AGT: The Champions Season 2 Premiere Recap – Live Blog (VIDEO)

Forty memorable and fan-favorite acts from AGT and Got Talent competitions around the globe are competing on season 2 of America’s Got Talent: The Champions.

In the season premiere airing Monday January 6 on NBC, 10 acts will perform for judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, returning judge Heidi Klum, and new judge, Britain’s Got Talent panelist and former Mystique member, Alesha Dixon. Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Terry Crews hosts. 

In each of the four weeks of audition performances, 10 acts will perform, but only four acts will advance to the semifinals. Two will be voted through by a panel of “AGT” Superfans from each of the 50 states; one will be the Judges’ Choice; and one will receive a Golden Buzzer to advance straight to the finale. 

WE HAVE SPOILERS! If you want to know who wins? Click this link. BUT DO NOT SPOIL THE RESULTS HERE! Keep chatter in the spoiler comments.

Click for FULL AGT: CHAMPIONS SPOILERS BUT PLEASE DON’T SPOIL IN COMMENTS

Heidi is SUPER HAPPY to be back. She calls “America’s Got Talent” family and the greatest show EVAH. Even after you’re dumped like an unwanted girlfriend? Hm.

Paddy and Nicko – Dance Duo – This couple got the golden buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent in 2014. This is ballroom dancing with a twist–Patty is 85 years old, Nicko is 45. Nicko taught Patty how to dance after her husband of many years passed away. The routine kicks off with Patty asleep in a chair in the audience. Nicko carries her on stage. It starts off to “Young at Heart” and then breaks into “Let’s Get Loud.” Like that old/young duo that danced on AGT a couple of seasons ago, the act consists mostly the younger man tossing around like a rag doll. She’s limber for her age, but certainly not capable of fancy dancing at this point. Heidi jokes that like herself, Paddy likes younger men. Alesha, who remembers them from BGT, can’t stop gushing. Paddy claims Nicko has never dropped her. “Don’t jinx it!” warns Howie. “I absolutely adore you,” says Simon. He thinks Nicko has slowed down since 2014, but he believes the “superfans” will vote them through.

Mike Yung – Singer – Before his first AGT audition in season 12, he was a subway busker. The show has changed his life. He got an agent, and toured the world after releasing a song with Martin Garrix. But then his partner died of a heart attack, and he had to find a way to carry on. When AGT called him back, his kids urged him to do it. He sings “I’m a Dreamer.” I remember this guy had a really good voice. I never thought he could win, but he’s a solid soul singer, for sure. His upbeat song revs the audience. Heidi is so glad he’s back. She was one of his biggest fans. Alesha like his humility and authenticity. Howie likes him, but didn’t like the song. Oops. Simon thinks Mike has something really special. He hopes the singer gets through.

Junior Creative – Dance Crew – They WON Myanmar’s Got Talent 2018. They see themselves as ambassadors for their country. The group performs shadow dancing, which typically pulls at the heartstrings. Tonight, they tell a war story. Families are separated due to war. Ten years later there is a reunion. But, in the meantime, there is death and sadness. The routine ends with a dedication to “the children who are innocent victims of war.” Tears all around! Heidi loves their socially conscience message. Alesha appreciates their beautiful message. Simon believes young people have an important story to tell.

Hans – Comic Accordion Player – OMG I LOVE THIS GUY. Hans is hilarious. He competed on AGT 13. After the show, Hans says he was able to perform his special comedic talent all over the world. He PULLED HIMSELF UP BY THE HOT PANTS. Heh. This time, Hans sits on a big banana swing, as he drops to the floor. He loses the accordion pretty quick. It’s vintage Hans: HE TAP DANCES! WHO COULD ASK FOR MORE. Simon Xs him. C’mon dude, that was awesome. After, the judges are covered with streamers. The audience is on Hans side. Simon not so much. He hated it! Heidi LOVES HIM. He embodies all her favorite things in the world. Alesha thinks Simon takes it too seriously. Howie also loves him. “WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT” says Simon. I think he doth protest too much.

Jack Vidgen – Singer – He won 2011 Australia’s Got Talent at 14. He’s 22 now. His win made him a star across Australia. But then, his voice started to change. He couldn’t hit the high notes any more. One day he was belting “And I Am Telling You” and the next, not so much. It was embarrassing and he hated the way he sounded. He stopped singing altogether, going to work at his uncle’s deli. Not revealed here: Jack recently competed on The Voice Australia where he finished as a semi-finalist. Now, he’s comfortable with his voice. He performs a very emotional rendition of Lauren Daigle’s “You Say.” His tone is odd, but his unique sound works in his favor. Despite the voice change, he can still hit big notes. Alesha calls him endearing. Howie says he has the talent, and the voice, but needs the confidence. Simon thinks he played it safe and has much more to show. He hopes the superfans vote him through.

