So was watching this show “Phenomenon” on NBC (Wednesdays 8-9 pm) about illusionists and mentalists which are all fancy words for magicians but they’d like to disagree. The performers do shows and 2 judges, the famed mentalist Uri Geller and the ummm famed-illusionist Criss Angel, make their verdicts while the rest of the US make phone calls to vote their favorite acts. Anyway, so this time, it was a LIVE Halloween event and they had 6 noobies on the row this time and they all had a limited allotted time slot to complete their magic stunts.
One dude (Jim) put on a highly dramatic performance. Maybe a bit overly dramatic to most people’s taste and it got to Criss Angel. So Jim was shaking and trembling all over the stage during his act reminiscent of Edward Norton’s motions while trying to conjure up the spirit of Jessica Biel in the movie “The Illusionist.” It was ok on the movie but in real life, it’s kinda a bit too much isn’t it? Yea and while both judges (Uri and Criss) thought so, Criss was a bit less diplomatic and put something in an envelope taunting Jim to reveal the content of the envelope. His profanity laden words didn’t help his image any better and the two almost came to fist fights.
My words to you Criss Angel. You are a good “illusionist” but don’t get too high up there. Not good for your personal publicity. You might have some personal issues but don’t bring it on tv especially if it’s LIVE. What you could have told Jim would be something along the lines of “you got a bit too dramatic for my tastes…” and that would have been the end of it. Made yourself look foolish. Good thing people learn and I’m sure you do.
If you feel sorry for Jim and want to put out a sympathy vote, call 1-866-34567-05. The “05” at the end is his tag #. I’m just happy being apathetic. Hehe and Happy Halloween!!!
NinjaTales Blog 
[…] Luis wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptSo was watching this show “Phenomenon” on NBC (Wednesdays 8-9 pm) about illusionists and mentalists which are all fancy words for magicians but they’d like to disagree. The performers do shows and 2 judges, the famed mentalist Uri Geller and the ummm famed-illusionist Criss Angel, make their verdicts while the rest of the US make phone calls to vote their favorite acts. Anyway, so this time, it was a LIVE Halloween event and they had 6 noobies on the row this time and they all had a limited allotted time slot to complete their magic stunts. One dude (Jim) put on a highly dramatic performance. Maybe a bit overly dramatic to most people’s taste and it got to Criss Angel. So Jim was shaking and trembling all over the stage during his act reminiscent of Edward Norton’s motions while trying to conjure up the spirit of Jessica Biel in the movie […] […]
Yes, Criss Angel was rude, but Jim made the bigger ass of himself. Why didn’t he simply decline to participate?
How was Jim the bigger ass than Criss Angel? Jim’s a small time illusionist and tryin to makke it big. I guess constructive criticism was sadly lacking from Criss. When someone humiliates you openly in public, it’s hard not to back down from their challenge.
Jim claims to speak to dead people. When Criss asks for proof, Jim pretends to lose his temper, conveniently changing the subject.
So Jim is a fraud, or a hothead, or both. Criss did not humiliate him; he did it all by himself.
By saying Jim is a fraud is like saying the majority of illusionists are frauds. There are many who will tell you they’re only creating an illusion but many others will tell you it’s simple “magic.”
Regardless, Criss Angel learned an important lesson last night. Diplomacy is important when you’re the “judge” so yup. Jim might get knocked out because he was a bit too theatrical with his performance. Like you said, he should’ve tried to be humble but it all resulted in an ugly/childish battle of egos.
As a magician myself, I found Jim’s act offensive. We are there to entertain, not to give false hope to people by claiming we can commune with the dead. I actually dislike Criss Angel and believe that he is an arrogant arsehole, but I found myself agreeing with him for the first time ever. Keep the $5 theatrics where they belong – in the back of a shoddy tarot tent.
Hey, you moron Criss is no a-hole all he was doing was challenging the contestent and since Mr. Callahan reacted by saying that he thought Criss was an ideological bigot and taking a swing at him when he was held back. He’s just lucky that Criss is a good guy and a respected man and that Jim wasn’t put in a hospital and as I say this I can be sure in that the ENTIRE LOYAL COMMINUTY is behind my comment. What do you say loyals, you with me?
Im glad Criss did what he did and put it all on the line. Jim was pure acting and trying to make everyone believe him and its good that he was called out about it. Go Criss Angel ❤
criss angel has a big head and ego
Jennifer,
Most successful people in this world have an ego. Too much either way can be detrimental. What Jim did was ridiculous, and Criss said if anyone claims they can talk to the dead he will call them out. That’s exactly what happened.
Everyone has their opinion; Chris is cocky and rich. Don’t be too envious
Criss Angel, states many, many times that his tricks are illusions. This dick goes ad says “YES! My stuff is real, I communicate with the dead!”
This implies, the dead are not at rest which can offend many, maybe it offended Criss.
Either way, Criss did what many would have done, and challenged him, he wasn’t claiming to be an illusionist, he was claiming to be something higher than most humans.
This excellent website definitely has all of the information and facts I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who
to ask.