In Unusual Twist, Charles Peachock Voted off America's Got Talent

Professional juggler Charles Peachock learned Wednesday night he wouldn’t be advancing to the semi-finals on the popular television show America’s Got Talent. But all hope is not lost.

The show watched by millions each week gives ousted performers a second shot at vying for the $1 million grand prize and a headlining show on the Las Vegas strip via its wild card episode in two weeks.

Between now and then, fans of the juggling sensation can visit a wild card contestant poll on NBC’s website, click on the circle below Peachock’s name, then submit the vote.

There are no guarantees, though, as fine print on the page states, “The results of the poll may or may not be one of the factors considered in deciding which contestants to bring back, in producer's sole discretion.”

Wednesday’s one-hour “results night” episode of AGT was dedicated to whittling the 12 performers from Tuesday’s live show down to four based on public voting via phone calls, text messages and emails.

Peachock was one of the last three contestants to learn their fate – and it was in the hands of celebrity judges Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel. The latter two judges had been critical of Peachock on Tuesday.

The judges quickly narrowed the field to Peachock and comedic impersonator Melissa Villasenor, both of whom were given a last-minute chance to win over the judges with words.

A very serious Peachock said, “My dream has been to get juggling out of the circus tent and into the 21st century. I want people, I want America to see the beauty I see in juggling, something I love so much. And each time I come on this show, I will show something out of the box, something America’s never seen. And I won’t stop until I win this show.

Up first, Osbourne said that while she appreciates juggling as an art form and Peachock’s updated style, she was voting for Villasenor.

Morgan – the only judge to endorse Peachock’s live performance Tuesday night – chose the juggler because he felt Peachock had a better chance of winning the semi-finals than Villasenor.

“You were terrific last night, very talented. You carried it off brilliantly, good showmanship,” Morgan told Peachock. “We don’t get many good jugglers and we don’t get many good comedians … so I’m disappointed that one of you has to leave now.”

That left the tie-breaker up to Mandel. He reminded both contestants he thought their auditions were stronger than their live performances.

“I vote for uniqueness and buzz and memorability,” Mandel told them. “I have to go with originality and something people are talking about and that’s … Melissa.”

Within minutes of the vote, Peachock’s Facebook page blew up with messages of pride, congratulations for a job well done, condolences for being voted off the show and disgust for Mandel and Osbourne.

One friend asked Peachock why his fate was up to the judges and who should have been the show's fourth-place contestant based on public votes. He responded, “Good question … unfortunately they never release that info.”

Peachock responded to very few other Facebook messages, but he did click “like” on this one from Kent resident Brando Andexler: “Charlie, you looked just like James Bond up on the stage!!!! So dapper!! You have truly put the most positive buzz about Kent, Ohio since 1970! Hopefully now when people think of Kent, they think of Charles Peachock Champion Juggler, and not that other thing! You are the True Winner in my book!”