Maestro Alexander Bui was a pianist act from Season 5 of America's Got Talent. He was eliminated in the Semifinals.
Background
Alexander Bui was born in America in 1993. His mother and father emigrated to the United States, bringing with them their rich Vietnamese culture. Maestro Bui began his piano studies at age four with his mother, a graduate of the Vietnamese Conservatory. At an early age, he displayed an aptitude for the piano and performed frequently for admiring audiences. Alexander continued to develop his musical skills under his mother's exacting direction until he auditioned for Edward R. Nelson, recognized pianist, composer, and noted educator, who accepted him as a student.
His father, recognizing his formidable talent, was very supportive and encouraging. He continues to assist in his son's musical development in any way possible. Alexander has made remarkable progress, both musically and technically. His repertoire is comprehensive in nature, inclusive of all periods of music Baroque to Contemporary. At present, Alexander Bui continues his intensive Piano and Theory studies with Mr. Nelson. 1
Audition
Maestro Alexander Bui submitted his audition onto YouTube. The audition consisted of performing a "difficult" piano piece. His audition was strong enough for the judges to send him to the Quarterfinals along with eleven other YouTube Acts.
Quarterfinals
Maestro Alexander Bui's Quarterfinals performance in Episode 521 consisted of playing Chopin's "Black Keys" etude on the piano. Sharon Osbourne buzzed the performance. He received enough votes to be sent to the Semifinals in Episode 522 instead of Austin Anderson, Pizza Patt, and Pup.
Semifinals
Maestro Alexander Bui's Semifinals performance in Episode 527 consisted of playing a modern version of "Flight of the Bumblebees" on the piano. Howie Mandel buzzed the act. Alexander did not receive enough votes to be sent to the Finals, eliminating him from the competition in Episode 528 along with Haspop, instead of Jackie Evancho.
After the Show
Alexander Bui was a prize winner in the Esther C. Weill Music Competition for high school students of Atlantic and Cape May Counties in New Jersey. As a result, he gave two performances of the First Movement of the Piano Concerto in A Minor by Robert Schumann for enthusiastic audiences at Ocean City Music Pier, Ocean City, New Jersey on August 9th and 10th, 2011. Alexander Bui so impressed the Conductor of the Orchestra, Bill Schieble, with his soulful renditions of the Schumann Concerto that he was immediately asked to return for additional performances next season. 2
Trivia
- Maestro Alexander Bui is one of 2 acts to have been buzzed by Sharon and Howie in the live shows, but not Piers. The other is Charles Peachock
- He was the one of two Quarterfinalist to be buzzed by a judge that nevertheless proceeded to the Semifinals, the other being Steven Retchless.
- He was the only solely-instrumental act left in the competition by the Semifinals in Season 5.
