Update: Neal E. Boyd’s ‘Got Talent’
After a long break for the Olympics, “America’s Got Talent” returned Tuesday, and singer Neal E. Boyd — St. Louis by way of Sikeston — was the last of 10 semifinalists to perform. The judges thought the wait was worth it. Boyd (dedicating his performance to his grandmother, who died the day after his first performance on the show) sang “Somewhere,” from “West Side Story,” and got huge cheers (maybe the most of the night) from the crowd and a standing ovation from all three judges. They said:
Piers Morgan: “Only in America could you get a guy like you who sells insurance who now comes to this stage … and does that. That was incredible. You have become the Michael Phelps of this competition. You are the man to beat, and whoever beats you will have to give the performance of his life.”
Sharon Osbourne: “Superb. Just superb.”
David Hasselhoff: “I love your choice of songs. ‘There’s a place for us.” The place for you is right here at the top.”
Jerry Springer: “You are incredible. And you sell insurance during the day?”
Neal: “Just trying to make a living.”
Boyd will learn Wednesday night whether he’s one of the five (of the 10) who will advance. It will certainly be a big shock if he doesn’t.
See a clip of the “Neil Boyd Watch”–including part of his recent performance–at:
http://semissourian.com/article/20080827/NEWS01/708279915/-1/today