The night began with MPLUSPLUS, a dance group based in Tokyo that incorporates neon signs and flashing light-up masks into their act. The group danced around a dark stage with the only light coming from their extravagant background and light-up props, which the audience could be seen holding as well. They pulled out LED ribbons, swirling them around each other as their masks flashed in tune with the music. Flashy as it was, the viewers were left wondering: is this true talent, or are we being distracted by funky colors and fun lights? And after three minutes of their neon dance act, it was time for the judges’ thoughts.
“I’m gonna be totally honest with you, this did not blow me away,” Howie told the dancers, “It’s just programmed LED lights. You can buy this off the pier at Santa Monica… I don’t really understand what the twelve years of work was.”
And over the audible booing in the audience, Heidi stated her agreement: “I do agree with it. I like the idea of it, and it’s vibrant and everything, but is it spectacular enough?”
“I completely and utterly disagree,” Simon interjected, followed by cheering from the crowd. But this was only the first act, leaving Simon plenty of time for his own criticisms later on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9frcqA3tWA
