Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-5598112-20160908020023/@comment-1650307-20160909011057

Because I feel like it. Here are my thoughts on all ten of the finalists.

Brian Justin Crum: He is by far the strongest singer this year and another powerhouse performance could give him an easy win, especially if they put him in the pimp slot. However, I fear that his open homosexuality could cost him some previous votes, especially considering how bigoted and prejudice America is (shocking I know) and the fact that no openly gay contestant on other singing competitions has ever won to my knowledge (correct me if I am wrong). He should easily make the Top 5, however.

The Clairvoyants: America has a real thing for these creepy, supernatural mentalist acts, especially considering how well Mike Super and Oz Pearlman did in previous years. They keep baffling the general public, and their gimmick may turn some voters off, especially the older Christian crowd who don't like that kind of stuff. They should make the Top 5, but I have my doubts.

Grace VanderWaal: Dear old Grace. She's the one that they are milking. The one that seems in prime pouncing position to take it all. The one that has more followers and the most people under the spell. Why? I don't know. Some of us, the AGT purists, see past it and just see an overrated sweet girl with a lot riding on her. It's a matter of time before he nerves get to her. But regardless, she is making the Top 5 easily but a win? I don't know. There's a lot of talent this year, but she seems like the frontrunner.

Jon Dorenbos: This guy seems like a real dark horse. He's likeable, his tricks his bullseye, he has the American everyman quality. If he has an absolutely amazing trick, then it could land him a surprise win, and I would completely be in favour for it. The only thing that I can think of that would be a downside for him is people thinking he already plays for the NFL and thinking "why should I give the guy who already has a lot of money more money when I can give the acts who aren't as well of as him the chance to be rich and successful". That being said, he is probably Top 5 bound.

Laura Bretan: Laura has an amazing voice and AGT seems to really like her since they always give her the pimp slot. But the level of talent this year is so high and so varied, plus she will be competing with her direct competition Grace, and the fact that most of the quote "Facebook fans" seem to hate her because she won Romania's Got Talent and it's unfair for her to win this one. I'd hate to see how they think of Viktor now. She could make the Top 5, but I don't think so.

(Another Chip controversial thought, Laura is better than Jackie Evancho)

Linkin' Bridge: They are again potential dark horses. I am really sensing a strong Sons of Serendip vibe with them. I think that if they sing really, really good, like absolutely note-perfect, they could be a potential threat. But they will probably be likely swept under the rug against the other singers. I think that making the Top 5 is a possibility, but the highest I think they'll ever get is 5th place.

Sal Valentinetti: Sal caters to the older crowd and the dynamic of all those who favoured the songs and crooners of yesteryear. It's that very dynamic that managed to give Landau a win back in Season 6. He also managed to overcome the trap of being up for the Dunkin' Save one week, and not the next (the other being Linkin' Bridge). It's possible, but I don't think it'll be enough. I would be truly shocked if he made the Top 5.

Sofie Dossi: At the bottom of the ladder, but in no way an insult, we have Sofie. I admire what Sofie is able to do with her body and really like that a contortionist, arguably the hardest act to advance to the finals, managed to get there, and she has a strong enough fan following since she's still in it, but she'll have to literally have to break her bones to win. I mean, what else can she do? It's just the same thing over and over. I don't think she'll make the Top 5.

Tape Face: Easily the most inventive and brilliant comic this year, and arguably any other year, Tape Face has a big fanbase and if he does something truly genius and hysterical, he could be in contention. But he has his haters and more people in the general populice would be willing to give the little girl with the ukulele a million dollars than the potential Charlie Chaplin for a new generation. He should be able to make the Top 5, but don't be surprised if he falters.

Viktor Kee: He should thank every deity that ever existed that he managed to best Steven Brundage in the voting totals. I couldn't be happier that he made it but he doesn't have a shot. I'd be the most ecstatic, happiest person in the world if he won, but it's more likely I will suddenly be the Prince of Kyrgystan tomorrow than it is of Viktor winning.

This year is a fascinating one. Probably my most exciting finale to date since a lot of the acts that I love (Linkin' Bridge, Viktor Kee, Tape Face) are all still in it, but additionally the most boring since it looks to be a walk in the park for one particular 12-year-old. BUT... I will say that again... BUT!!!!!... I will be going against tide, kicking myself for four consecutive days and three consecutive nights and won't be going out on such a limb the following year (yes I will probably be back next year), and say that Brian Justin Crum will overcome the "gay bias" and win the whole thing with Grace placing second and Jon placing third. If Grace wins... I won't be happy but I suppose it'll be fine since it will be the first time since Season 1 that a girl has won the show and if it's Jon, I will be pleasantly surprised but not shocked.

But it will be Grace. And dear God will the Internet have a field day, for both the lovers and the haters.

Tyler out.