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Denise Truscello
Kevin Skinner, singing from the heart.
Published Friday, Oct. 9, 2009 | 10:33 a.m.
Updated Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009 | 1:43 a.m.
Jerry Springer, in his familiar role as ringleader.
Recycled Percussion. The title says it all.
Nuttin' But Stringz waves the magic wands.
The stage version of “America’s Got Talent Live!” at Planet Hollywood has that barn-dance feel, and who among us does not love a barn dance?
But take a closer look at the in-fact production quality of the barn dance, and you see some splinters in that form of entertainment. You root for the performers, but, in many cases, they don’t measure up to experienced pros. Sometimes you have trouble hearing them sing, play and tell jokes. Sometimes the lighting in that barn is too darn dim.
“AGT,” as it is called, has begun a 10-week run at the “Peepshow” theater in Planet Hollywood. The live production is hosted by Jerry Springer. It is filled with the best contestants from the popular contest show that recently finished its fourth season on NBC as the summer’s highest-rated primetime program in the country. For a Vegas reference point, this is the show that vaulted an obscure singing impressionist/ventriloquist named Terry Fator to Strip stardom.
There is no Terry Fator in this crew.
After watching Thursday night’s media/VIP performance, it’s obvious how Fator dusted the field during his run -- Fator is blessed with remarkable talent and has been honing his act in front of audiences for decades. He is more the exception than the rule in this production, and for evidence consider the most recent champion and million-dollar winner, Kevin Skinner. Skinner is a wholly likable singer/songwriter from a town called Paducah, Ky. His ultra-humble, aw-shucks personality seems not at all contrived, and he is a rock-solid man you can’t help but root for. But live, in concert, he’s not a great singer. At least, he’s not the type of singer and musician who makes you think, “This guy should have his own show at The Mirage!” His voice flattens out as he sings the Garth Brooks hit “If Tomorrow Never Comes” accompanied by his own acoustic guitar. It didn’t help that the audio crackled and faded on Skinner, a problem that cropped up intermittently through the evening. Nor did it help that as Skinner took to an electric guitar, produced by Springer, for “Sweet Home Alabama,” it sure seemed as if the music supposedly emanating from that instrument was “tracked.” The guitar notes actually started before Skinner’s hands began moving. Again, a fine guy who doesn’t mind unwinding with a post-show smoke at the bar, but … a million dollars? A Vegas Strip production? In a city that has shows dropping left and right and can’t even support Charo? Skinner says he’s blessed, and brother is he right about that.
Set onstage to boost the show’s production value are three video panels, and the famous judges from the show -- Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff -- are present only via recorded segments introducing the acts. “Kevin Skinner is the real deal,” says the Hoff. Certainly, some of the acts were at the very least fascinating. Young contortionist/breakdancer Hario Torres is the type of uniquely effective act that you’d see on “The Ed Sullivan Show” generations ago. He seems to be an example of where an entertainer ascends after graduating from “Freaks”-level productions. The drum crew Recycled Percussion, which seems to have pulled most of its instruments from the Cheyenne Transfer Station, remind of a paint-less Blue Man Group. Seventy-five-year-old comic Grandma Lee is adorable, sharp and naughty. She joked of a conversation with her college-aged daughter, who told her, “Momma, I ain’t a virgin anymore.” Grandma Lee’s response, “I slapped her and said, ‘I’m spending all this money sending you to college, and you still say, ‘ain’t!?’ ” Also, “I’m at the age where I sneeze, fart and pee at the same time!” She’s so cute.
The best vocalist (and probably best story) of the bunch is cancer survivor Barbara Padilla, a fine opera singer who somehow finished second to Skinner for the million-dollar first prize last season. Also in the lineup are the Texas Tenors, who resemble Starsky & Hutch and the late Eddie Rabbitt and sound a lot like the Las Vegas Tenors without the range; the acrobatic Acrodunk crew that uses mini-tramps to throw down an array of explosive slam dunks (this is an entertainment form that dates at least to the Bud Lite Daredevils from 25 years ago; expect them to perform at a Runnin’ Rebel game next season); and Nuttin’ But Stringz, a hip-hop violin-playing duo that leaves their bows shredded after each performance. There might be yet another forum for violins out there, but Nuttin’ But Stringz appears to be the last stop for violin experimentation.
