'America's Got Talent' Fifth Judge: Singers Dominate But Heidi Klum's Body Gets Plenty of Attention (Video)

At one point, Simon Cowell told the audience they were the fifth judge. Well, that's close. They can be sixth but we all know, I'm the real fifth judge around here! Who do I think I am? you ask. Well, I spent nearly a decade of my life sweating and bleeding to the music as a dancer. From a young boy learning a shuffle-ball-change to performing with the St. Louis Ballet Company, I experienced the ups and downs of one of the most difficult physically demanding sports on the planet. During this time, I was also a member of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, as well as a gymnast, writer and cartoonist. I had a lot more energy in my younger years. And I've spent the last fifteen years analyzing and critiquing reality competition shows for various media publications. I've got this.

Fair warning, since I'm safe at home, I'm probably going to be a little harsher than my colleagues Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Cowell. But I might be nicer, too. Maybe. Since it's just yes or no at this stage, I'm going to rank each act from worst to first each night.

Deantuy Diggs (dancer) is a nice guy and I'm sure he's a capable deputy, but he's a terrible dancer. He clearly has fun doing it, but come on. This isn't even a $100 talent. But this act was more about setting up a fun bit about the spats between Mel and Simon throughout the audition rounds. There were some more horrible acts through this, but some actual laughs as well. A fun rivalry between two judges is good for these kinds of shows. Look what it's done for “The Voice.”

Judges Scores: N, N, N, N

My Score: N

The Amazing Hoover (prop comedian) had his funniest moment when he said Howie inspired him when he was little … because he's clearly older than Howie. He was fumbling intentionally and somewhat like a manic clown. I think the judges were right when they suggested he might succeed as a children's entertainer … like kindergarten, maybe. But his act was only there to show how much worse Sirqus Alfon could be. And it was.

Judges Scores: N, N, N, N

My Score: N

Vinny Grosso (magician) had way too much set-up and getting naked made very little sense. I guess it was part of the misdirection, and it was memorable, but it was about identifying a card with his tongue, and he was able to do that. As strange as it was, he knows how to keep an audience on the edge of their seats. The only concern I have is that there was a lot of pomp and circumstance surrounding one fairly straightforward trick. The search for wires and listening devices made no sense in the context of the bit, so it was clearly just part of the performance. I want to see him again, but I want to see him stay a little more focused on what he's doing, now that he's got our attention.

Judges Scores: Y, Y, Y, Y

My Score: Y

Henry Richardson (magician) was inspired to get into magic by watching earlier seasons of “AGT,” ironically enough. He gave it up for years after his dad passed away from lung cancer, but he eventually came back to it as a way to reconnect with his biggest supporter. I was less impressed with his first trick of “switching” cards with Mel as it was a pretty clear sleight-of-hand, but his second trick of embedding a soccer ball in that card was significantly better. More importantly, Henry has a great stage presence and confidence for a fifteen-year old. He is really quite remarkable at such a young age of someone who could grow into something really special. While his small magic game is strong, I'd love to see him go bigger in the future.

Judges Scores: Y, Y, Y, Y

My Score: Y

Maria Popazov (comedians) came to “AGT” with her husband of seven years. The set-up was that they had created an act together, but due to friction between them it fell apart, and so now they are competing separately tonight. Like her husband, Maria also had a balancing act, but hers was more musical and contortion driven. She had an unusual device that she cavorted on. While it didn't look nearly as dangerous as her husband's routine, in some ways it was more compelling. They were different enough to both work well.. That said, the two of them really just needed to find a way to combine their acts.

Judges Scores: Y, Y, Y, Y

My Score: Y

Sara & Hero (dog act) had a very cute and complex choreographed pirate act that was very clever and unique. It was more about synchronized movements and performance than wowing us with really complicated tricks. I was actually impressed with the storytelling element of it from beginning to end. I don't think the act needed actual stunts and tricks being as unique as it was. Simon was beside himself when both Howie and Mel gave her a no and crushed her dreams, and I agree with him. He actually begged one of them to change their vote. When Howie changed his vote, they made it through to the next round.

