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| A member of the World Taekwondo demonstration team breaks wooden boards during the team's semifinal performance on "America's Got Talent." Courtesy of World Taekwondo |
By Hwang Dong-hee
The World Taekwondo (WT) demonstration team delivered another spectacular performance in the first round of the semifinals on NBC's "America's Got Talent," securing a spot in the show's finals.
The team returned with their synchronized routines of "pumsae" ― patterns of defensive and attacking moves ― performing under the theme of overcoming disasters and adversities.
This time, they raised the bar even higher by having three athletes perform blindfolded with black belts and guided only by bell sounds.
After the three-minute martial arts routines featuring high kicks and the breaking of wooden boards, the performance concluded with a finale of soaring flying kicks and the unfurling of banners reading: "Goodwill," "Cooperation" and "Service."
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| The team concludes its performance by unfurling banners reading: "Goodwill," "Cooperation" and "Service." Courtesy of World Taekwondo |
The team received thunderous applause from the judges and the audience, with another standing ovation.
"You guys are like real action heroes! When you think 'Could it get repetitive?' No! It never does. You always top it. You bring something else. This time you brought the blindfolds, and it was incredible," said Heidi Klum, one of the judges on the show.
Howie Mandel, another judge, once again called the team, "the best act of the night," saying that he could watch it for two hours straight.
Simon Cowell, the creator and executive producer of the show, said that the team's performance last week did not live up to his expectations. But this time, he said, "You've come back, and I think even you knew that, because tonight was the best performance you've given."
When host Terry Crews quipped that "the danger level is off the charts," one member said that there could be even more surprises if they make it to the finals ― and they did.
Among the 11 semifinalist teams in the first round, the demonstration team won the judges' vote to advance to the finals, along with four other finalists: magician Dustin Tavella, comedian Gina Brillon, aerialist Aidan Bryant and singer Jimmie Herrod.
After the second round next Tuesday, a total of 10 acts will compete in the finale, which is set to air Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. (EST)
The winner of the show will take home the champion title, along with the prize money of $1 million (1.16 billion won).
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