There's no doubt that there are a lot of people in this competition that have talent. Some are mediocre and some are spectacular, but how many 'really' have the potential to go somewhere?

I'm sure some of the performers are in it just to get the million bucks, but I suspect a lot of the performers are expecting their careers to skyrocket due to the show.

The way I see it, the only performers that have a shot of parlaying this gig into BIG money are the musical acts. I suppose some of the Jugglers, Comedians and Magicians might be able to get some long term work out of the deal, but they will by no means be appearing on the cover of people magazine any time soon (even if they win).

What acts do you think have the potential to hit it big?

,Matt

As of today, I'd say....

1) Bianca Ryan (a child of God)

2) Lilia Stephanova (target shooting contortionist) - personal website see my posting Target Shooting Contortionist (lots of pics)

3) Magic couple (quick change artists)

#1 the winner

#2 and #3 a career in Vegas or Cirque de Soleil....

I agree with you again (except for Snow White ha!)--I think the musical acts will be the favorites but the female contortionist, the quick change couple and the guys, I think they were Sideswipe were all pretty good--I also thought the 2 business guys (jugglers with the fire) were pretty funny--

Another post about Lilia Stephanova proved my point to me already. She already performs all over the world, including Vegas. What more could winning this contest possibly do for her? Taking time off work to be on the show is probably losing her money right now.

The fact that she's been seen by millions via the show will likely improve here performance attendance in Vegas or wherever else she performs, but can she gain anything else from the show at this point?

I wonder how many acts are on the show simply for the exposure and really have no expectations of winning?

,Matt

Without a doubt - need more then a stripper or juggler here. The kids are great but have we not seen them on Star Search already? Get original nbc and get someone with real talent.

Bianca was on Star Search 2 years ago and lost in the finals. Haven't seen any video from that so I don't know if she's improved since then. Until I read that she was on it I had no idea the show even existed anymore.

I know the magician that did the bit with the giant microwave last week was in Vegas in June performing at the Aladdin. He had a part in their Ultimate Variety show and also had his own afternoon show. I was actually surprised to see him on the show - Vegas must not pay well these days.

,Matt

I had started new thread about quick change artists and was answered that they appeared with Cirque de Soleil--it seems that alot of these acts on the show have been trying to be "discovered" in one way or another. On the first show the "Syd the Kid" comedian, my son said she had been on "That's so Raven" a couple of times. I didn't know about Bianca or the microwave man. I knew about Lilia from seeing her on I've Got A Secret--I also forgot to add the harmonica boy and his brother (Millers?) were pretty good, too.

First of all, you are correct....most of those group shows in Vegas barely pay the performers enough to cover rent. I've known a couple of people that have done them and they are a stepping stone, not a way of making a living. And doing a couple of episodes on TV or appearing on other talent shows or a morning show doesn't mean these acts don't still need a break...none of them are household names. I don't know about Cirque de Soleil....I heard they pay pretty well. For the magicians and jugglers, Vegas and college or theatre or corporate touring is pretty much the penacle and the exposure from this show could help any one of them get more shows.

I was blown away by the Millers this week. That 12 year old harmonica player was unbelievable and his brother had an amazing voice. It was great to see something that really has a chance at a big career on their own...not just another singer. They are my favorite. I like this thread...this show should be about who could have a career beyond being in a group variety show....who would you go to a whole concert or show of or buy a CD or watch a TV show of.

The majority of them probably will probably get a few Tonight Show appearances and then wind up in Las Vegas or one of the better circus troupes, but on the whole I'd say there are quite a few that could have potentially active careers after this. The musical acts should be the most likely candidates, but the trend I'm noticing is that, every time the episode closes with the "acts we didn't have time to show you," their mostly musical.

I have no doubt in my mind that At Last (Hip-Hocapella) will be going on tour after this, and there's no doubt in my mind that Kevin Johnson (bird ventriloquist) will at least have his own special on Comedy Central Presents. The two girls, Bianca Ryan and (can't remember the 14-year-old's name) could have some success too, but I honestly think in their cases, it may be more likely that they'll just reappear on American Idol when their within the age range.

I forgot one other that was pretty good--the yodeling girl--I would think that would be hard to do and she sounded good---I don't know alot about yodeling but she seemed to know what she was doing.

The poor birdlady was a total waste of the networks time ......and ours....

If I had paid to advertise during her upcoming performance, I would ask NBC for the $$ back...





ps...power to the senior citizens but please don't give the rest of them a bad name by a weak, pathetic performance.

BTW, on college tours, I've seen a lot of full shows of all these amazing underground acapella groups. These guys were just okay...if you loved them, you have to check out: Chapter 6, Naturally 7, Ball in the House, M-Pact, Impulse, Four Shadow, Toxic Audio, Measure X Measure, Five o'clock Shadow, Marcoux Corner, Duwende.... a few others....all are much better than what I saw on the show...granted that's only 2 minutes, but based on my history with acapella, they are just okay. Seriously, if you liked them, you should check out the others. The first two are my favorite (chapter 6, naturally 7) and both have won this National Harmony Sweepstakes contest...At Last didn't even win their region to make it to the nationals

correcting myself...had them mixed up with act with similar name...dont think At Last ever tried Harmony Sweeps. Sorry. Still, though they've had some great gigs/breaks on several TV shows etc., I don't think they hold a candle to the acapella groups above. HOWEVER given some of the sound issues the show has had with anyone that has more than one singer or instrument, I could be completely wrong. They could be much better than what I heard on my TV.