One reason why “America's Got Talent” keeps millions of viewers glued to screens, whether television or mobile device, is that more than any other talent competition, it offers the most eclectic and interpretive selection of performers on any talent TV competition. Simon Cowell knew a good thing when he saw it in reworking the British format of the show for American tastes. The judge himself now feels that “America’s Got Talent” has outdone its counterpart across the pond for diversity, although there are plenty of his wide-eyed expressions in both versions.

As always, there was something for just about everyone in the June 12 third week of auditions, and perhaps never have eyes been so wide for all four judges seated behind the big desk with buzzers. Technology fans were treated to a grand display in virtual reality, and a youthful dance group proved just how far dedication and spirit can go. Simon has had many ladies profess their love for him from the stage over the years, but Ms. Trysh truly has vocal talent to go along with her adoration (and her husband’s approval).

The final four performers presented something awe-inspiring in danger, humor, campy showmanship, and voice that stunned the judges and the audience, and the proof was written all over their faces.

A biting bit of daring

Lord Nil has performed daredevil escapes for years, and he was very upfront with the judges about a 2015 escape effort that failed, resulting in a significant fall and several broken bones. The power of pulling something even more dangerous off compels the performance artist, of course, and his effort on “America's Got Talent” would leave every viewer’s mouth agape.

Bringing out a transparent box filled with “several more than 30” venomous scorpions, Lord Nil explained that he was going to attach his limbs by zip ties to his metal structure. He would have 90 seconds to secure one of the two knives positioned on the structure and cut himself free. If he failed, the full box of creatures would fall to cover his face, causing effects as severe as paralysis or brain damage.

Some viewers probably thought that consequence had to already be taking effect. Tyra Banks came out to select the knives, handing them to Nil’s assistant, his fiancée.

Part of any danger act is heightened stagecraft, and almost predictably, the first of the knives was dropped and the box of stinging creatures made a dramatic descent. As Mel B, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel looked on, with Heidi making hand binoculars in her usual fashion, Lord Nil began to bend the thick metal bars. With literally one second on his countdown clock, he cut the last tie with the second knife, just as the box of squirming scorpions released. All of the judges confessed to being at their wit's end and on the edge of their seats, but they also were unanimous with approval for the performer.

Something completely different

German artist, Hans, was very proud of his status as a world-famous entertainer, and he counseled his dancers to make sure that they never lost focus of him as “the star” before taking the stage. Once he was on his mark, he made the most of his “America’s Got Talent” minutes, starting out with an accordion for a German sing along, then revving up for a Tina Turner-esque “Proud Mary,” before doing a tap dance and topping his show off with a full split on a pole. No one can accuse Hans of not trying. The judges may not have understood what they saw, but as Mel B put it, the performer “made my heart feel warm,” and that ability is always a winner.

Turning Tourette syndrome into funny life lessons

Every person has a unique burden to overcome in life, whether it is seen or not. Comedian Samuel J Comroe is a full-time working comedian from Los Angeles and a husband and father to an infant daughter. He also has Tourette syndrome, which manifests as uncontrolled twitching of muscles in the face and limbs, and sometimes, speech outbursts for some people.

Within his first minute on stage, Samuel called his twitching “kinda cute,” and that openness broke down the walls for everyone watching. His routine continued, marked by honesty and originality, especially in relating his story of being at Tourette's camp, where “all hell broke loose.” Mel B had one of her famous belly laughs, and America will have more opportunities to learn to grin and bear it from Samuel, who already lives out a lesson in positivity.

A shy-no-more singer

Courtney Hadwin leaned against her father, almost clinging to him before going onstage. The lovely British 13-year-old explained in her profile that only when she sings does she feel free to express herself, and she told Mel B that music was her favorite subject in school. She couldn't say what music she preferred, only offering, “I don't know,” with a giggle. Mel B coaxed Courtney to dismiss her nerves, and the singer took a moment of composure at center stage. There wouldn't be any more need for composure once the strains of the Black Crowes’ “Hard to Handle” were heard.

The inner Courtney came forth with a vengeance in blues perfection, and every judge on the panel looked on in awe.

The girl doesn't just have the voice, she has the scream and the wail. Simon Cowell called her “a lion.” Howie Mandel compared this moment to Janis Joplin’s unveiling at Monterey Pop, and he did something more-- he hit his golden buzzer. Courtney ran to embrace her father, under the shower of gold. This will not only be a night remembered by this father and daughter. It may well come to be a night remembered by the music world.

Extreme acts take over the “America's Got Talent” auditions next week, so prepare to hear ambulance sirens.
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