As noted, this lineup would have a better chance to impress if not for the many production kinks. Lighting was iffy and missed the mark. Audio faded in and out. The lackluster effects were a surprise to those used to the precision of “Peepshow” in that same theater.
The night’s ringleader, of course, is Springer, and he was not at the top of his game last night. Maybe it was a rugged schedule that had him performing his own circus-like syndicated talk show in Connecticut before flying out to Vegas, but he seemed lethargic while delivering material that requires a crisp delivery. An example of his torn-from-the-headlines material, after Acrodunk’s performance: “I haven’t seen a guy score so much since David Letterman.” But the show should not hinge solely on Springer. It’s not “Jerry’s Got Talent.” Planet Hollywood should hope pure variety and the personal appeal of the lucky performers carries the day. Or, in this case, 10 whole weeks.
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at twitter.com/JohnnyKats.
I disagree about your review of the performers in this show. I attended opening night and I agree that the lighting and sound were not good but as for your review of the performers, it was terrible. The only ones you seemed to like were Barbara Padilla and Grandma Lee: Barbara may have a touching story but that should not be a factor with her talent. She has a beautiful voice but she does not have an audience capture ability. Grandma Lee's humor is obnoxious, she does not have talent except for being old, and so am I and thousands of others. Kevin Skinner has a unique talent of capturing the audience with a type of "Old Country" singing. You probably are to young to know about that but back in the good ole days country singers sang with heart and a soul like sound that told stories and related to the ordinary person, this is what Kevin Skinner does for me and thousands of other people. Don't sell him short, he will go past America's Got Talent and be a big name in country singing. He does not have a story, he was just an unemployed man (like so many in this country now) with a talent that needed to be heard. I also think that the stage in the CHI is too small for acts like Acrodunk and Recycle Percussion. And one word on Hario Torres, he is unique and should broaden his talent to include other dance moves, he reminds me of the old Jerry Lewis so some comedy in his act would also work. Texas Tenors were too loud in some of their harmonizing and also sounded off. Lawrence Beeman needs to enunciate more as you can not understand his words except on Old Man River, which he does very well. I'm not sure they should have other acts from past years but if so, they should consider Donald Braswell from 2008 as he is tremendous (although only coming in 4th). I guess this comment is somewhat biased to Kevin Skinner but my votes and those of millions of other americans put him in 1st place and the winner: He should have more numbers in this show (I especially like his Your Always On My Mind which he performed in competition), now that is "Old Country" By the way, I will be going to this show at least one, maybe two more times before it is over.
Jean Johnson (Las Vegas)
Jean! Good post, even though you disagree with a few of my points. Like, all of them. I appreciate that the show has many fans, and I appreciate your opinions.
Hey Mr. Katsilometes, I understand you cover the Vegas beat and so your senses are probably deadened by sensory overload, glam, glitter and sheer volume and electronic manipulation of sights and sounds, but in order to broaden your perspective you need to put your dark glasses on and let your heartbeat slow down a bit so the emotion and talent of Kevin Skinner can take hold of you, and you can learn about what singing a good song is all about. You wrote this article like you were thinking about the next article, just grinding out the reviews. Go back and see Kevin, leave your notepad behind, and just listen with both your heart and your ears.
Oh, one more thing: check out mykevinskinner.com
A song is not truly a song until it reaches the heart. Kevin Skinner sings with more heart than anyone to come along in years. He IS what music is all about. I'm so sick of the "polished" singers out there, so "made up" and contrived. Kevin is genuine and honest and will move on to become a LEGEND!
