For the first time in show history, the judges will compete on ‘AGT: Fantasy League.’ (Photos and graphics property of NBC)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
America’s Got Talent (AGT) will kick off 2024 by unveiling a new spin-off – AGT: Fantasy League! For the first time ever, all the judges (Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and returning judge Mel B) will square off and enlist some of the best acts from the Got Talent franchise to be on their teams. People Magazine revealed the 40 performers that will compete for spots on the judges’ teams. Here are 20 acts that Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar will be rooting for this season!
Anna DeGuzman (AGT: Season 18 RUNNER-UP; Australia’s Got Talent: Season 10 Auditionee)
Anna DeGuzman’s magic mesmerized me when I first saw her Australia’s Got Talent: Season 10 audition. However, I became a full-fledged fan as Anna created spectacular presentations when she competed in this past season of AGT. I still find it appalling that the best female close-up magician in Got Talent lost to a stupid animal act. However, whoever picks Anna could have an edge in the competition.
Chapel Hart (AGT: Season 17 GRAND FINALISTS)
Jake’s Take friends Chapel Hart was the first country music act to receive the Group Golden Buzzer on AGT: Season 17. Fans fell in love with Danica, Devynn, and Trea’s original music as they performed their outstanding original music, such as “You Can Have Him Jolene,” “The Girls Are Back in Town,” and “American Pride” throughout the competition. I cannot wait to see what Chapel Hart brings to this incarnation of AGT.
The Clairvoyants (AGT: Season 11 RUNNERS-UP, America’s Got Talent: The Champions – Season One & Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician Participants)
Regarding mentalism, Thommy & Amelie are the best performers ever to grace the Got Talent stage. I have been awed by what these two can do, and they made my jaw drop every time they competed on AGT. I cannot wait to see my friends perform once again.
Darci Lynne (AGT: Season 12 WINNER & America’s Got Talent: The Champions – Season One RUNNER-UP)
Ever since Darci Lynne auditioned for AGT: Season 12, I have genuinely believed that Darci would be the Shari Lewis of her generation. She is one of the few acts in this group to receive the winner and runners-up titles. Plus, with Mel B (who initially awarded Darci the Golden Buzzer in 2017) back at the panel, expect Darci Lynne to be a force in this competition.
Drake Milligan (AGT: Season 17 THIRD PLACE FINALIST)
Drake has one of the most vital stage presences of any act in this competition. His original music wowed Simon, Heidi, Howie, and the fans during AGT: Season 17. However, winning over Mel B, one of the harshest critics of country music acts, might be challenging. If he can successfully charm Scary Spice, Drake has a strong shot at being one of the last solo singers standing.
Geneviéve Côté (Canada’s Got Talent: Season Three FINALIST)
Jake’s Take friend and noise maker Geneviéve Côté made history throughout her Canada’s Got Talent journey as she told epic tales only using her gift. I am looking forward to seeing how America reacts to her because she is a phenomenal talent, and I hope that Howie or another judge gives her a second Golden Buzzer.
Ghetto Kids (Britain’s Got Talent: Series 16 FINALISTS)
The Ghetto Kids are the most substantial kid act in the dance category. This group’s mesmerizing routine earned a historic Golden Buzzer during Britain’s Got Talent (BGT): Season 16 Judges Auditions when Bruno Tonioli pressed it during the middle of their performance. If the Ghetto Kids delivered an impeccable audition, I could see them (and the judge that picked them) go deep into the show.
Hans (AGT: Season 13 Quarterfinalist & America’s Got Talent – The Champions: Season Two FINALIST)
My favorite international superstar is back! Hans is known for delivering incredible showstopping performances. While Hans received support from Howie and Heidi during both runs, Simon unfairly buzzed Hans twice during America’s Got Talent: The Champions’ sophomore season. Can Mel B’s return to the Judges’ Desk turn the tide back in Hans’ favor? We will find out!
Kodi Lee (AGT: Season 14 WINNER & AGT: All-Stars FINALIST)
Ever since Gabrielle Union pressed the Golden Buzzer for Kodi on AGT: Season 14, his life has improved. From winning his season to performing in Las Vegas as a part of AGT: Superstars show, Kodi Lee has become one of the role models for all competitors. Kodi’s tremendous talent could help propel him (and the judge who chooses him) into a third AGT finale.
