America's Got Talent Season 8 Episode 4 Week 4: New York and Los Angeles

In the fourth episode of season 8 of America's Got Talent, the auditions take place in both New York and Los Angeles. As usual, a diverse array of talent takes the stage, hoping to impress the judges and make it through to the next round.

The episode kicks off with a performance from the Colorado-based Airpocalypse, a group of breakdancers who incorporate acrobatics and stunts into their routine. The audience and judges alike are wowed by their energy and skill.

Next up is an 11-year-old singer from New York, Carly Rose Sonenclar. Despite her young age, Carly's powerful voice belies her years of experience performing on Broadway. She brings the house down with her rendition of Nina Simone's "Feeling Good."

The show takes a comedic turn with the audition of Alex Magala, a sword-swallowing performer from Moldova. Although the judges are initially skeptical, they are both shocked and impressed when Alex swallows a curved sword and proceeds to perform an aerial routine suspended only by a small mouthguard attached to the sword.

A group of dancers from Brooklyn named Funk Beyond Control follows Alex, delivering a high-energy, 90s-inspired routine that incorporates elements of hip-hop and breakdancing. The crowd goes wild for their performance.

Things take a more heartfelt turn with the performance of 62-year-old Timothy Poe, a former army captain and singer. Timothy tells the judges and audience about his experiences serving in Iraq, and how he suffered a brain injury that affects his speech. He then delivers a touching rendition of Garth Brooks' "If Tomorrow Never Comes," which brings judge Sharon Osbourne to tears.

Other memorable performances in this episode include Virginia-based dance troupe The Extraordinary Bodies, singer and guitarist Drew Erwin, and 9-year-old comedian Nathan Bockstahler.

As always, the judges (who include Howard Stern, Howie Mandel, and Sharon Osbourne) offer their critiques and feedback after each performance, with the goal of helping the contestants improve and succeed. Some acts are met with praise and excitement, while others receive more measured feedback.

Ultimately, the decision of who moves on to the next round lies in the hands of the judges, who must weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each performance and make tough decisions about who stays and who goes.

Overall, this episode of America's Got Talent showcases the breadth and depth of talent coming out of both New York City and Los Angeles, while also highlighting the emotional stories and journeys of some of the performers.