Rudi Macaggi was an acrobat from Season 5 of America's Got Talent. He was eliminated in the Quarterfinals, but he returned for the Wild Card Show, where he was eliminated again.
Background[]
Rudi Macaggi is a third-generation circus acrobat from Italy. He grew up performing with his family and traveling the world becoming fluent in Italian, French, Spanish and English. He first came to the United States in 1982 while performing with a circus and eventually ran away from the circus to pursue a solo career that has taken a unique path combining acrobatics with comedy, earning him the nickname "The Acromedian."
Rudi enjoys learning new skills and is constantly incorporating original elements into his craft. Rudi moved to New York City with dreams of having his own show. There he met Lea McGowan, a ballerina who also came to New York to pursue her dreams, and fell in love. The couple began working together and they enjoy the creative process, continually looking for new ways to combine their strengths and talents. He strives to bring happiness to people in each performance inspiring laughter and smiles with his friendly catchphrase, "I like you." 1
Audition[]
Rudi Macaggi's audition in Episode 504 consisted of balancing his head on top of a basketball on top of a "tower" of champagne bottles. Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne, and Howie Mandel all voted "Yes," sending Rudi to the Vegas Round.
Vegas Round[]
Rudi Macaggi was one of the Judge's Favorites in the Vegas Round. He was sorted into the "Acrobats" category. His performance in Episode 511 consisted of his partner supporting Rudy's entire body weight on her torso and at one point supporting Rudy's and her body weight on her two arms pressing on the ground. His audition was strong enough for the judges to send him to the Quarterfinals along with AscenDance.
Quarterfinals[]
Rudi Macaggi's Quarterfinals performance in Episode 519 consisted of balancing on only two hands on two stacks of three blocks and then hopping down while releasing the blocks near a circular saw in motion. Sharon Osbourne gave him a standing ovation. He did not receive enough votes to finish in at least fourth or fifth place in America's Vote, eliminating him from the competition in Episode 520.
Wild Card[]
Rudi Macaggi was brought back by Sharon Osbourne for the Wild Card Show. His performance in Episode 523 consisted of attempting a backflip as he catches himself with his feet in a small rope, all while blindfolded. Piers Morgan buzzed the act. Rudi did not receive enough votes to be sent to the Semifinals, eliminating him from the competition in Episode 524 along with Kruti Dance Academy and Swing Shift Side Show, instead of Michael Grasso.
Trivia[]
- Rudi appeared in the results show of Week 1 of the Semifinals of Season 1 as part of Crazy Caliber Talent, where he won.