You do NOT speak for the rest of America, Mr Katsilometes. For most, Kevin Skinner is more about a feeling than it is an ability. Certainly he does not have the best singing voice...but he has something not many other performers have, and that is PRESENCE. I do agree Kevin Skinner does not belong on the Vegas strip...his appeal lends more to us common, everyday, hardworking people, not to the people who flew to Las Vegas for a sensory over-loaded, quicky vacation, who have walked the "strip" all day, drinking their way to the show that they probably got free tickets for with their hotel room (yes, Mr Katsilometes, I have been to Vegas). So PLEASE do not be so righteous in your condemnation of this young man as he is starting on his journey with a song in his heart. Dreams live hard and die even harder in Las Vegas...his will not if we who appreciate him have anything to say about it.
I am changing my vacation plans so I can see Kevin Skinner in Vegas. I listen to his music everyday and can't wait when he is done in Vegas so he can get his CD out ASAP.
I haven't been this excited about a singer for a long time and when I first saw Kevin sing he had be in about 5 seconds. He makes me cry everytime I hear him sing. He is so humble and pure!!!
Oh, and, if you go to the website Nickiannn suggested and read the lovely bio on Kevin, you would actually learn where he is from. Just fyi.
I have to agree with all of the comments above, but not all of your review,even though I haven't seen the show. Please remember that Kevin Skinner has no professional education in music and until AGT, had never performed in Vegas or on any Big Stage. His music brings tears to the eyes of many because he is so sincere. The majority of us don't live with bright lights and famous names flashing. We are down home country folk and we love Kevin Skinner.
and you're all probably related to him
That, JerryWayne, is one of the saddest, most stereotypical remarks I've heard since the 60's. You should be ashamed of yourself for posting it.
My husband and I are both 67 years old. We are from Cleveland, Ohio. We are not related in any way to Kevin Skinner. We usually don't even listen to country music. We were so moved by Kevin Skinner's performances that we can't wait until he has a CD come out. We hope he continues doing the "old country" style songs, as he captures our hearts with each one. So what if he isn't perfect? He sings with his heart and soul, and he isn't vulgar. He lets his emotions show, which is such a plus factor for him. The people who are comparing him to Barbara Padilla, who has a master's degree in music performance and regularly performs and even teaches voice, are comparing oranges and apples. Yes, her voice is beautiful. Nobody argues about that. The problem is that some people are putting Kevin down because they don't like country music and want to make fun of his accent. We thousands or millions of people who voted for him believe that he has a great voice, a great sound, a great talent. He reaches the hearts of the people. We hope and believe that he will become a country music star, and we can't wait for that to happen. You don't like him? Fine. Just listen to a different station! He deserved the win--our votes said so! The judges loved him, too. Please stop your unwanted remarks.
not at all GaHu, NOT... AT... ALL...
get over yourselves and your boy. I've never seen the show, I was just commenting on the fact it seemed like everyone's comments appeared as if they may share a cousin with the man. Don't assume you know anything about me other than the fact i have better things to do than watch AGT. I'll say what I wanna say, don't read it if you don't like it.
Dear John,
Mr. Skinner "won" the AGT contest. Thankfully there are a majority that feel differently than you. He is more than blessed.
I like his sound, drawl and style because it is "unique" and I will be one of many that will watch and listen for a very long time beyond the "strip" beat. I am concerned about critics like yourself that don't appreciate the unique people that are artists in their own right. I guess you are entitled to your own thoughts but such negative tone surprised me really, where Mr. Skinner is not a Charo, but a "new" addition to the strip.
PS (NOT AT ALL RELATED TO MR. SKINNER)
I guess people will get to vote with their wallets about Kevin and the gang. If the show is still going strong a year from now (like Terry Fator) then we can honestly say that John got it wrong.
Mr. Kats, were you so interested in the "peepshow" coming up after AGT that you couldn't concentrate on Kevin Skinner's singing??? Well, you are only one person and a lot of fans voting is what got Kevin where he is and we LOVE him! If you were really interested in writing a good story you should have listened close and perhaps Kevin would have "moved" you too just like he did all his fans AND the judges on AGT.
You have made no comment about Lawrence Beamen. I am from Walnut Creek and have heard Lawrence sing at a Benefit concert here. He received a standing ovation here just as he did on AGT for his performance of Old Man River. He has some excellent rhythm and blues music that he has written himself that I find to be very entertaining. I find myself singing his songs often even though I have been a classical music lover all my life. I would like to hear more about Lawrence if you review the show again.
