Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-1609742-20150827204240/@comment-1609742-20150904005530

Last night (though I'll start getting ready for next week soon) can be explained by looking at each act individually.

Drew Lynch - A fan favorite from the beginning. Biggest social media following of any act. Biggest splash in news sites (he's even appearing on Dr. Oz as a result of AGT). Terrific backstory, but he's still a great comic. No surprise here because he's actually really charming/funny.

Oz Pearlman - He has the advantage of using the judges every performance, so he remains really memorable. Stellar tricks every time has kept him in.

Derek Hughes - I initially underestimated him, but he really does have good tricks. Add the fact that his Semis act was DEDICATED TO HIS KIDS, and had great storytelling, got him the family support he needed to make it further. Very smart, but risky, move.

Benton Blount - What can be said about him that hasn't already been said? He's only a relatively decent singer, but he has a great story. He's doing everything for his son, his wife works hard, he has a new kid coming but he can't afford to take care of him/her, etc.). His previously existing fanbase kept him in the Finals, but THANKFULLY he lost the momentum to win with the close Dunkin' Save.

The CraigLewis Band - They made it based on raw talent and a fun rapport between them. Them placing below... "other"... singing acts is a crime.

Samantha Johnson - Her backstory about taking care of all her brothers and sisters was very moving. Then she reunited with her mother after so many years. It goes on and on.

Siro-A - All I can remember about them personally is that they met in high school and wanted to perform together. Their lack of relatability killed their chances. I can't name a single dancer's name on the team, and I don't remember them introducing themselves individually. They apparently have some dramatic background with the Japan Earthquake, but they declined to announce it. Very classy move, but their talent wasn't enough to charm America.