Duo Transcend – Married Trapeze Duo – You may remember the married couple, Mary and Tyce, as finalists on America’s Got Talent 2018. Back then, Tyce struggled with a debilitating eye disease that would eventually leave him blind. However, after the couple appeared on the series, a renowned eye surgeon offered to help. Afterward, a successful operation stopped the progression of the disease! In a bid to win the show, the couple added an incredibly dangerous element to the act; Tyce and Mary are BOTH blindfolded. If you’ll remember, in 2018 the couple’s audition went very wrong when Mary slipped out of Tyce’s grip, creating one of AGT’s truly dramatic moments. The duo really up the ante this time. Mary walks on top of Tyce’s shoulders, and suddenly drops down. The routine is full of heart stopping moments like that–culminating in the duo performing in blindfolds. It’s thrilling. And also very romantic! Howie admires acts that push the limits. “That was so scary, so wonderful.” Heidi begs the superfans to vote. Simon believes they are better than ever.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTlz-WOd9jA&t=142s

Dan Naturman – Comic – Forty-nine year old was a contestant on season 9. I don’t even remember this guy. Oh no. We see the moment he bombed in the semi final. His German jokes offended Heidi. After, he did Letterman, Conan and the HBO show Crashing. Not bad. Howie calls him one of the best comics working. Oh really? This routine? Simon isn’t laughing. Neither am I. This is pretty lame. He yells really fast. Simon looks confused. Howie is laughing. I still am not. Ha ha ha. Facebook jokes. Yikes. OH NO SIMON X’S HIM. Howie is mad. Dan tells Simon he doesn’t know his a** from his elbow regarding comedy. And Simon finally laughs. Heidi runs onstage to give Dan a hug. All is forgiven. No way he’s going through.

Angelina Jordan – Singer – She won  Norway’s Got Talent in 2014. She’s 13 years old now. Her grandmother introduced her to jazz, and she just loves it. All she wants is to sing for the “amazing” and “legendary” Simon Cowell. She sings a jazzy version of…get ready for it…”Bohemian Rhapsody.” Well, I’ve never heard a cover quite like this. Like if Ella Fitzgerald covered it. Interesting. I’m not sure if she’s a good singer, or just hiding behind a gimmick. Alesha feels she witnessed the birth of something special. Howie believes that performance will change her career forever. Simon calls the performance “amazing.” And Heidi couldn’t wait to HIT HER GOLDEN BUZZER!. Angelina will go straight through to the finals. Did Angelina move to the US? She barely has an accent when she speaks.

Eddie Williams – Strong Man – He competed on Australia’s Got Talent. Additionally, he’s in the Guiness Book of World Records and has won awards in his home country for his feats of strenght.  Basically, he can pick up super heavy things without dying. I guess if that’s your thing? IDK. BUT NOT SO FAST. Suddenly he stops. Wait for it. He picks up a mic. OMG HE BREAKS INTO SONG. It’s the ole switcheroo. He croons John Legend’s “Ordinary People.” This is actually kinda hilarious. Howie hits his X and runs away. I agree that the singing wasn’t great, but I appreciated the twist. I was not expecting that. Heidi loved it. “If Luther Vandross and the Rock had a baby.” Simon calls it bonkers but, “You have a nice voice,’ he says. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt5becO9Keg

Dania Díaz – Magician –  Originally from Venezuela, she competed as a finalist on Spain’s Got Talent 2018. Dania performs close up magic with cards. Tonight, she tells the story of her life…with cards. This is different, as she narrates her dramatic life, the cards she pulls matches the details of her story. Her mom died, her dad left the family. But is this really magic? Hm. The audience seems to love it though. Great storyteller, not much magic, however. Alesha calls her act “inspiring.” Heidi liked that her act was so personal. Simon calls the performance “amazing.” He thinks the audience will fall in love with her. 

Results: The superfans have voted! The results are locked. Terry announces the winners: Dan Naturman, Paddy and Nicko and Duo Transcend step forward. Duo Transcend advance! Dania Diaz, Eddie Williams and Mike Yung step forward. Dania Diaz advances!

Junior Creative, Jack Vidgen and Hans step forward. They came in 3rd, 4th and 5th in the Superfan vote. Only one can go through to the semi-final. The JUDGES choose an act! Heidi picks Hans. She’s always loved him, not a surprising pick. But then after Alesha and Simon deliver a point to each of the remaining contestants, Howie surprisingly picks….Hans? I’m not complaining, but I was NOT expecting that. 

Heidi – Hans
Alesha – Junior Creative
Simon – Jack
Howie – Hans 

RESULTS

Angelina Jordan – Heidi Klum’s Golden Buzzer advances straight to the final

Moving on to the semi-final

Duo Transcend
– Superfans pick
Dania Diaz – Superfans pick
Hans – Judges pick

 

About mj santilli 34858 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!