I understand everyone has a oppinion but i strongly disagree. Thats not why I got this account though. I got it cause I wanted to personally thank everyone for standing up to this man and defending Kevin. He is an incredible man and a father with a voice that can melt the sun. SO THANK YOU AGAIN.
Oh and I am not related to Kevin either I am is WIFE. Love all his fans
you know, mrs skinner, kevin needs no defense, not really. he is a gifted singer - i don't think we have any real idea of his total musicianship yet because the agt format has presented him mainly as a one-dimensional performer, just country. we don't know the songs he's written except from a couple of youtube clips, we've heard him sing rock only on the bad recordings of the mayfield concert. we've not heard him with decent backing and a first rate sound system with a terrific sound man on the console until he got to the tonight show (there was that great big monitor at his feet in that show.... nuf said), and he really soared on the post agt performances.
mr skinner has only just begun to shine. he has music to offer that we can't even guess at. but we find meaning and connection when we listen to him now, are compelled to feel. we appreciate his non-commercialized sound, perhaps a problem for this reviewer. we are along for the ride, clapping our hands when appropriate, cheering, and are not fickle.
kat - kevin skinner is from dublin, ky, a settlement of about 200 people, 10 miles west of mayfield (paducah is some 26 miles or so north of mayfield and somewhat separate from it culturally) and about 12 miles from fancy farm, ky (population around 600), to which it is related by the ties of religion and kinship. fancy farm was originally settled in the 1820's by catholics from maryland. both it and dublin have remained catholic tho in the heart of the bible belt and support a beautiful church, st jerome's, for which kevin's brother, micheal, was, if my info is correct, at one time the music director.
google can be your friend, kat.
I'm an Asian,not related to Kevin Skinner! I love his music and so thousands of Americans who voted for him.Barbara has a great voice,no question about that.She is a proffesional singer who used to sing to a bigger crowd before she join the AGT.She has a lot of experience on this kind of show.To compare Kevin to her is unfair!Yes Kevin is untrained,but he has this kind of UNIQUENESS that we love about him.If you just forget your job for a while (to write a negative review..)and really listen to him sing,without your pen and note you will know why AMERICANS VOTED for him!
PS- you really should have done more research before writing,Kevin comes from Mayfield,NOT Paducah!
I became a Kevin Skinner fan when I heard him sing his audition song. Like the judges, something grabbed my heart about the emotion that came from him. Now, I'm not a country music fan at all, though I do like a song or two here and there. But Kevin caught my attention that night. I agree you, Mr. Katsilometes, that there are singers that have better voices than Kevin. But some of those singers don't have the emotion that Kevin has, which, like a person who is not drop-dead beautiful but is made more beautiful by their sweet disposition, makes his voice more beautiful inside and out. In the world of singing celebrities, there are some IMO who don't even hold a candle to Kevin and yet they attract huge crowds...Kanye West, Lady Gaga, hip-hop in general...and some of the biggest names in music don't have picture-perfect voices -- Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, Kris Kristoffersen (I have a friend who is a big Kris K fan, and she said Kris could only wish to sound as good as Kevin Skinner!! LOL). We all have differing tastes when it comes to music; we all look for different things"a beat, the groove, the message. And that's okay. What's not okay, Mr. Katsilometes, is for you and other reviewers to criticize Kevin and the entire show in a way that at least appears to be bent on being negative. I find that this is typical of a large percentage of critics -- like they are looking for the bad unless they already like the singer. Every act you cut down, I loved on AGT. Only Grandma Lee I didn't care for, not because she wasn't funny -- she was -- but because I don't care for off-color jokes. And I think, showing from the number of votes Kevin received to win this year's show, lots of other people loved him as well"Stop, sit down, put earphones on, and listen to Kevin's audition song one more time. Listen to the fact that not seconds before, the crowd was making fun of him and now you could hear a pin drop because they were so entranced by what they heard. Forget the occasional note that goes flat (yes, they are there) and listen with your heart (you know that thing in you that makes you feel"uh, critics do have one, don't they?), and then come back and tell me that Kevin did not deserve to win and be in Vegas. And, for those lucky enough to go to see him, will be in Vegas for 10 whole weeks!!
