‘America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League’: Episode 2 performances ranked from worst to best
On January 8, 2024, NBC aired Episode 2 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 this episode? 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 2 Rankings:
10. Grace Good (Team Heidi): In the past, I have been wowed by this act, but in the face of majorly talented competition Grace Good seriously upped her game. I would say, begrudgingly, that every act impressed me. Grace is fearless in the best way possible. If there was a minor flaw in this performance, it would be the track that she chose. Ultimately, despite my rankings, she advanced to the next round, where she needs to do even more to stand out.
9. MerseyGirls (Team Mel B): Making their television debut, this dance group must have felt nervous, but none of that seemed evident as they aced their performance. Simon was no stranger to this act, as he was on the judging panel for their season of “Britain’s Got Talent,” but he also helped a member of the group get a life changing surgery to allow her to live her dream. The performance was spectacular in my opinion and the crowd really responded to it. Howie and Heidi were less impressed, which surprised me in a major way. Watching Simon light up around them was just a bonus even if they did not advance.
8. Sheldon Riley (Team Mel B): Unpopular opinion: Sheldon Riley is one of those artists that people either get or don’t get. This is a lesson I learned from his past season on “AGT” and the reaction he received on social media. His success (or lack thereof) after this performance was more emotional than something tangible like advancing to the next round. The choice to take off the mask was a win within itself as it was a sign that he was far more confident than he ever has been before and was here to play. Everything about this performance was an A+ in my opinion. Social media was still divided on this performance though, but the audience was the only opinion that mattered and they loved him. Off to the next round he goes.
7. Preacher Lawson (Team Howie): I think Preacher Lawson is one of the funniest comedians o ever hit the “AGT” stage and his place on Howie’s team seemed like a perfect fit. He even took a jab at his coach’s use of the Golden Buzzer. His set was easily the best we have seen from him and was edgier than what he normally would give. Hence, a Golden Buzzer might have been more useful. Luckily, he advanced to the next stage of the competition.
6. Wes-P (Team Simon): Normally, Wes-P strikes me as odd. This season, Simon begrudgingly was forced to include this act on his team, which only made this even stranger. Maybe I was just in a good mood or baffled by how anyone would even think of doing this in public, but this was fun to watch. This act was the first to receive a red X (courtesy of Mel B). Did I think he was going to advance? Not in a million years. Was I correct? Yes. Just sit back and enjoy the insanity and this act makes sense.
SEE ‘AGT Fantasy League’ cast: Meet the 40 returning all-star acts from ‘America’s Got Talent’ franchise
5. Vardanyan Brothers (Team Mel B): The second of the brother duos to perform revels in the dangerous, but in a less horrifying manner in my opinion. There never is a doubt that something could go wrong as these two just make it look too easy, which makes me wonder what else they do in their spare time besides think of stuff like this. Simon was less impressed though. In the end, they advanced to the next round, but need to up their game even more.
4. Ramadhani Brothers (Team Heidi): No act in “AGT” history stresses me out more than the Ramadhani Brothers, who seemingly are aware of this and just add more insane tricks to their show. What they do is beyond incredible and truly one of a kind. Heidi was a perfect choice for them as she loves a good danger act and they upped their game in order to advance further in the competition. The blindfold trick going up and down the steps was downright terrifying. Howie opted to steal the siblings for his team, sending them to the finals in the process.
3. Drake Milligan (Team Howie): In the past, I have admittedly given this act a rough time since he was not the undiscovered talent that the show presented him to be. This time around is an even playing field and he is not going to have it as easy, but ironically enough, he has won me over as he upped his game knowing that the competition would be more difficult. Vocally, Drake sounded amazing on a song that he did not write, which was out of the norm for this act. There was never a doubt in my mind that he would advance to the next round. Turns out I was incorrect.
2. Adrian Stoica and Hurricane (Team Simon): The most recent winners of “AGT” are back to not only defend their crown but have a great time in the process. We have seen incredible performances from them before and this was no different. Is there a more excited canine to be on the stage? Hurricane is living her best life. Also worth noting, my dog was captivated by the performance as well…as he lounged on the couch begging for chips. Mel B was especially impressed, as this was her first time seeing this act live. Was there any doubt that they would advance to the next round? No, and they easily did so.
1. Piff the Magic Dragon (Team Heidi): I was ecstatic to learn that Piff the Magic Dragon was returning to compete since he is the perfect mix of mean, funny, and magic. I could watch him all day and this performance was my favorite of the night. Heidi picking him for her team was not a surprise to me as she was always his biggest cheerleader (besides Howie). Her bedazzling of his costume was a nice touch but the illusion itself put a giant smile on my face and made me hungry. The inclusion of Emmy and Tony winner Neil Patrick Harris was just icing on the cake. Unfortunately, he did not advance and my dream of seeing him win was dashed.
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