, the runners up and who's gotta go.

BEST

- Olate Dogs: These adorable, expertly-trained pooches were the highlight of the show for me. Three dogs riding together on a scooter! Dogs dancing in a conga line! Leaping dogs, back-flipping dogs! I absolutely loved it. I thought Sharon was going to burst into tears, she was so thrilled.

- The Untouchables: These young dancers blow me away every time I see them. They're between the ages of 8 and 13 and dance as if they've been on Broadway for years. America is collectively, certifiably insane if these kids don't make it to the finals.

RUNNERS-UP

- Tim Hockenberry: He's got a great voice and a whole lot of soul, but I don't think a singer is going to win AGT. They haven't fared well so far.

- Lightwire Theater: Their performances and craftsmanship have been outstanding, but I'm not sure this week's was enough. I preferred the dancing duck from their last performance.

- David Garibaldi and his CMYKs: I find this act to be spectacular and original, but I agree with Howard's critique. Pacing is key and it ain't easy to hold an audience's attention.

WHO'S GOTTA GO

- Clint Carvalho and His Extreme Parrot: Birds fly. Look out your window. There they are; you can watch them for free. Is this a million dollar act? Not a chance.

- Sebastien El Charro de Oro: The kid has pipes but, once again, one poor song choice can kill you. Also, before he got cut the first time, he pulled out a sob story about trying to help his brother. Funny, we haven't heard anything about this brother since. I've got my eye on you, Sebastien. America doesn't like to be played a fool.

- All Wheel Sports: Never worked for me. There's too much going on and it becomes boring to watch. Also, it's great that they decided to do some challenging tricks in the dark... but it made them awfully hard to see.

- Jacob Williams: Man, he bombed last night. Crickets chirping. He's a very funny guy but needs a lot more experience before he can reach Tom Cotter's level.

- All That!: They're always good and have stepped it up from week to week, but can't make the cut for the finals. Sorry, Sharon.

- The Magic of Puck: He needed a truly original stunt and did not deliver. If he hadn't been on during YouTube week, he probably wouldn't be in the semifinals.

- Shanice and Maurice Hayes: Maurice, you seem like a nice guy. Your daughter is the star here and you need to let her shine all by herself. Remember Wham!? There was George Michael and another guy, and I just had to do a Google search to find out what his name was - Andrew Ridgeley. You had a good run, but you are the Andrew Ridgeley in this scenario. I'm sorry.

Will America get it right this time? Who will make it to the finals? What are the finals? Is there more AGT after that, or will that be it? This is my first season watching AGT and I'm a little confused, because this show has gone on for months. Perhaps most of these answers will be revealed on Thursday!