NBC AMERICA'S GOT TALENT: THE CHAMPIONS -- "The Champions One" Episode 202 -- Pictured: Hans
America’s Got Talent: The Champions returned to NBC on Monday, January 6, 2020, with a two-hour premiere and performances from 10 of the season’s 40 competing acts.
The official synopsis for the episode teased “Ten of the most memorable acts from around the globe perform for the judges; four of these acts advance — two chosen by a panel of superfans, one Judges’ Choice and one who receives a Golden Buzzer to perform in the finale.” Terry Crews is, once again, the show’s host, and the four-person judges’s panel is made up of Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Alesha Dixon, and Heidi Klum.
Whether you missed the premiere when it aired, or are just looking to relive the action, here’s what happened during the episode:
BEWARE OF SPOILERS BELOW. This article will be updated live as the episode airs.
‘AGT: The Champions’ Premiere Recap of Performances
Terry Crews took the stage to introduce the new season, including the return of Heidi Klum as a judge and the addition of new judge Alesha Dixon. He also revealed that, for the premiere episode, Heidi Klum was the judge in control of the golden buzzer.
Paddy & Nicko, who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2014, were the first act to perform. They impressed Crews, the judges, and the audience members with age-defying lifts and tricks. Cowell said “I absolutely adore you two,” before telling Nicko that he thinks he’s slowed down a little bit. Ultimately, he said he believes the super fans love their act, which gives them a solid shot at advancing.
After sharing a touching reflection about how America’s Got Talent impacted his life, Mike Yung performed a soulful original song, earning a standing ovation at the end of his performance.
Junior Creative Dance Crew performed next. The dance group won “Myanmar’s Got Talent” in 2018. Their routine used dance, projection, and shadow play to tell the story of a family torn apart by war. Everyone was visually moved, and Heidi Klum gave them kudos for presenting a performance that is socially relevant.
Hans the accordion player and cabaret singer gave an over-the-top performance that began on a banana suspended above the stage. He performed “Juice” by Lizzo. Cowell X-ed Hans during his performance.
22-year-old Jack Vidgen returned to the “Got Talent” stage for the first time since winning Australia’s Got Talent when he was on 2014. In his video package, he revealed that when his voice started changing, he walked away from his music career.
Duo Transcend, the married aerialist couple, performed next. They revealed that, thanks to America’s Got Talent, Tyce’s eyesight was saved by a surgeon who reached out after watching them compete. They had everyone watching on the edge of their seats; Mandel said that their act is exactly what the show is about.
Dan Naturman took the stage to redeem himself after an unsuccessful (and offensive to Heidi Klum) semi-final performance on AGT five years ago. Simon X-ed him during his set, which Naturman brushed off; Heidi, on the other hand, took the stage to give him a hug and settle their past differences.
Angelina Jordan, who won Norway’s Got Talent when she was only 7 years old, said in a video package that she’s waiting for her big moment to prove herself in America. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Jordan, now 13, sang a cover of “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. Not only did she earn a standing ovation, she earned Heidi Klum’s golden buzzer, which sent her immediately into the finals.
Australian strongman Eddie Williams took the stage as Crews announced him as “the strongest contestant” on any Got Talent show in the world. After lifting his weights into place, Williams took a seat and began his “real” act: singing. Howie X-ed him during his performance, but Cowell complimented his “lovely voice.”
The last act of the night was magician Dania Diaz. She performed her close-up tricks while narrating the story of her life with the cards as she drew them. The judges gave her a standing ovation for her unique and personal act.
Who Made it Through & Who Was Sent Home
After Angelina Jordan received Klum’s golden buzzer, there were only 3 spots left for the remaining 9 acts.
After the super fans’ votes were tabulated, Duo Transcend made it into the next round, while Dan Naturman and Paddy and Nicko were sent home. The super fans also advanced Dania Diaz next, making it the end of the road for Mike Yung and Eddie Williams.
Junior Creative, Jack Vidgen, and Hans finished 3rd, 4th, and 5th in the super fans’ votes, but it was the judges’ decision to choose which act would advance. Heidi voted for Hans, Alesha voted for Junior Creative, and Simon voted for Jack. With the vote split, the deciding pick landed in Howie’s hands. Howie Mandel chose to “go with his gut” and sent Hans through to the finals.
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