Judges Score: Y, N, Y, Y

My Score: Y

Sirqus Alfon (floor acrobats) created a very silly show that saw them lying on the ground while their images were presented on a big screen like they were upright. It was absurdist humor at its best as they pretended to do aerial stunts and other ridiculous things. It was funnier than it had any right to be, but clearly created with love and creativity. Simon didn't get it almost right away, but the other judges thought it was very unique and entertaining. We've seen this before on television, but it's always refreshing to see this kind of silliness. Howie compared them to the Three Stooges, and he may have something there. It's a manic idiocy that somehow works. I'd love to see more cleverness in the future.

Judges Scores: Y, Y, Y, N

My Score: Y

Oskar & Gaspar (visual illusions) were represented by three other guys. The artists weren't there, because apparently they do not make public appearances. But they wanted to work with Heidi as the canvas of their work. It was definitely unlike anything we've seen before, as digital imagery was used to transform her figure into a living work of art. There were some outstanding visuals in the presentation, and it was mesmerizing. I'd love to see this take it to the next level choreographed with someone who can move along with the images (yes, this would take a lot of work), but it is absolutely one of the most original acts we've ever seen. The power of technology truly astounds. There is tremendous potential in this act, and I hope they realize it.

Judges Scores: Y, Y, Y, Y

My Score: Y

Maxim Popazov (balancing act) came to “AGT” with his wife of seven years. The set-up was that they had created an act together, but due to friction between them it fell apart, and so now they are competing separately tonight. He built an impressive structure of chairs that seemed unstable and then balanced on his hands above the entire thing. It was impressive and certainly looked more dangerous than it probably was. I was impressed when he walked a tower of chairs across the table from atop it. It's an impressive act and he was compelling to watch. His wife's act was similar, but more contortion driven. I'd rather see them two of them combine their acts.

Judges Scores: Y, Y, Y, Y

My Score: Y

The Masqueraders (singers) started singing in the 1950s in high school, and have been at it ever since. They had a few small breaks, but never found their big chance. And the dream never died. Time has been very kind to these voices, and these guys cast a spell on the judges and the audience. Their harmonies were absolutely amazing, with a powerful, raspy lead vocal that was just mesmerizing. These guys are the real deal. No wonder they refused to stop dreaming. They've absolutely still got it. That was an amazing vocal performance.

Judges Scores: Y, Y, Y, Y

My Score: Y

Carlos de Antonis (singer) was the happiest contestant yet this season, and somehow I knew he was going to be an opera singer. I thought he had a little too much affectation in his voice and vibrato, but clearly he has an incredible range and vocal gift, singing directly from his core. It's such an unexpected thing to hear coming from a cab driver. You never know what people are capable of. With some training and guidance, this guy could absolutely sing opera professionally. I don't know what it is about “AGT” that lures opera singers, but it's always a fun treat when they show up. He is a genuinely sweet guy, and one of those surprise auditions that you remember for a long time.

Judges Scores: Y, Y, Y, Y

My Score: Y

Final Draft (singers) came together as teenagers, and now that they're in their early 20s they live together and are putting their all into this dream. And damn, these guys are polished as hell. The lead vocalist has an incredible voice by himself, but I loved the old-school backing vocals he got from his friends. And then another guy dropped the amazing high notes. I really hope the two we didn't get to see much from have more to offer than doo-doo-doos, but even if they're nothing but backing, that worked in Motown for years. I thought The Masqueraders would own the vocal group on the night, and was surprised they showed them so early. But then Final Draft came out and it fits the formula of the show. They upped the bar even more.

Judges Scores: Y, Y, Y, Y

My Score: Y

Johnny Manuel (singer) almost caught his big break early as Lil' Johnny, but it disappeared as quickly as it came. Fame can be fickle, and Johnny exemplifies all those names who blew up and disappeared just as quickly. So he came on the show seeking a second chance. He then tackled Whitney Houston, which is about as daunting as it can be. And without getting into a falsetto, he proved he had vocal prowess and very impressive range for a man. He managed to tackle one of the biggest female voices of all time, and yet he sounded totally masculine throughout. Even better, he sold the emotion and the story, which is rare in a Whitney cover. I was blown away by what he could do with that voice and the control he had from top to bottom. It was a signature sound, which is a rare and beautiful thing.

Judges Scores: Y, Y, Y, Y

My Score: Y

“America's Got Talent” airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.