Michael Grasso on AGT

Discuss the latest news and rumors in the magic world.
User avatar
Magic Newswire
Posts: 2500
Joined: March 29th, 2008, 12:32 pm
Contact:

Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Magic Newswire » September 7th, 2010, 10:09 pm

As we all know, Michael Grasso is the final magician in AGT's Top Ten. He's about to perform on this weeks "Top Ten" episode. Will he continue to wow the judges? We are about to find out!

*************************************************************
------------------SPOILER ALERT------------------------
DO NOT READ ANY POSTS AFTER THIS ONE UNLESS
THE SHOW HAS ALREADY AIRED IN YOUR TIME ZONE!
*************************************************************

User avatar
Magic Newswire
Posts: 2500
Joined: March 29th, 2008, 12:32 pm
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Magic Newswire » September 7th, 2010, 10:34 pm

Once again, Michael stepped out of his comfort zone performing an Illusion that he had never performed before.

The judges ended up on their feet.

Sharon: Every week you step it up and you always deliver. It is incredible. I really hope that you are one of the four that goes through.

Howie: I crown you the king of magic! I gotta know how you did that!

Piers: America has an impossible job! You are the best magician that we have ever had on the show!

User avatar
Magic Newswire
Posts: 2500
Joined: March 29th, 2008, 12:32 pm
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Magic Newswire » September 8th, 2010, 12:02 am

If you missed it live, here's the video:
http://bit.ly/9s5oBZ

User avatar
Richard Kaufman
Posts: 27056
Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
Location: Washington DC
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Richard Kaufman » September 8th, 2010, 12:57 am

He didn't really seem to stand out among the three assistants on stage with him--it seemed like a four-person act with no lead player.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine

M.Lee
Posts: 194
Joined: April 7th, 2010, 12:57 pm

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby M.Lee » September 8th, 2010, 7:48 am

A unique presentation of a Classic Wilson illusion , Congratulations Michael.


Michael Lee

User avatar
Tim Ellis
Posts: 939
Joined: July 11th, 2008, 4:08 pm
Location: Victoria
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Tim Ellis » September 8th, 2010, 9:06 am

Richard, he's giving the judges EXACTLY what they imagine a magic act is.

Jim Riser
Posts: 1086
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Tucson, AZ

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Jim Riser » September 8th, 2010, 1:38 pm

One of the major problems when doing a sub trunk type of effect is the time required to release the person from the trunk. After the switch, the trick is over. Getting the person out of the trunk is down time. This is especially true with a transparent plexi box where the person can already be seen within the box. During this down time, the spectators relax their attention assuming that they already know the outcome of the illusion. Taking advantage of such down times can be very advantageous for a magician. The surprise of the second girl and Michael's appearance in a clearly visible location is what made this effect. The audience was off guard for such an ending.

I thought Michael did well. If he had spoken a little at the beginning, it might have brought him front and center a little more. I think he got lost on TV but not live. It is important that the spectators get used to and comfortable with the assistants milling around. This is necessary to pull off the climax.

One thing obvious is that you do not want high-def close-ups of the "swords" being inserted into the box. There was no danger involved with those dull objects. From a distance everything would look good.

His performance certainly did not hurt magic.
Jim

Liderc
Posts: 35
Joined: July 19th, 2010, 5:25 pm

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Liderc » September 8th, 2010, 4:59 pm

I've never been a fan of Grasso.

and i really didn't think is "surprise" ending was all that surprising, sure you could argue the fact that i'm a magician so i know what to look for. but it just wasn't. people that i talk to who are not in the know of any magic thought that was going to happen.. plus his methods are also so transparent again you could argue that i'm a magician so i know what to look for but the lay audience are not stupid.

not saying he doesn't have some kind of talent. but not as much as they are hyping him up, there is much more talent out there.
Professional PSI, Mentalist, Magician, Shock/Geek Entertainer

Member And Performer At 'The Magic Castle'

matthew w
Posts: 6
Joined: September 8th, 2008, 12:05 pm
Location: New York, USA
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby matthew w » September 8th, 2010, 5:57 pm

I totally agree with you. I enjoy his manipulation act very much. He was very slick. After that, I have been very unimpressed.

