Yesterday, 31 students, ACs, host families and Kathy Lawrence, Adminstrator representing CHI, attended the taping of AMERICA'S GOT TALENT in Portland. We have no proof of this since cameras or phones were not allowed in the Keller Auditorium. As one student said, "That was crazy! I was hoping to see more acts!" No, we were the actors! We were coached to stand up and scream, clap and yell "Yeah" or "Boo" or "Vegas, Vegas Vegas!" or "Get them off the stage" with as much enthusiasm as we could all muster for the !!! 5 hours !!! We got to see behind the scenes of this show. Cameras were flying over us, around us and some hid in obscure places getting our reaction to what we were seeing and hearing. Some of which was good, actually great, but some was absolutely atrocious. The atrocious acts made us squirm, laugh and blush with embarrassment. Much like when you watch the show on TV. I had to hand it to the 72 year old Belgian who played the harmonica for about 90 seconds most of which we couldn't hear because all the screaming. I think he was good. The judges Howie, Sharon and Piers seemed to like him but I can't remember if he went through to Vegas.
There were some awful zombie women dancers that were horrible (my opionion) who were going on and on about their 'girl power' philosophy. I booed them. The other women dancers that came out in MuuMuu's showed more 'girl power' and just plain having a wonderful time. We held our breath when the young trick bycyclist jumped back and forth over the show's host Nick Cannon.
This years judges, Howie, Sharon, Piers and Nick, were constantly critiquing but even in the worst of acts always kind and encouraging. Especially to the young people. They stick to their mission of finding talent no matter the age whether young or old.
The show will be on air starting June 1st. Watch you might catch a glimpse of yourself or someone you know. THANK YOU! to all the who were involved. By representing CHI , as a non-profit organization, at the taping of AMERICA'S GOT TALENT, we fundraised $155 to go toward our CHI Spring Retreat this April.
You can check out this website to see more of our day:
http://www.oregonlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2010/03/performers_including_talent_fr.html