I will preface this by saying that I enjoy a wide range of music and have been a big fan of country music for many years. That being said, I am afraid that Kevin Skinner has a very limited range and the number of songs that would suit his talents are extremely limited. I do think that Padilla is quite talented but is in a very difficult niche to be highly successful in. I have felt the Texas Tenors have the most commercial potential since I first heard them. They would appear to have the potential for a great deal of versatility. I think they would find their greatest success in moving a little away from the classical and toward redoing a lot of earlier great hits such as they did with unchained melody. Their particular combination of voices and good looks and the almost unlimited amout of material available to them should eventually make them stars if they choose their material carefully.
The Texas Tenors and the words "commercial appeal" do go together, no doubt. They appeal to the Vegas group quite well. Kevin Skinner has world appeal. There are no boundaries to classify him. His heart and soul flows over borders and envelope listeners hearts touching every feeling they hold dear. So let the Tenors entertain the "commercial" audience but leave Kevin to the rest of us so he can just "dream and keep on being the way I am".
williamryals, I hope you don't judge Kevin Skinner by the very few songs he has done on AGT and now on the strip. There is a story about him that he showed up at a local Mayfield store to play at a grand opening, but he had forgotten his song sheet. He shrugged it off, say down, and played for 3 hours from songs he knows. I'm thinking the man's got the sky for a limit. There's no gimmick with Kevin, what you see is what you get. He's not the "next Barry White," like Mr. Beaman has been talked about, he's got no tricks like pairing opera with country (I'm still trying to understand the appeal of that, although it is entertaining to watch them do it - but its like mixing oil and water IMO!). He is totally unique and doesn't aspire to be anything but what he is.
AMERICA HAS VOTED - 'NUF SAID
Piers Morgan said he was the "real deal that could win the competition" then went on to pick Kevin as his favorite to win. He also said Kevin had the ability to move an audience, and he never saw that in any contestant before. Kevin moved Piers Morgan and I think that just about sums it up as to Kevin Skinner's talent. America did get it right!
On this hometown issue -- it was announced from the stage that Kevin Skinner hails from Paducah. I'll get an official ruling on this, but after the show Tom McCartney -- the hotel president -- joked that Planet Hollywood "has the Paducah market wrapped up," and I'm almost certain the video clip preceding Skinner's appearance referred to Paducah as his home. But if he is actually from some other town -- be it Dublin, Fairfield or even Pocatello, I'll stand corrected.
Maybe a little more research on your part would have been in order? You stand corrected. Here's a great place to start:
http://mykevinskinner.com/bio.html
Kevin is from Mayfield Kentucky, he lives in a little place called Dublin. So this is the correction for you. And I should know
Yes ma'am, you definitely do know!
Does it really matter whether he's from Paducah, Mayfield or Dublin? I just searched mapquest and they're all right next to each other. I'm sure one podunk Kentucky town is the same as any other.
Mr. K, you are outnumbered in regards to your opinion of Kevin Skinner's talent. He has a unique talent that millions of Americans have recognized and love. How many people have made it as far as he has on his own, that you know, and do not have a special talent? As far as his guitar playing, I have heard him play an electric guitar when I am absolutely without a doubt certain there was no "tracking" and he is an excellent guitar player. By the way, can I ask what your credentials are for critiquing talent?
Vegasguy, if it wasn't for people from all the podunk towns in the US, you may not have a job. I don't know your occupation but if you live in Vegas the podunk towns most likely keep you going. And your sarcasm regarding calling Ky. towns dull or insignificant is deplorable. It proves that you have not visited the interesting towns in KY., or maybe any state.
I was in Vegas last week. Stayed 4 nights at Paris,saw LOVE,gambled,dined,.. left plenty of $$$ in Vegas.
AGT was our favorite summer tv show. Who cares where Kevin is from, he is great. We loved all the contestants and can't wait to see them in person! Returning to Vegas next month to see the show.
