5 acts reach finals on 'America's Got Talent'

[September 03, 2009]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The judges on "America's Got Talent" are breaking the rules.

Instead of choosing between two acts for one coveted spot in the show's final round, Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff changed things up Wednesday and invited both acts to return to the NBC talent show.

"Judges can do whatever they want on this show," host Nick Cannon said. "Anything goes."

A trio of tenors, three singing siblings, five dancing sisters, a 75-year-old comedian and a singing chicken farmer will advance to the finals. Five other acts were dismissed during Wednesday's episode.

Viewers selected The Texas Tenors, comedian Grandma Lee and singer Kevin Skinner via phone, e-mail and text message votes. Judges were to choose between the fourth- and fifth-place vote-getters: singing siblings The Voices of Glory and dancing sisters The Fab Five.

"I can't do it, Nick. Sorry," Osbourne said. Hasselhoff also demurred. Then Morgan spoke: "We have decided there will be no judges' pick. We're going to send you both to the final."

Cannon appeared a tad flustered by the move, but kept a broad smile on his face.

"This is live television," he reminded the judges as they deliberated at the end of the episode.

They heaped praise on the five new finalists during their performances Tuesday. Hasselhoff said the Texas Tenors were "without a doubt the front-runner to win this competition," while Morgan picked Skinner as his favorite. Osbourne predicted good things for the Voices of Glory, saying, "The next time I see you guys, it will be at the final."

Another 10 semifinalists will compete for the remaining final four spots next week.

All are vying for a $1 million prize and the chance to headline a Las Vegas show in October. Jerry Springer will emcee the program at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Wednesday's results show also featured Hasselhoff singing on stage. He performed the bluesy classic "Feeling Good." Miss Piggy and Kermit of the Muppets also performed. They sang "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," backed by four dancing chickens.

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On the Net:

http://www.nbc.com/americas-got-talent/

[Associated Press; By SANDY COHEN]

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