Kseniya Simonova (Ukraine’s Got Talent WINNER; AGT: The Champions – Season One FINALIST; Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions THIRD PLACE FINALIST)
Kseniya Simonova is one of the Got Talent franchise’s spectacular storytellers. Using sand as her canvas, Kseniya beautifully told stories that made audiences emotional and earned two Golden Buzzers (one from Terry Crews on AGT: The Champions – Season One and another from veteran judge Amanda Holden on Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions) and a title (from Ukraine’s Got Talent). Kseniya’s powerful storytelling will make her a force to be reckoned with throughout AGT: Fantasy League.
Loren Allred (Britain’s Got Talent: Series 15 FINALIST)
Loren Allred returns to NBC for the first time in 12 years. The former Voice USA: Season Three alum blossomed after recording “Never Enough,” one of The Greatest Showman’s signature songs. In 2022, Loren competed on Britain’s Got Talent: Series 15, where she sang “Never Enough” and earned Amanda Holden’s Golden Buzzer. I am very excited to see what she brings to the show!
Musa Motha (Britain’s Got Talent: Series 16 FINALIST)
Dancer Musa Motha is one of the most inspirational acts to make their debut this decade. He beautifully interpreted music that made jaws drop and tears fly. Musa made history as the BGT’s first Group Golden Buzzer recipient. If Musa continues to deliver his showstopping routines as he did on BGT, then he (and the judge that selects him) could easily win AGT: Fantasy League.
Piff the Magic Dragon (AGT: Season 10 FINALIST)
Piff the Magic Dragon is the only pre-Simon Cowell judge act competing on AGT: Fantasy League! (Seriously, did Barbara Padilla, Branden James, Drew Lynch, Emily West, Fighting Gravity, the Forte Tenors, iLuminate, and Sharon Irving’s invitations get lost in the mail?) Piff and Mr. Piffles’ magic is not to be trifled with, and I could see him as a wild card in the competition.
Preacher Lawson (AGT: Season 12 FINALIST; AGT: The Champions – Season One GRAND FINALIST; BGT: The Champions FINALIST)
Three-time Got Talent finalist Preacher Lawson’s comedy has the potential to shake up the competition. I cannot wait to see what Preacher brings and potentially see the judges fight over him.
Ramadhani Brothers (AGT: Season 18 FINALISTS; Australia’s Got Talent: Season 10 GRAND FINALISTS)
I became a massive fan of the Ramadhani Brothers when they debuted on Australia’s Got Talent: Season 10. Their routines received Kate Ritchie’s Golden Buzzer, making the Australian public’s jaws drop. This past summer, the brothers successfully delivered some of the most dangerous routines I have seen on AGT. I cannot wait to see what they do during Fantasy League!
Sofie Dossi (AGT: Season 11 FINALIST; AGT: The Champions – Season One Participant)
Sofie Dossi remains one of the best AGT danger acts the NBC Reality TV competition has ever seen. She showcased spectacular strength during the Season 11 Judge Cuts that earned guest judge Reba McEntire’s Golden Buzzer and continued accelerating into the Season 11 finals. I could see several heated verbal exchanges as the judges tried to enlist Sofie to join one of their teams.
Tape Face (AGT: Season 11 FINALIST; AGT: The Champions – Season One & Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions Participant)
One act that has never failed to make me laugh is the uncanny and fantastic Tape Face. The fan-favorite mime incorporates various props into his performances that brighten up the AGT and Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions stages. He could be one of the Wild Card acts that could shake up the competition.
Travis Japan (AGT: Season 17 SEMIFINALISTS)
Travis Japan set the standard for musical groups to perform on the AGT stage. I still believe that this band was robbed of a spot in the AGT: Season 17 finale, but I am glad that the Capitol Records recording artists have the chance to redeem themselves on Fantasy League.
V.Unbeatable (AGT: Season 14 Grand Finalists; AGT: The Champions – Season Two WINNERS)
V.Unbeatable is one of the most extraordinary acts ever to grace the Got Talent stage. The two-time Golden Buzzer recipients (guest judge Dwayne Wade in AGT: Season 14 and Howie Mandel in America’s Got Talent: The Champions – Season Two)’ spectacular stunts and choreography have landed them twice into the finals. While there are multiple champions in the competition, I only see V. Unbeatable as the only one who can earn a second title.
Yu Hojin (AGT: Season 17 FINALIST)
Magician Yu Hojin is the final act I will root for this season. The magic he performed during AGT: Season 17 was spectacular, and combined with his impeccable storytelling, Yu and the judge that hopefully enlists him will be forces during the competition!
Who will you be rooting for when AGT: Fantasy League debuts on January 1?