We are in our 50's and tired of D.J's replacing live music and entertainment. Vegas should take note and have more acts like this on the strip and tourist would return. Good entertainment appeals to all!
"The best vocalist (and probably best story) of the bunch is cancer survivor Barbara Padilla"
That is why I'm glad adilla didn't win. 100% of the time Padilla was mentioned during AGT or in current stories, the words "cancer survivor" are always used as a prefix to her name.
We get it already - Padilla is a cancer survivor. So are millions of other people.
Was it a decent human interest angle? Yah, for the first 10-20 times the cancer story was mentioned. But diluting it to the point where people didn't want to hear about it anymore probably had something to do with her not winning.
It was also nice to see that smug look of hers get wiped off her face when Kevin's name was announced as the winner of AGT.
Now "I don't care who you are, that's funny!"
And very true.
Why the hate for Kevin, Mr. Article Writer Guy?
Did you write the same type of review for that opera guy who won last year and was never heard from again?
Heck, besides the ventriloquist guy, can anyone name a previous AGT winner without googling it?
I must say something here: All the performers on America's Got Talent are doing their best in what ever talent field that they have competed in on the show and should be supported by their fans. We may not like all of their performances (I certainly have my favorites) but the competition is NOW OVER and they are just trying to give the public a good show for which they should be respected. They are still trying to find their niche in the entertainment field and trying to perfect their performances to please the public audience. I have heard so much conversation about this one and that one being flat etc.... so . . . when you sing, are you always in tune, why do people always think they are music experts? Years ago, people performed because other people wanted them to and no one judged if they sang the correct note on a scale: relax and either enjoy or tolerate until you hear something that appeals to you. There are old professional singers out there that have never had a voice lesson and were never told they were flat (even if by music scales they are) because this was not important when there was good music (good music was a sound that touched the audience with feeling, a story or some emotion) As you have, I also have critized some of the performers of this show but after reading all these posts, NO MORE. I shall be more positive about all of them but still vigorously support my favorite: Kevin Skinner as he has a voice I want to hear. . .Please Kevin sing "Your Always On My Mind". Thank you.
Jean Johnson (Las Vegas)
After watching the whole entire season of AGT, I was horrified that Kevin Skinner won. Sure, he seems like a really nice guy, but his voice is awful. I certainly won't be spending my money to go see this show.
ShannonK, i'm so sorry that you're horrified that Kevin won. If you think his voice is awful, fine, stop listening to his music and find some other singers who serve your style of music right. Kevin cant merely be judged by his vocals, being said that, you've got to listen to his voice with your heart and soul. Otherwise you'll end up getting angry feedbacks for your thoughtless,incorrect comments.
Barbara sure looks like a decent lady who has overcome great challenges in her life and yet,accomplished admirable things. However, she lacks something that Kevin has, the sincerity he puts in his performances, the ability to bring a song to live. Tell me,how many people have you seen could do that? His talent is rare and precious. Some think Barbara was the most talented contestant on the show, to me, Kevin deserves that title more than any one else. Talent can be defined differently,its not necessarily about having the best voice or being the best singer vocally.Personally i think Kevin's talent is not singing,to be accurate, its SINGING FROM HEART and his capacity to move hearts. When it comes to touching people with your voice, Kevin could do that better than anyone else on the show, therefore he was the most talented person. As the Hoff and Piers have acknowledged it, Kevin is what the show is about. He just went out there with a goal in mind of helping people feel connected to his song,he doesn't try to act superiorly or cockily or try to be anyone else. There's some kind of non-contrived humanity, a natural uniqueness and a unresistable charm shining from Kevin. You cant help but get drawn to his music whether you're a country music fan or not. No matter how critical and harsh people are talking about him out there, he's truly the winner in my book. What talent it is to bring people together and soothe depressed souls! Congrats and good luck Kevin. Please dont forget that you're blessed with a special gift that other singers WISH to have, and please remember that you're loved by people around the world.
Shooting Star:
Geez, my 4-year-old sings from the heart and she LOVES to sing...doesn't mean she's a great singer. It makes me happy to listen to her, but I certainly could understand why it may make other people cringe.
