Matthew Piazzi gets mixed response from 'America's Got Talent' judges

New Yorker Matthew Piazzi made his first live appearance on "America's Got Talent" Tuesday night and received harsh remarks from two judges and high praise from one.

Piazzi is the son of Southeast Missouri State University voice instructor Judith Farris and has family ties to Cape Girardeau.

Piazzi mixed the celebrity impressions that got him to the live semifinals with a performance of Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire."

Judge Piers Morgan scolded Piazzi for mixing music with his act for the first time, and Sharon Osbourne instructed him to work on his writing. David Hasselhoff praised the performance, saying he must have seen a different show than the other two.

Piazzi will learn his fate tonight following a vote by the home audience. The show starts at 7 p.m. on NBC.

-- Southeast Missourian