America's Got Talent: Reigning in Seattle?

America's Got Talent headed to Seattle this week, with the show losing credibility every time Howie tries to let in lemon acts such as the Paper Horn Man.

The evening didn’t impress me much and I was surprised the producers decided kept this episode alone when tomorrow’s previews were miles better than most of the auditions this week. For the highs and lows, read on...

The Highs
Seattle's First Contestant, impressionist Melissa Villasenor, was probably the best opening for a talent show in a while. Comedians/impressionists don't normally succeed on the show, but she was almost pitch perfect and deserves to make it to America’s vote.

Good Little Kids - I'm not sure why Sady's parents dressed her in something like a raincoat and rain boots, but her scatting was something that I haven't heard; she's like the anti-Jackie Evancho.

Nick Cannon's Hosting – Watching Nick’s reaction to the drag act and the horrible magician was the best. His performance with Paper Horn Man was amazing, as well. I'll admit that while he's no Cat Deeley, Nick brings a nice dynamic to the show.

The Lows
Howie/Piers Fights - Let's stop focusing on the judges and more on the talent. I question Sharon's judging abilities when she caved and let Mauricio go through just so Howie could have a good laugh. If the contestants didn't impress on the first shot, they shouldn't make it through. The A+C Twins were bad, but Howie coming in and performing was lighthearted and funny; sure, it wasted time, but it was better than bickering.

Paper Horn Man - I'll admit, when I heard Carlton's voice, I imagined that he could be the next Ted Williams. Alas, he'll probably just be the crazy homeless guy you see at your local subway.

Generic Dance Groups - We got to see a clip of The Electrolytes perform and the judges were blown away. I didn't get it. They were okay. There are two groups that set the standard for hip hop dancers: America's Best Dance Crew's JabbaWockeeZ and Britain's Got Talent's Diversity. From the clips we got, The Electrolytes brought nothing new to the table.

The Burning Questions
Foreigners - There were several acts in Seattle that made me question the "America" part. As much as I loved Zuma Zuma, the Kenyan aerial group that didn't need mats, they admitted they were from Kenya. Along with them Mauricio Herrera, who was famous in Costa Rica but born in America, made me question his credibility. I'm sure that at least one of the two will be cut, but should contestants win if they aren’t American?

Breaking Groups Up - Poplyfe was a really good act and I'm shocked that Piers would even consider only taking the one girl in the six person group. Unlike Season Four's Marcus Terrell & the Serenades, The whole band was good and they had this wonderful vibe.

Overall, the episode was a bit boring and had the stereotypes we always see: the funny old person, talented little kids, dance groups, bad singers, and bad magicians. Outside of Melissa Villasenor and Poplyfe, no one else impressed me. How about you?