That daring young man on the flying trapeze being featured on Tuesday's "America's Got Talent" might look familiar to Minnesotans.
Samson Finkelstein learned his craft in St. Paul, where he operates the Blue Phoenix Circus Troupe with his aerial partner, Shannon Maguire. The two, who perform as Duo Aero, are among the 48 acts left in the summer's hottest TV program. Finkelstein chatted with us Friday after a session in Los Angeles with the show's hair consultant.
Q: You risk your life every time you perform, so I can't imagine you're too nervous about facing the judges.
A: I'm much more concerned about what I'm doing to be preoccupied by them. So far, the judges have been pretty impressed. Piers [Morgan] said in the first round that we were the best aerial act he's ever seen. Unfortunately, that part never aired. So far, we've put in a lot of hours, and people have only seen a few seconds of us.
Q: When I think of trapeze, I think of people flying through the air and doing all kinds of flips. Your act is much more romantic. Why does that appeal to you?
A: It gives me a little more room for art, and I can put more ideas into the routine and tell a story.
Q: You and Shannon are a couple in real life. Does that put added pressure on you?
A: It makes it easier. I completely trust her and have no doubts about her. Hopefully, she feels the same way. That's different than if you were performing with a random friend.