I want to see someone go through with magic that shows years of practice and skill.

User avatar
IrishMagicNews
Posts: 479
Joined: May 20th, 2009, 3:30 pm
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby IrishMagicNews » September 8th, 2010, 6:08 pm

Is finding it hard to understand how when magicians are not featured at the business end of these programs we complain. And now when one is featured...we complain.

Unbelievable.
Brendan

News, Lectures, Societies & Magic in Ireland
http://www.IrishMagicNews.com

Shenanigans the irish magic convention 2-4 May 2014 Dublin
http://www.IrishMagicConvention.com

User avatar
Magic Newswire
Posts: 2500
Joined: March 29th, 2008, 12:32 pm
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Magic Newswire » September 8th, 2010, 9:06 pm

*******************************************************
-------------------SPOILER ALERT------------------------
DO NOT READ ANY POSTS AFTER THIS ONE UNLESS
THE SHOW HAS ALREADY AIRED IN YOUR TIME ZONE!
*******************************************************

Will Grasso move onto the final 4 ?

The show has just started on the East coast.

Grasso has been called out with Prince Poppycock.

Time will tell!

User avatar
Magic Newswire
Posts: 2500
Joined: March 29th, 2008, 12:32 pm
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Magic Newswire » September 8th, 2010, 9:08 pm

*******************************************************
-------------------SPOILER ALERT------------------------
DO NOT READ ANY POSTS AFTER THIS ONE UNLESS
THE SHOW HAS ALREADY AIRED IN YOUR TIME ZONE!
*******************************************************

Grasso goes home and Poppycock moves on to the final 4. Ummm.... Really? is that what America calls entertainment?

Brad Henderson
Posts: 4547
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: austin, tx

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Brad Henderson » September 8th, 2010, 9:37 pm

I would much rather watch the spectacle that is poppycock than the charactature which is grasso.

User avatar
Magic Newswire
Posts: 2500
Joined: March 29th, 2008, 12:32 pm
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Magic Newswire » September 8th, 2010, 9:40 pm

*******************************************************
-------------------SPOILER ALERT------------------------
DO NOT READ ANY POSTS AFTER THIS ONE UNLESS
THE SHOW HAS ALREADY AIRED IN YOUR TIME ZONE!
*******************************************************
THe most successful magician to compete on America's Got Talent was sent home tonight. Here's a retrospective of his appearances on the show:
http://bit.ly/98eEKF

User avatar
Magic Newswire
Posts: 2500
Joined: March 29th, 2008, 12:32 pm
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Magic Newswire » September 8th, 2010, 10:47 pm

Cape Magician Eliminated from AGT:
http://bit.ly/al8Twu

User avatar
AJM
Posts: 1530
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Scotland

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby AJM » September 12th, 2010, 9:53 pm

Just back from the US where I caught a couple of AGT's.

A couple of thoughts: -

- A four act final seems less of an 'event', I'm sure the UK version has eight acts in the final.

- There seemed to be a little 'equivoque' at play in the selection / elimination process to ensure we had a singer, a kid, a 'dance troupe' and a 'novelty act' in the final. Made me wonder if the voting process was entirely above board.

- Singling out two acts mid-way through the selection process to tell them neither would be going through seemed a bit cruel, particularly as there were a couple of teenagers involved who were naturally upset at the decision. Reminded me of the UK heat from a few years back where a very young girl was overcome with nerves during her performance and went into meltdown live on air - the show had to be re-organised 'on the fly' to allow her a second go.

- Neither Michael Grasso nor Murray Sawchuck are my cup of tea, however I was pleased that Mr Grasso garnered rave reviews from the judges. Nice to see a magic act being appreciated.

- Is there actually a magic act in the final? Could the 'dance' troupe 'Defying Gravity' be considered a magic act? Does their act fall into the same category as those performed by, say, Jerome Murat or Omar Pasha? I would be interested in folks' views.

