“America’s Got Talent” Season 11 Live Show Preview

Simon Cowell, 12-year-old pop stars and magicians from the NFL…yes please! “America’s Got Talent” Season 11 is by far the best one yet.

ICYMI let’s break down which acts are the ones to beat heading into the first week of live shows.

AMERICA'S GOT TALENT -- "Auditions Pasadena Civic Auditorium" -- Pictured: Grace Vanderwaal -- (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

(Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

It wouldn’t be a proper recap of this season without starting with Grace VanderWaal. This 12-year-old singer’s audition has over 120 million views on Facebook alone. Grace broke the unspoken rule of not singing original songs on competition show auditions and boy did this risk pay off. Simon Cowell even crowned her with the title of “the next Taylor Swift.” I think I stand with America when I say I can’t wait to see what Grace is going to sing next. We have been anxiously awaiting her live show performance since we saw the charming, humble pre-teen win the golden buzzer on the AGT audition stage.

The next act I have to talk about is Sofie Dossi. Sofie is the self taught contortionist, hand balancer, aerialist and AGT’s resident Katniss Everdeen. When the judges say you have to step up your act for the judge cuts episode, they mean it. Sofie stepped it up and then some. She managed do everything from hanging by her neck from the ceiling to shooting a fiery bow and arrow with her feet. She was somehow able to fill the entire stage and theatre even though she is just one person. This epic performance landed her a judge cuts golden buzzer from Reba McEntire. I can’t wait to see what other dangerous elements Sofie will bring to the Dolby Theatre stage during the live shows.

If you’re like me, you tune into AGT to see some mind-blowing magic. The magician to watch out for this season is Jon Dorenbos. Oh wait, that name sounds familiar doesn’t it? YES! This magician is also a member of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. Talk about living a double life #HannahMontana. Jon performs the kind of magic that makes your jaw drop to the floor and keeps you awake at night wondering how he did it. His judge cuts performance earned him Ne-Yo’s golden buzzer making him the magician to beat in the live shows.

The next act to watch out for is Linkin Bridge. Grab your tissues and a box of chocolates because this act is going to make you feel all the feels. Linkin Bridge is a group of four singers who grew up in a rough part of Louisville, Kentucky. Instead of getting involved with negative extracurriculars, this close-knit group of friends turned to music to inspire people to come together. There was not a dry eye in the audience during both their audition and judge cuts performances. I truly hope Linkin Bridge goes far in the competition because we desperately need singers like this to bring people together through music during this time where terrible things are happening around the world.

Every year, there is an act that you can’t believe isn’t some sort of set up. This season, that act is The Clairvoyants. The Clairvoyants are a couple that plays unbelievable mind games with the judges and audience. Emily gets blindfolded but is still able to magically describe objects and reveal serial numbers on things her partner Tommy holds in his hand. This act left the judges and the entire audience speechless. Acts like this are the reason I tune in and watch AGT every year. Where else on TV are you able to see something so astonishing? There really is no larger stage for performers like The Clairvoyants and I can’t wait to see how else they will blow my mind in the live shows.

(Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

Last but certainly not least, is my favorite comedian of this season, Lori Mae Hernandez. Lori is not your typical comedian though, she is a quirky 13-year-old girl who happens to be able to deliver hilarious stand up sets that slam everyone from Donald Trump to Caitlyn Jenner. When you hear the term “13-year-old comedian” you may be prepared to fake laugh, but have no fear, Lori actually is funny enough give you a real Mel B belly laugh. I’m looking forward to more standing ovations and hysterical punch lines from this teenage girl who is for sure the next Tina Fey. Also, if Lori doesn’t have her own Disney or Nickelodeon show after this, someone in casting is definitely not doing their job.

Tune in to “America’s Got Talent” Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 8/7c on NBC for the Live Shows! Make sure to vote for your favorites, share your thoughts below and tweet us @PopHeartsTV!