Piazzi eliminated from "America's Got Talent"

Matthew Piazzi was eliminated from the field of performers on "America’s Got Talent" Wednesday night, less than 24 hours after his first live performance in front of the show’s millions of viewers.

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

The voice-over artist and impressionist performed an act that mixed his celebrity impressions with singing and piano playing. Judges Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne had harsh criticism for Piazzi, while David Hasselhoff applauded his performance.

Piazzi was one of five acts that performed Tuesday to be eliminated. A field of 20 will begin competition next week, down from the 40 acts that started the semifinals on Aug. 26.

Neal E. Boyd of Sikeston, Mo., is one of the 20 to advance.