- Lastly, I actually thought Prince Poppycock's act was fun.

Cheers

Andrew

User avatar
Richard Kaufman
Posts: 27056
Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
Location: Washington DC
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Richard Kaufman » September 12th, 2010, 10:09 pm

These shows are all [censored] and "fixed." The producers make sure that the people who they want to win do win and move ahead.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine

Edward
Posts: 162
Joined: March 13th, 2008, 9:06 pm
Location: California

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Edward » September 12th, 2010, 10:25 pm

and you know this how???

User avatar
Richard Kaufman
Posts: 27056
Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
Location: Washington DC
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Richard Kaufman » September 13th, 2010, 12:03 am

Edward, this is the third thread in which you've challenged a statement of mine or denigrated someone. If you only come here to cause trouble, please go elsewhere again.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine

User avatar
David Byron
Posts: 50
Joined: July 22nd, 2009, 1:37 am
Location: Baltimore
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby David Byron » September 13th, 2010, 12:11 am

Seems like a reasonable question.

John B. Pyka
Posts: 100
Joined: April 16th, 2008, 4:15 pm
Location: nashville, TN
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby John B. Pyka » September 13th, 2010, 12:58 pm

Sadly, it appears that America does not like magic.
John B. Pyka
www.johnpyka.com

"Big Daddy Cool"
www.bigdaddycoolmagic.com

Jackie Huang
Posts: 95
Joined: September 2nd, 2008, 1:16 am
Location: NJ

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Jackie Huang » September 13th, 2010, 1:31 pm

I don't think it's simply America doesn't like magic. I just don't think magic fits the show's format, i.e. to impress the judges and audience in 90 seconds. I don't see even David Copperfield and Lance Burton, who both are very likable, can make the final four.

John B. Pyka
Posts: 100
Joined: April 16th, 2008, 4:15 pm
Location: nashville, TN
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby John B. Pyka » September 13th, 2010, 4:56 pm

I was being a little sarcastic. I do think a magician can actually win. But not with tricks alone. It's all about character - as evidenced by Prince Poppycock who will win the whole thing. Magicians take note.
John B. Pyka

www.johnpyka.com



"Big Daddy Cool"

www.bigdaddycoolmagic.com

Brad Henderson
Posts: 4547
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: austin, tx

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Brad Henderson » September 13th, 2010, 5:34 pm

I dvr AGT. I do not watch the story set ups. There is enough manipulation in the world, I do not need to see some idiot singer who nearly died but wants to give it his all for the mom he never had.

Having said that, when you do watch the acts, humanity shines through. At least in some of them. Now, some of the acts are merely modern day freaks - children with skills beyond their age. But in some of the acts you do get glimpses that there is a real person behind the performance.

I did not get that - at all - with either Grasso or Sawchuck. Grasso comes across as a demonstrator of tricks. His last one was a good trick, but there was no person there, there was no human behind those poses. He was someone who was hitting his marks and demonstrating a sequence of moves. I felt this too about Sawchuck.

Sperry's FIRST spot, however, was different. There was a creature on stage, but there was depth to him. I wanted to know more, see more, find out what makes that person tick. I even felt this about Antonio, but to a lesser extent.

Likewise with Poppycock, you know there is someone behind all that and they - twisted perhaps - are not just going through the motions.

The bicycle kid was interesting. I never felt a "person" there. He was a stunt demonstrator. I have never liked bike acts, but his final set - that was some real suspense.

Magicians hide their humanity behind their toys.

Jackie Huang
Posts: 95
Joined: September 2nd, 2008, 1:16 am
Location: NJ

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Jackie Huang » September 13th, 2010, 5:35 pm

Prince Poppycock is putting on his theatrical persona (incl. his stage name) throughout his performances, whereas in all the magic acts, the magicians (Murray, Grasso, Burton, etc.) were performing as "themselves". Dan Sperry came close but oh well...

(Interestingly after submitted my comments I saw Brad's above. I think we have the same opinions toward Grasso and Sperry.)

