Auditions in New York

The "America's Got Talent" auditions headed back to New York City on Tuesday night in search of the country's greatest new act and the eventual winner of the $1 million grand prize. Carol Lugo, a 62-year-old supermarket cashier from Jersey City, N.J., who said dancing was her soul, was ready to prove you're never too old to follow your dream, gave some kind of mish-mash collection of dance moves that sent the crowd into hysterics. The Hoff said she had "amazing talent" and that she was terrific. Piers Morgan was ready to crown Carol the savior of America"s recession. With three "yes" votes, Carol was heading to Vegas. A montage of green lights followed, including a 21-year-old yo-yo spinner named "Yo-Yo Joe," a group of drag-queen dancers called The Diva League and a guy named "Coney Island Chris." Jay Mattioli, a 27-year-old guy who was hanging on to his dream of becoming a famous magician, dazzled the crowd and the judges with some illusions in which he made the microphone stand float and one in which he disappeared in a box. The judges liked his upbeat stage presence. All three judges voted "yes," sending Jay on to Vegas to continue his dream. The auditions jumped to Chicago, where we found a county judge from Detroit named Franklin Sane who rejoiced in the opportunity escape from a stressful courtroom through music. The crowd didn't waste any time turning in their verdict, heckling and booing Franklin shortly after he started singing. Thia Megia, a 14-year-old singer from Tracy, Calif., took on Jennifer Holliday's "I Am Changing." Piers said it was a "big song," but she showed a strong, mature voice that surprised everyone and earned her a standing ovation. Piers said, "Right now, you are the best singer I've seen in the competition." Thia got through with a unanimous vote from the judges. A short guy named Jeffrey kicked off a montage of "Talent"-less contestants whose dreams ended quickly. A group of sisters calling themselves The Fab Five, ages 23 to 35, put on an impressive display of high-energy, choreographed tap dancing that ignited the crowd and the judges. With three "yes" votes, the Fab Five were headed to Vegas. It was the end of the night, which meant it was time for an inspiring story. Kevin Skinner, a singer and acoustic guitarist, said he used to work as a chicken catcher. He made the crowd in Chicago giggle with his country boy shtick, but it went silent as he captivated the audience with his rendition of Garth Brooks' "If Tomorrow Never Comes." Piers, perhaps shooting for that Susan Boyle parallel, said that there's a moment every season when someone comes on stage and appears to be a "total car crash" and wows everyone with his or her voice. He said this was that moment, and called it "one of the most emotional, powerful performances I've seen in a long time." Sharon said she could tell Kevin was a "very genuine man," and The Hoff said "America deserves to see you." They will ... in Las Vegas.