Plot

It's the second of four quarterfinal nights on "America's Got Talent," when 12 acts will perform to claim one of four spots in the next round on the way to the $1 million grand prize.

Attack Dance Crew: An octet of dancers who Howie didn't really get during the audition rounds are basking in the new attention they're getting from the ladies. Howie vows that he'll have to see something spectacular to change his mind about how they're essentially a cheerleading squad. The crowd cheers a pretty ho-hum dance performance and Howie doesn't look impressed. Piers says he liked parts of it, but wasn't massively pleased with the choreography, saying it was a bit of a mess and "needs to be tighter." Sharon agrees that "the choreography wasn't spectacular" and she wanted to see moves she hasn't seen before. Howie says he still feels the way he did before. Howie says he was going to say what Piers said and quips that Piers must have "hacked" him.

Dani Shay: The singer who first found her place in the competition by playing up her appearance to Justin Bieber. She blew her Vegas audition but the judges gave her a second chance and she wants to prove she was worth it. She sings David Gray's "Babylon" in an elaborate living-room set that we later learn has real pictures of her as a baby. Sharon says Dani did "amazing." She loved "the purity" of the performance and that she sang with passion. Howie says that Dani's one fallback is her choices. He understands she wants to say something with her songs, but she's missing the popularity aspect of the show. He's worried people won't connect with her song choice. Piers says it was a good performance, but, on the negative side, there were parts of the singing that were off key. He also agrees with Howie about the song choice question.

Geechy Guy: Howie loves him, Piers hates him. Geechy Guy is ready to take his odd looks and style to the next level. He says that since a comedian has never won the show and maybe this is the year. Piers likely thinks not, having buzzed Geechy Guy about three one-liners in. Howie wonders whether Geechy Guy is good enough to win, but he's a good comic and deserves to make a living. Piers says listening to Geechy Guy's routine is "like being smashed on the head every five seconds by a giant hammer." He calls it "one of the single least funny things I have ever had to watch." Sharon says she gets the silliness about his act and sums it up by telling him he's "silly."

Daniel Joseph Baker: The Texas kid who talks often about being bullied back home says he feels like he belongs in Hollywood and says he'll be "turning up the fierceness, times a million dollars." He sings Lady Gaga's "Edge of Glory." Piers says he sees the fire in Daniel's belly. He says the singing wasn't perfect but he likes Daniel as a performer, saying he's naturally entertaining. Sharon says it was fantastic and called Daniel a very special person and "a star." Howie says Daniel is "like the next Lady Guy-Guy." Howie says Daniel has to be on the stage, not singing in front of his mirror.'

The Rhinestone Ropers: After showing off knives, guns and spinning on wheelers, they've brought a horse. Things seem a little slow and generally off. Piers buzzes them. We later learn that Lucky Joe, the horse, relieved himself a couple of times on stage. Sharon says it was "lovely and nice" but reminded her of Steve Martin trying to entertain his kids in the movie, "Parenthood." Howie says the guns and knives were really big and exciting and this was a little too tame. Piers says it "was a complete trainwreck" and he didn't get it. The cowboy and Piers get into a little back-and-forth about whether the act blew it by bringing the horse on stage.

Dylan Andre: The guitarist and singer wants to do with his music what his mom wasn't able to do with hers. He gives a fairly basic performance of a John Mayer song. Howie says he did "good." He says he can tell Dylan has only been singing for a year. Piers says the judges are more harsh at this stage because they're at the "business" portion of the competition, when they're looking for the $1 million act. Piers says he wouldn't pay to watch Dylan, although he's "pleasant." Sharon tries to be nice and says it was pleasant.

Landon Swank Landon grew up in Alaska and had a lot of time on his hands, so he practiced magic. He has Nick sign two sides of a mirror. Landon then appeared to push his way out of the mirror, with Nick's signatures still intact. Piers is pleasantly confused and says he's impressed. Sharon wasn't sure what was going on but says it was interesting. Howie says the presentation wasn't as slick as Landon's presentation has been in the past, but he liked it.

Smage Bros. Riding Show: The guys who seem to take their assistant's life into their own hands -- or, wheels. They're worried as they try to step up the danger and obstacles for this round. They pulled everything off and the crowd goes nuts. Sharon says it's exciting and "so dangerous." She says it's "just fantastic, amazing." Howie says it's a great act. Piers says it's been a pretty dry night and they were waiting for something to wake them up, and the Smage Bros. did just that.

Thomas John: Juggler Thomas John wants to be the spokesperson for his generation to show that comedy juggling is cool. He vows to risk his life doing something dumb for our amusement. The instant a juggling pin even momentarily hits the floor, Piers buzzes him. His big finale, balancing on a board high atop a staircase and juggling five pins, he drops them. Howie points out that Thomas dropped his props a couple of times, but he's funny and he likes him. Piers says it was terrible and didn't like the drops. Sharon says the timing wasn't good.

Steven Retchless: Steven says he wants to pave the way for guys to do pole dancing. He stepping up the danger this time. PIers buzzes him about halfway through and Sharon appears to slap him. Afterward, Sharon gives a standing ovation while Piers attempts to explain himself. Piers, amid boos, says he's tried to appreciate the act. He says there's a reason there are no male pole dancing clubs in America. Howie shoots Piers with a water gun. Seriously. Sharon says, "That was spectacular." She bows down to him. Howie calls it truly amazing and says Steven is like a cross between Lady Gaga and a firefighter.

Mona Lisa: The singing duo puts its harmonies on Rascal Flatts' "Bless the Broken Road." Sharon says they did really well, "great harmonies." She says they just need that right song and they're "going to make it." Howie says he has nothing critical to say, but that they have to do things that stand out to keep up with wild motorcycle acts and male pole dancers. Piers says there are some nice harmonies, but it was "a little bit lacking in the wow factor." He says this was safe and in their comfort zone, and believes they have more potential.

Silhouettes: We've only seen them once, but this 42-member group (its youngest member is 3) that makes exciting and creative visual effects using their shadows. They go with an over-the-top patriotic performance in which they use their shadows to form various monuments from sea to shining sea. Piers says it's fresh, creative and original, and that it was "just complete genius." He calls it "a world-class act." Sharon says it's just brilliant and so different from their first performance. Howie calls it "original, unique, wow." He says they're worthy of their own show.