It's obvious that you think he's a great singer. Wonderful. I just happen to think he's not. My comments are not "incorrect." They are my opinion which happens to differ from yours.
I'm still shaking my head about how many people actually voted for him to win, but then there are a whole bunch of people who think Britney Spears is talented, too. I guess there is no accounting for taste. *shrug*
I certainly agree with the first comment that they should have another Texas Tenor on the show...Donald Braswell. He rocks the house at his concerts and I would go to Vegas in a heartbeat to watch another show with him in it!
John,
I saw the AGT group perform at Planet Hollywood in the Peepshow theater. I agree with some of your comments BUT not all. The only reason I went was to see Barbara Padilla, Kevin Skinner, Texas Tenors and Lawrence Beeman perform live. I was disappointed at the poor lightning and even worse sound system, nothing professional about much of it. All in all, I enjoyed the show it is definitely worth seeing. I thought Kevin Skinner was great he is the type singer that touches you no matter what style singing one likes. These people are not seasoned Vegas professionals with years of professional experience and polish that comes with experience. That is what makes most of them so delightful. I saw Donald Braswell (AGT 2008) perform at the Las Vegas Hilton, some months ago, he is truly one of the best AGT has ever produced. Yep, I agree Terry Fator is a true talent and always entertaining but so is Donald Braswell. Give some of these people time and they will become stars in their own right.
I think all of these people have talent, however, I saw Donald Braswell in Las Vegas in February and he is one of the most talented singers I have ever heard. He placed in the top 5 on the 2008 AGT. He not only has a beautiful voice but can sing many different types of songs and his stage presence and ability to relate to the audience is above reproach. Please, let's consider bringing him back to Vegas. I would be there in a heartbeat as I am sure many others would be as well. Thank you.
Yeah, Skinner won - shows that this nation is a bunch of tone-deaf hillbillys. Barabar Padilla sings opera which most Americans that watch shows like AGT know nothing about. She has the talent and stage presense of a future star. Skinner will disappear quicker than one of those chickens he used to catch. Hey, Skinner, don't quit your day job!!
ANGELGIRl....Kevin reminds me of MY husband of 33 years-loving, giving and non-materialistic. You and I are the blessed ones in this life. Don't be disappointed if Kevin doesn't get high reviews in Vegas....he is just not glittery enough for Vegas--but to my husband and I along with much of America, that is he bond we feel with him. Kevin is from the REAL world and Vegas is such a 'make believe' world. We live southeast of Indianapols, but have been through Mayfield many times.
Music is in the ear and perferences of the listener....there are many current " music stars" that I wonder what anyone hears in their music. I would not listen to their music if given the opportunity...but Kevin hits on my perference.....Our best wishes for you and Kevin and your family is to take you money and memories and return to your simple life in KY. True happiness does not come with glitter and fame. ---Terideeh
It sounds to me as if you write in a manner that is bent on discrediting just about all of the performers. All of them have worked hard to make it to the top 10. That was the popular decision. Since your view of who should have won differs from the majority so dramatically, you might be the one who is wrong. Could that be? Kevin doesn't need professional training to entertain. Its his delivery of the lyrics. You feel his music within you. He more than sings words at a certain pitch. Kevin is not the razzle dazzle hey look at me singer and guitar player. Don't you get it? Your missing a rare performer who sings from his heart and soul with heart and soul to your heart and soul. And you don't get it. Such a loss for you.
I will further add that the childish name calling that some of the comments reveal boils down to being mean spirited. What level of maturity does one have to make fun of someones home town? Who knows who came from Mt. Olive, Alabama? Who named Hank Williams? Kevin coming from where he did, doing what he did is nothing to be ashamed of; as some posts are attempting to display. Just the opposite. Though Kevin came from a small town, Kevin had a large dream that he fullfilled, I believe that the mean spirited comments are those of small minds from large towns, possibly with no fullfilled dreams. Once again, such a loss for you. And by the way, I am related to no one related to Kevin. I was only a viewer who every time Kevin performed voted my ten calls worth.