Weekly Top 10: Tim Hockenberry Is The Act To Beat

Posted by Sean Daly on June 30, 2012 at 12:39 PM

Who will the judges pick as this year’s $1 million winner?

With this season’s Top 48 acts ready to compete in New Jersey on Monday, it’s time to reveal our first ‘AGT Weekly Top 10’: the way we think acts will rank when a champion is crowned in September.

Our predictions are based on overall performance, diversity of the act, audience reaction, judges remarks, internet commentary, and how similar acts have fared in the past. We have absolutely no knowledge of actual voting results.

(NOTE: Last year we correctly predicted 4 of the top 5 acts — including the overall winner — before the first live show ever aired!)

Results will be updated each week.

—————————————————————————————————————————

RANKINGS FOR WEEK 1 (Performances through Vegas Week)

		PREVIOUS
	#1 TIM HOCKENBERRY (Singer, 49) We’ve learned this from the past four seasons: most AGT voters are in the Heartland of America — and they love male solo singers. Tim has an amazing voice and a powerful back story. America will rally behind him. It is Tim’s contest to lose. (Watch Tim’s audition)	N/A

	#2 INSPIRE THE FIRE (Song & Dance Group, 13 – 29) In the age of GLEE, this colorful group of singers and dancers are sure to connect with young voters. Another plus: they have strong supporters in Howie and Sharon. (Watch Inspire The Fire’s audition)	N/A

	#3 ANDREW DELEON (Singer, 19) Let’s not kid ourselves: Andrew will be back in August as a wild card act. Mark our words. And when he returns, Andrew will be ready to compete. Everyone who has ever felt like an outsider will vote for him. America loves this kid. (Watch Andrew’s audition) (Read our exclusive interview)	N/A

	#4 EDON (Singer/Pianist, 12) He’s this year’s Anna Graceman — and he might even make it further than she did! “He reminds me of a young Billy Joel” Sharon says. (Watch Edon’s audition)	N/A

	#5 TOM COTTER (Comedian, 48) 90 seconds isn’t enough time for a comic to really get rolling so Tom is at a bit of a disadvantage. But he’s funny. And America loves funny. (Watch Tom’s audition)	N/A

	#6 SPENCER HORSMAN (Illusionist/Escape Artist, 26) This guy would die to win AGT. Heck, he’s risked his life two times already! He’s got style, personality and keeps coming up with dangerous new stunts. (Watch Spencer’s audition)	N/A

	#7 JOE CASTILLO (Sand Artist, 54) His act isn’t exactly one of a kind — Sand artist Kseniya Simonova just won the most recent season of UKRAINE’S GOT TALENT — but it is unlike anything else in the competition. If Joe can keep tugging at patriotic heart strings he will go a long way. (Watch Joe’s audition)	N/A

	#8 AMERICAN BMX STUNT TEAM (Stunt Riders, 20 – 44) We’ve had stunt bike riders in the Top 10 for two years in a row. This year won’t be any different. Remember, its all about middle America, folks. (Watch American BMX’s audition)	N/A

	#9 UNTOUCHABLES (Dance Team, 8 – 13) This Florida-based dance act comes from great pedigree: several members are offspring from last year’s finalists Miami All Stars. (Watch Untouchables audition)	N/A

	#10 MARY JOYNER (Singer, 21) True champions get back up on their feet and keep running. Or in this case singing. If Mary hadn’t given in to nerves in Vegas she would have easily coasted to the Top 48. We predict she’ll be back as a wild card and will put her best foot forward. (Watch Mary’s audition) (Read our exclusive interview)	N/A