Lincoln's 'Elvis' stays alive in 'America's Got Talent'

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BY JEFF KORBELIK / Lincoln Journal Star

America voted, and Joseph Hall still has a chance to win $1 million.

The 24-year-old Elvis Presley tribute artist from Lincoln learned Wednesday night he made it into the top 20 on the NBC reality series “America’s Got Talent.”

“We are so proud of him, and excited for him,” his father, Kyle, said in a phone interview from Mobile, Ala., where he, his wife and Hall’s sister watched the show. The trio were on an Elvis cruise in the Gulf of Mexico and found themselves stranded because of Hurricane Gustav.

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Joseph Hall (NBC.com)

Joseph Hall (NBC.com)

“We were supposed to be there, but we got stuck in the Gulf,” Kyle Hall said.

Joseph Hall was the third of five picked from the 10 semifinalists that performed during Tuesday’s episode. The five were revealed at the beginning of Wednesday night’s episode, with Hall stepping to the front of the stage with fellow contestant, impressionist Matthew Piazzi, to hear his outcome.

“America has voted,” host Jerry Springer told the pair. “The next act going to the top 20 … Joseph Hall.”

Hall showed relief, especially after judges Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff were critical of his performance of The King’s “Jailhouse Rock” the night before. Morgan told Hall he was taking himself too seriously.

“You could tell he was nervous,” Kyle Hall said. “I think the judges were a little hard on him.”

Hasselhoff, though, was encouraging, telling Hall during his critique, “Don’t let go of the dream. You’re halfway there.”

America liked him. Hall followed baton twirler Jonathan Burkin and singer Sarah Lenore into the top 20. The top four from Tuesday, which also included the musical Taubl family, were decided by popular vote. The judges chose the hip-hop dance group SickStep as the fifth to advance.

Hall will remain in Los Angeles to compete in the next round, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. next Wednesday. Next week’s shows will narrow the field to 10. The winner of “America’s Got Talent” will receive $1 million and a chance to headline in Las Vegas.

Reach Jeff Korbelik at 473-7213 or jkorbelik@journalstar.com.