Weekly Top 6: Our Picks For The Finals

Posted by Sean Daly on August 27, 2012 at 12:33 PM

The Olate Dogs should make it to the finale. (Photo: NBC)

Here’s where it gets tricky. We now have 24 acts left in the competition — but only six will advance to the next round.

That means no official Top 10 this season on AMERICA’S GOT TALENT.

So here is our revised “Top 6″ picks — and a few honorable mentions for the acts that we’ve loved watching all season long.

As always, 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!)

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RANKINGS FOR WEEK 7 (Performances through August 22, 2012)

		PREVIOUS WEEK
	#1 TIM HOCKENBERRY (Singer) Live by The Hock, die by The Hock. He’s been our pick all season long, so we’re standing by our man. (Watch Tim’s audition)	1

	#2 ANDREW DELEON (Classical/Opera Singer) Andrew hit it out of the park during the wildcard show. Even if he isn’t at his best, he has a loyal core of fans who have his back. (Watch Andrew’s audition) (Read our exclusive interview)	2

	#3 LIGHTWIRE THEATER (Electroluminescent Puppet Show) They are big, colorful and bright. Oh, yeah — and the judges will certainly remind us how much they love them. They won’t win (as Team iLuminate didn’t either) but should survive one more round. (Watch their last performance)	3

	#4 WILLIAM CLOSE (Earth Harpist) Who isn’t impressed by this guy’s unique musical creations?	8

	#5 JOE CASTILLO (Sand Artist) It is make it or break it time for Joe. We think he will rise to the occasion with another awe-inspiring story.	9

	#6 OLATE DOGS (Animal Act) We’re not as sold on this act as Sharon is, but America loves dogs — especially cute ones that do tricks! (Watch Olate Dogs in action)	4

	HONORABLE MENTION: TOM COTTER (Comedian) This guy is performance ready. And funny as hell! He once had his own reality show! (Watch Tom’s audition)	7

	HONORABLE MENTION TURF (Dancer) If someone trips up, Turf could sneak in and steal a spot in the finals. (Watch Turf’s last performance)	N/A

	HONORABLE MENTION ERIC DITTLEMAN (Mind Reader) His “Deal or No Deal” illusion was one of the highlights of season 7.	N/A

	HONORABLE MENTION ACADEMY OF VILLAINS (Dance Troupe) Wish we had a chance to see more of these guys. They are unique and super talented. Best Dance crew of the year by far.	10