Brad Henderson
Posts: 4547
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: austin, tx

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Brad Henderson » September 13th, 2010, 6:46 pm

But even though poppycock is clearly putting on a persona - you can still see that it is being informed by a genuine human being with feelings and dreams and thoughts and ideas.

Grasso's act could have been performed by a theme part dancer or a disney animatronic.

Jim Riser
Posts: 1086
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Tucson, AZ

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Jim Riser » September 13th, 2010, 9:05 pm

I feel that john Quale (Prince Poppycock) is an outstanding and very skilled entertainer. He certainly puts on a better show than any magician on AGT. He is the only person on AGT that I'd plunk down money to see. He has "paid his dues" and it shows. The magicians have been out classed.
Jim

John B. Pyka
Posts: 100
Joined: April 16th, 2008, 4:15 pm
Location: nashville, TN
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby John B. Pyka » September 14th, 2010, 1:08 pm

Poppycock outclassed magicians with the element I scream about most - Character.

I also love Brad's analysis that magicians hide hunanity behind their props. Very true I believe.
John B. Pyka

www.johnpyka.com



"Big Daddy Cool"

www.bigdaddycoolmagic.com

Jonathan Townsend
Posts: 8704
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Westchester, NY
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Jonathan Townsend » September 14th, 2010, 1:33 pm

John, IMHO this craft attracts some who would hide their own humanity behind tricks in ways that audiences don't enjoy.
Last edited by Jonathan Townsend on September 14th, 2010, 1:36 pm, edited 0 times in total.
Reason: fairy, lightningbug, lightning or just a flash in the pan?

John B. Pyka
Posts: 100
Joined: April 16th, 2008, 4:15 pm
Location: nashville, TN
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby John B. Pyka » September 14th, 2010, 5:12 pm

i agree
John B. Pyka

www.johnpyka.com



"Big Daddy Cool"

www.bigdaddycoolmagic.com

User avatar
Magic Newswire
Posts: 2500
Joined: March 29th, 2008, 12:32 pm
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Magic Newswire » September 14th, 2010, 8:54 pm

In spite of this, the word is that Grasso might yet make another appearance on the show. I can neither confirm nor deny that I have heard this as well from people close to the show.

User avatar
Seuss
Posts: 431
Joined: July 15th, 2009, 1:04 am
Location: Philadelphia, PA

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Seuss » September 14th, 2010, 9:03 pm

From what I heard there is going to be a medley of this seasons top acts (the top ten minus the 4 finalists?) that he will appear as part of.
Genii Lifetime Subscriber
Co-host Magic On the Side

User avatar
Magic Newswire
Posts: 2500
Joined: March 29th, 2008, 12:32 pm
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Magic Newswire » September 14th, 2010, 9:20 pm

I just received word from inside the Copperfield camp that he is "supposed" to appear on the show tomorrow, but that they have no control over how it is edited, so who knows.

User avatar
Magic Newswire
Posts: 2500
Joined: March 29th, 2008, 12:32 pm
Contact:

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby Magic Newswire » September 14th, 2010, 9:46 pm

SPOILER ALERT

DO NOT READ FURTHER IF IT HASN'T YET AIRED IN YOUR AREA!


=======================================



MICHAEL GRASSO just reappeared as a part of the "Best Variety Acts of 2010"

Video to follow!

User avatar
AJM
Posts: 1530
Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
Location: Scotland

Re: Michael Grasso on AGT

Postby AJM » September 15th, 2010, 9:10 am

Not sure if I read it here or on one of the other AGT threads but the fact that each of the finalists will be performing with a 'pro' kind of confirms the selection of the final four was fixed - I'm sure Jewel, Copperfield, Richie, Summer and Brightman have been booked (and have probably been rehearsing) for weeks.

Might have made more interesting viewing to see Donna Summer performing with a stunt cyclist, Jewel performing with a couple of ballroom dancers and duelling illusions from Copperfield and Grasso.

In fact, I'd pay money to see a show like that...

Cheers

Andrew


Return to “Buzz”