‘America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League’: Episode 1 performances ranked from worst to best
On January 1, 2024, NBC premiered Episode 1 of “America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League.” The new spin-off series marks the return of former judge Mel B as she joins Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel in a head-to-head competition to mentor an all star “AGT” act through the season to victory. Terry Crews is back once again for hosting duties.
Over eight weeks of shows, the judges’ Dream Teams of 10 will be narrowed down until only one stands as the newest AGT champion and takes home the $250,000 cash prize. That act will also give their mentor the first coach’s win in AGT history. In the four qualifiers, 10 acts perform with one receiving the week’s Golden Buzzer and five others advancing to the next round based on an audience vote.
But who were the best acts from the season opener? And did any move forward that shouldn’t have? Below we rank the 10 acts, including those that failed to advance to the next round of competition, from worst to best.
Season 1 Episode 1 Rankings:
10. Jon Dorenbos (Team Mel B): Historically, we have seen some amazing feats from this former NFL player and magician, so I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, this performance was not as memorable. The magic trick itself was impressive, but something that I have seen done before in Las Vegas as a kid. Following up the opening act was going to be tough, but choosing a trick that was more subdued was a risk. His connection with his mentor was touching to see though as one can just tell that they are birds of feather in terms of personality and competitiveness. The judges loved the act and praised his showmanship though, so maybe I have watched one too many magic shows growing up. The voters agreed with me apparently as he did not advance.
9. Shadow Ace (Team Howie): The most viral act of last season returned to the delight of the crowd and the chagrin of many viewers, who were not thrilled to see him back. For me, I find him to be hilarious, but a bit hit or miss at the same time. Still not sure if this is a million-dollar talent or just a fun party trick, but I could watch him all day. Simon even called the act “genius,” which is a win within itself. Can he win me over more in the semi-finals?
8. Hans (Team Heidi): In the history of the show, there has never been an act that matches the happiness level that is Hans. Presumably, Hans is aware that he is not the best contestant in the competition, but just adds even more craziness and energy to each performance as a result. More importantly, he always makes sure he is memorable, which is half the battle. His desire to win over Simon is a losing battle, but with the remaining judges fully embracing the campiness that is the act and the incorporation of Libarace’s piano, this was Hans at his very best. The choice of an Elton John classic was just icing on the cake. In the end, his best was not enough to advance.
7. V. Unbeatable (Team Howie): This act is on my Mount Rushmore of AGT greats, so I was very excited to see them back to win this spinoff. Per usual, they were dangerous, exciting, unpredictable and eye catching. They just might become double AGT champions if they keep making everyone lose their minds with these gravity defying tricks alongside their biggest cheerleader, Howie. The combination of these two is like peanut butter and jelly: great individually but amazing together. I cannot wait to see them in the semi-finals.
6. Tape Face (Team Mel B): I had a feeling that either Mel B or Howie would pick Tape Face as those two were his biggest advocates in the past. I long gave up hope of trying to figure out what he is going to do since he has a seemingly endless bag of tricks that always are hilarious to me. Incorporating Simon was a genius choice that paid off major dividends. The judges loved it and Simon even got a zinger in about Mel B’s past with The Spice Girls. Was I surprised that he did not advance? No.
5. Kristy Sellers (Team Howie): Kristy Sellers kicked off the series as the first member of Team Howie to perform, which is a perfect pairing as Howie was her biggest fan on the judging panel the first time. An extra bonus was seeing the excited reaction of Mel B, who was seeing her perform for the first time live, which was the case for a few acts tonight. Mixing her skills with a ‘Tomb Raider” kind of theme was a brilliant choice that paid off big time in the eyes of the judges and myself. An even more interesting wrinkle to this season is how connected Howie seemingly is with his team and how his input really does make a difference. Can she top this in the next round?
4. Billy and Emily England (Team Simon): This danger act is now competing for the fourth time and has historically been an act that has not been one of my favorites — they really give me anxiety. Somehow, that has lessened since the last time we have seen them as my reaction this time was more, “Wow,” with a smile. Simon is the perfect choice for this act as he has always been one of their biggest cheerleaders. Mel B was even more excited and stole them from Simon with her Golden Buzzer. Their happiness to be stolen was a highlight as well…even if Simon was less than thrilled.
3. Maria Seiren (Team Mel B): In her American television debut, Maria Seiren showed why she won “Japan’s Got Talent” and how she is a force to be reckoned with in this competition. I could watch this act all day, but the judges were even more excited than I was, apart from Howie. He seemed very unimpressed but then again, most opera singers do not tend to impress him. I am not quite sure what went wrong, but she did not advance to the next round.
2. Kseniya Simonova (Team Howie): When Kseniya Simonova walked on stage, I immediately became excited as she also is on my Mount Rushmore of AGT contestants. This act will never fail to impress me and in terms of creativity was the best of the night. I was captivated by the performance, and think she is the best act on Howie’s team so far. Not quite sure what Mel B was missing, but her loss is Howie’s gain as she advanced to the next round.
1. Kodi Lee (Team Simon): If anyone has followed my past articles regarding AGT, you know what I am going to say. Kodi Lee is one of the best singers to ever compete on the show and always manages to make it look like the easiest thing in the world. Thus, it blew my mind that he was coming back with an original song that sounded radio ready. Vocally, he sounded amazing as well on this song that would fit right in on an Imagine Dragons album. The judges praised the performance, with Howie predicting that he was going to be moving onto the next round before voting concluded. In the end, Howie was correct.
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