Finally, The Last Article Covering the 2023 Magic Auditions, AGT
This is my final blog on magicians' auditions on season 18 of AGT. August 8th featured the last magic contestant.
Kevin Li took the stage with his act prepared for his audition. There was a chair with a corkboard on it, with pictures of the judges, Terry and himself. Briefly, he began speaking of "core memories", and introduced a small camera, as photos "help capture these memories." I advise you to watch the performance here. The audience gave their usual wild approval and four yeses came from the judges.
Of course, I checked out Kevin's background. Kevin appeared twice on Penn and Teller's "Fool Us”. His second performance was a "fooler." He is a working professional magician, which is most often the case in AGT.
In my first AGT blog, the acts came in no particular order. So now I return to week 6.
Not to be forgotten, and he Won't...Artem Shchukin, but first a little back history of my own
In 2005, I attended the SAM Convention in Boston, Massachusetts. I mention this not to tell you how much fun it was because, of course, it was. But to inform you, once you have attended a Magic convention, you will probably have seen enough "Card Manipulation" acts to last a lifetime.
My favorite Card Manipulator of all time will always be Cardini. I mentioned him in a previous blog. Cardini created a lovable character who we see caught in a web of uncontrolled productions of playing cards. He had all the skills, but the performance was a brief story of a somewhat "Tipsy" British gentleman.
We, in the business of magic, often consider "motivation". This may complicate things unnecessarily, but more often than not, it serves us well. In the arena of card manipulations and productions and vanishes, the question is, why do we do what we do? In Cardini's performance, the story he creates is the perfect motivation.
Artem Shchukin's Performance Brings Card Manipulation New Life.
When Artem took the stage, the audience went wild...I don't know why. Maybe it was his unassuming image, his smile. Who knows? He just said, "Wow...wow."
His routine began with the music from The Adam's Family, which he perfectly coordinated with his unique style of card manipulation. Four yeses, of course. I can't wait to see what he does next, although I have an idea.
See his full performance here.
What's Next For Artem
As always, I checked out Artem’s credentials, and as is often the case, AGT is not his first rodeo. See more here.
Artem has a full repertoire in his tank. His audition is only the tip of the iceberg of this multi talented magician. I expect he will proceed easily in the next round. Color me impressed!
Coming Up.
To those who have reached this point, completing this lengthy project posed a challenge in maintaining a positive outlook. Feedback on Facebook criticized AGT as the worst show on television. More importantly, I have been told of disappointing and unprofessional treatment of a performer. Everyone deserves respect and courteous treatment. More on this soon.
Joe Ferranti
Boston's Favorite Adult Birthday Magician
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