Warning! The following contains spoilers for the premiere of America's Got Talent: The Champions Season 2. Read at your own risk.
America's Got Talent: The Champions is back for another season, and once again, some top AGT competitors are going head-to-head for a shot at greatness. The season premiere had some high points and low points, though the audience and judges certainly disagreed on which was which. Simon Cowell in particular was a huge naysayer to drag performer Hans, and made it clear during the performer's epic Lizzo performance he didn't think the AGT veteran should advance.
Hans took Simon's criticisms and red buzzer in stride during America's Got Talent: The Champions, but had the perfect clap back for the controversial judge on Twitter. Hans had this to say on social media following Simon's on-air critiques, and pointed out that the talent judge was one of the few who felt the drag queen's performance was lacking.
Hans isn't exaggerating, as a majority of the America's Got Talent: The Champions audience and judges seemed to absolutely love his performance. While his rendition of "Juice" wasn't quite as good as Lizzo, the dance choreography was on point, and the explosion of pink and use of banana imagery made for quite a spectacle. The crowd was on their feet at the song's end, and the judges were covered in pink streamers.
It's really something that needs to be seen to be believed, because words just don't do it justice. For those that missed the America's Got Talent: The Champions performance, jump to 1:12 in the video below to witness it in all its glory.
Despite Simon Cowell's misgivings, Hans won over the crowd. He also ended up getting Howie Mandel's decisive vote in the judges' decision on which contestant would advance to the semifinals. Many viewers were upset following the episode, and couldn't understand how Hans advanced over singer Jack Vidgen and dance group Junior Creative Dance. Hans did have some viewers happy for his advancement, but it's safe to say he'll really have to prove he's worthy going forward considering this is the "Champions" edition of the program.
And really, it's hard not to credit Howie Mandel with advancing someone off the beaten path in terms of talent rather than the usual run-of-the-mill dance troupe or singer trying to revive their career. America's Got Talent has a bad habit of frequently advancing the same types of acts, and tonight was no exception. Was anyone really surprised the acrobats, magician, and up-and-coming young singer made it through to the next round? Hans at least has a chance to spice things up down the stretch!
Related: Is Modern Family's Sofia Vergara Joining America's Got Talent?
America's Got Talent: The Champions airs on NBC Mondays at 8:00 p.m. ET. Stick with CinemaBlend for updates on all television coming in 2020, and for a look at what's happening in the world of movies as well.
