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) has unleashed a new spin-off, AGT: Fantasy League! For the first time in show history, the best Got Talent acts competed against each other in a showdown like no other. Also, fan-favorite judge Mel B returned to the AGT universe to join her longtime colleagues Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel at the Judges/Mentors Desk.
Like The Voice and The X Factor USA, our quartet of judges drafted the acts and will mentor them throughout the competition. The Golden Buzzer is back but with a twist! Any judge can award it to their team member or use it to STEAL AN ACT FROM ANOTHER JUDGE. Only one act can win! Which acts did the judges pick? Who used the Golden Buzzer? Read on to find out!
Also, I will be incorporating my signature letter grades into the performances!
After Terry made his entrance and welcomed Mel B back to the show, he revealed that $250K and that Scary Spice had the opportunity to steal or send one of her acts to the finals. Also, the studio audience could advance several acts to the final. Pole dancer Kristy Sellars was the first member of Team Howie to perform. She made it to the Season 17 finale but lost to Sofia Vergara’s Golden Buzzer act, the Mayyas. I loved seeing her pre-performance package and how she revealed that over 100 hours into the routine. While I am not a massive fan of Kristy, I was impressed by her synchronization between the graphics and pole dance. B
Mel B’s first pick, magician Jon Dorenbos, revealed that this would be his daughter’s first time seeing him perform. The former NFL player became one of the show’s top success stories, including spots on Ellen and writing an Amazon best-selling book. To be blunt, I was bored by Jon’s magic. After all the magic we saw on the show, I found the presentation boring, and I wished Oz Pearlman or Eric Chien would have been in his place. D+
My favorite International Superstar, Hans, is back! I am so excited that he was on Team Heidi. The Project Runway OG had Hans start at the piano to sing Sir Elton John’s “The Bitch is Back” before going into his signature song and dance routine, which put a smile on my face! Bravo! A-
I am so happy that Kseniya Simonova is back and on Howie’s team. The sand artist has delivered some of the best performances in Got Talent history. Her story tonight was about following her dreams and hoping to inspire her sons. Once again, Kseniya delivered an emotional story using sand as the canvas. She is genuinely one of the franchise’s greatest storytellers. A
V. Unbeatable returned to AGT to compete on Howie Mandel’s Dream Team! The dance troupe elevated their perfected style by incorporating motorcycles, and they had members performing flips as the cycles drove onto the stage. The choreography was outstanding, and they outdid their AGT: Season 14 and America’s Got Talent: The Champions Golden Buzzer performances. A+
Mel B picked Japan’s Got Talent winner Maria Seiren to join her dream team and selected her to sing “Time to Say Goodbye.” First, this act is coping both Barbara Padilla and Marcelito Pomoy, who should have her spot. This was the worst performance of the night. F
Simon selected longtime favorites Billy & Emily England to join his team. The Got Talent creator advised them to show the audience as people and elevate their danger into the act. I severely underestimated the Englands. They added flaming knives onto Emily’s skates. Their act was epic, and I am glad Mel B stole them from Simon! The England siblings will compete in the Fantasy League finals as a member of Team Mel B. B+
Mel B grabbed Tape Face for her team! Scary Spice wanted the current Las Vegas headliner to incorporate Simon into his act. After he brought out his props, he created a homemade doll that danced to “Kung Fu Fighting” and James Brown, which immediately made me smile. Next, he summoned Simon to the stage. Tape Face had to force Simon to grab the microphone, and he placed a blindfold on the Got Talent face while he made a basket in a pipe. Tape Face is a true showman and delivered an epic performance. A-
AGT: Season 18 fan-favorite Shadow Ace used his mentor’s face to enhance “Baby Got Back,” “Hot in Here,” and “A Thousand Miles.” As Simon said, the performance was “Genius,” and made me laugh. Mel B said she couldn’t stop laughing, which was a stronger performance than his Season 18 qualifying round. B+
Simon’s last team member of the evening, Kodi Lee, concluded the night’s performances. The singer and pianist’s life improved when Gabrielle Union pressed the Golden Buzzer for him. He headlined AGT: Superstars and premiered his original music: “Change”. I fell in love with the song immediately and once again, he hit it out of the park! A+
With Billy & Emily England already in the AGT: Fantasy League finals, there was only room for a few acts. The acts moving on were: V.UNBEATABLE, KODI LEE, SHADOW ACE, KSENIYA SIMONOVA, and KRISTY SELLARS.
Next week, more acts compete for the chance in the AGT: Fantasy League finals!
