America's Got Talent has become a staple of summer programming for NBC, and this past season saw some of the stiffest competition of the series to date. Now, a new version of America's Got Talent is coming to NBC months ahead of its usual premiere window. America's Got Talent: The Champions is bringing back 50 of the most unforgettable global acts from the America's Got Talent franchise to compete against each other, and you can count on seeing some big names from this summer's Season 13 back in the mix:
Courtney HadwinVicki BarbolakSamuel J. ComroeShin Lim
Yes, Season 13 winner Shin Lim will be back on stage less than six months after taking the top prize on NBC's America's Got Talent. If he can continue his winning streak, he could become an AGT world champion. His magic tricks certainly won over the judges and audiences, and that's despite the big risks in his finale magic acts. Does he have what it takes to dazzle viewers again and beat 49 competitors from around the world?
Well, the other three Season 13 alums were all part of the top 10, although only comedian Samuel J. Comroe was with Shin Lim in the top 5. Teen powerhouse singer Courtney Hadwin's early elimination was a shock to many, as she was considered a favorite to win the entire season. In fact, Shin Lim told CinemaBlend back in September that among the contestants, "everybody just had this feeling like Courtney was going to win." Perhaps her second shot at an AGT championship will see her emerge on top.
Interestingly, two of the four Season 13 contestants moving forward are comedians. Vicki Barbolak became a favorite of Simon Cowell's in particular, so she may be able to count on support from him if she delivers material similar to what she delivered in her first go 'round. It's certainly not shocking that Michael Ketterer is not among those returning for AGT: The Champions after the headlines he made following the Season 13 finale.
Personally, I'm a bit surprised that dance troupe Zurcaroh won't be back. The Zurcaroh dancers were the runners-up to Shin Lim and certainly unique among the contestants. A number of the 50 acts selected for America's Got Talent: Champions will actually be acts that the panel of NBC judges haven't encountered before, as many contestants come from international versions of Got Talent.
Here's the full list of upcoming competitors:
Darci Lynne Farmer, ventriloquistPaul Potts, opera singerShin Lim, magicianKseniya Simonova, sand artistDJ Arch Jnr, "Kid DJ"Paul Zerdin, ventriloquistAttraction, shadow dance groupJustice Crew, singing/dance groupMoonlight Brothers, dance groupSusan Boyle, singerPiff the Magic Dragon, comedian/magicianSofie Dossi, contortionistKechi, singerIssy Simpson, kid magicianLight Balance, LED dance groupPrince Poppycock, opera singerDDF Crew, jump ropersThe Texas Tenors, opera singersTom Cotter, comedianTaylor Williamson, comedianTape Face, comedic mimeBilly And Emily England, danger roller skatersSara & Hero, dog actDeadly Games, knife throwersUzeyer Novruzov, ladder balancerCristina Ramos, opera rock singerKenichi, projection danceLost Voice Guy, comedianCosentino, escape artistAshleigh And Sully, dog actTokio Myers, pianistJackie Evancho, opera singerCourtney Hadwin, singerJon Dorenbos, magicianAngelica Hale, singerPreacher Lawson, comedianThe Clairvoyants, mentalistsSal Valentinetti, singerDarcy Oake, magicianColin Cloud, mentalistBrian Justin Crum, singerDrew Lynch, comedianVicki Barbolak, comedianAlex Magala, sword swallower/pole aerialistBianca Ryan, singerSamuel J. Comroe, comedianThe Professional Regurgitator, regurgitatorSons of Serendip, musical groupRyan Stock & AmberLynn, danger actViktor Kee, juggler
I hope I'm not the only one who's not exactly heartbroken that The Human Fountains didn't make the cut! America's Got Talent: The Champions is bringing all four judges from AGT back once more, so you can count on more banter between Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel. The host this time around won't be Tyra Banks, however. Terry Crews of Brooklyn Nine-Nine will host the Champions edition of AGT.
America's Got Talent: The Champions will premiere on Monday, January 7 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. For more upcoming viewing options, check out our midseason TV premiere schedule.
