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Michael Strelo-Smith was a singer from Season 2 and Season 3 of America's Got Talent. He was eliminated in the Vegas Round in Season 2, and the Quarterfinals in Season 3.

Background[]

With numerous musical theatre performances to his credit, some of his favorite roles include: Jack (Into the Woods); Audrey II (Little Shop of Horrors); Charlie Brown (Snoopy!!!); Dickon (Secret Garden); Billy (Carousel in Concert); and was a featured soloist in productions of Closer Than Ever, The World Goes ‘Round, and A Grand Night For Singing.

The San Francisco Bay Area native is also well at home on the operatic stage Mr. Strelo-Smith has been seen as Pooh Bah (The Mikado); Horace Tabor (The Ballad of Baby Doe); Falke in (Die Fledermaus); and Harlekin (Ariadne auf Naxos). He garnered high critical praise for his interpretation of Sharpless in Madama Butterfly with West Bay Opera and Bay Shore Lyric Opera and most recently with Livermore Valley Opera.

As a national finalist in the 2003 Classical Productions Voice Competition, Mr. Strelo-Smith was heard in Carnegie Hall - Weill Recital Hall. In 2000 Mr. Strelo-Smith received a study grant from the Licia Albanese - Puccini Foundation and was invited to appear in the annual winners concert in New York's Alice Tully Hall. He is also a past 1st place winner of the Berkeley Piano Club Voice Competition and a semi-finalist in the Loren L. Zachary Society for the Performing Arts.

As Vocal/Musical Director he oversaw productions of Little Shop of Horrors; Nunsense; Annie; The Sound of Music; Das Barbecu; Camelot; 42nd Street; Do I Hear A Waltz? and Gifts of the Magi. He also continues to work, successfully, with children’s theatre programs providing master classes, private voice lessons and repertoire coaching for middle and high school aged performers.

For three years he was a Music and Drama Specialist for an elementary school in Foster City, California. He developed a musical theatre program, presenting three productions a year. His program brought 120 kids to the stage each year. He has made educational outreach a major focus in his professional life.

Currently, Mr. Strelo-Smith resides in Las Vegas, Nevada where he teaches both classroom and private music. 1

Season 2 Audition[]

Michael Strelo-Smith's audition in Episode 202 consisted of singing "This is the Moment." Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne buzzed the act. Although Piers voted "No", Sharon and David Hasselhoff both voted "Yes", sending Michael to the Vegas Round.

Season 2 Vegas Round[]

Michael Strelo-Smith was sorted into the "Music" category during the Vegas Round. His performance in Episode 205 consisted of singing "You Raise Me Up." Michael proceeded to the shortlist, but was not sent through to the Semifinals, eliminating him from the competition in Episode 206.

Season 3 Audition[]

Michael Strelo-Smith's audition was never televised, but he sang "Time to Say Goodbye". Piers Morgan and at least one other judge voted "Yes", sending Michael to the Vegas Round.

Season 3 Vegas Round[]

Michael Strelo-Smith was one of the Music Acts in the Vegas Round. He was sorted into the "Opera Singers" category. His performance in Episode 308 consisted of singing "Somewhere (There's a Place for Us)." Michael's audition was strong enough for the judges to include him in the Top 60 shortlist and to later send him to the Top 40 Quarterfinals in Episode 309.

Season 3 Quarterfinals[]

Michael Strelo-Smith's Part 3 Quarterfinals performance in Episode 312 consisted of singing "I Am What I Am". Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne buzzed the act. Piers called the performance "karaoke", as Michael fought back, "You can't see what's inside me, Piers!" Sharon called the performance "music teacher". David praised Michael for doing a damn good job. Michael finished in either fifth or sixth place in America's Vote. In the Judges' Choice, Piers MorganSharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff all did not vote for him, eliminating Michael from the competition in Episode 313 instead of SickStep.

Trivia[]

  • Michael is the only act in America's Got Talent to be eligible for the Judges' Choice while having more than one buzz.

External Links[]


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