I have been performing magic for years & have done real visualization mind-reading in the past, both while looking closely at Blaine and Angel.

And while comparing the two, it seems evident to me that David Blaine may perform lots of street illusions, but he really does have a special spiritual gift/connection. Where as Criss Angel seems to be more the SHOWY Las Vegas type who's sleeves are just packed with BIG illusions, and nothing that even seems real.

David Blaine's spectators even seem to be more real. I have suspicions about some of Angel's spectators being actors/actresses. I mean, just carefully study the difference between Blaine's performances, Angel's performances, and an actual street performance and you'll see that Angel appears to be FAR more fake in every aspect. And too overdone and showy as well. Subtly can be EXTREMELY powerful in magic, as David Blaine shows us.

Either way, I still love them both. 8)

Tell me your opinions on what makes a performance powerful + spiritual connection/discipline and such.

Out of the two, Blaine has the better presentation and the lower amount of fake reactions (my opinion). Criss just really isn't good at all, but hey, he has a show and is doing well, so more power to him!

Neither - both performances fall flat.

I agree, that's why I added "out of the two" at the beginning of my post. I'd personally rather watch Bill Malone or Eugene Burger perform than Blaine or Angel. Despite their lack of presentational skills, though, they are both successful in show business, and you can't hold it against them.