America’s Got Talent: The Champions just finished airing its second season--and the talent lineup did not disappoint. Contestants across the AGT and Got Talent franchise (whether winners, finalists, or acts that made it to the live rounds) fought for a spot in the final episode, where the winner is granted a cash prize and the prestigious title of “World Champion.” The spin-off--hosted by Terry Crews and judged by Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Alesha Dixon--is not held live like AGT; instead, shows are pre-recorded and votes are given by “superfan” representatives from each of the fifty states in America. Get to know some of Season 2’s solo acts below as they recount their recent journey.

Why did you decide to go on America's Got Talent: The Champions? 

Alexa Lauenburger: AGT: The Champions is the largest television format. Although I won Das Supertalent in 2017 and participated in Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions in 2019, AGT: The Champions was the biggest goal for me.

Hans: Quite simply, because Simon Cowell begged me to go on the show. But I also decided to appear on Champions because AGT was so much fun the first time I was there in Season 13, so I would have been mad to decline the invitation to do it all again. 

JJ Pantano: When I got invited to go on Champions, I couldn’t believe it. I jumped on my bed

for about half an hour. I thought maybe I would go on America’s Got Talent this year, but I never thought it would be Champions. Of course, I jumped at the chance, because it’s the biggest and best talent show in the world with the best talent, judges, and host. It’s such an honor for me to have even been considered to perform with such amazing talent.

How did your act upgrade from the previous time you were on the show? 

Alexa Lauenburger: I tried to do my best and let the audience decide which performance they liked most.

Hans: Well, I still did all the things I loved doing last time: accordion, piano, singing, dancing, tap dancing, and comedy. But I think for Champions, everything was ramped up one-hundred percent. A lot more glitter!

JJ Pantano: When I went on Australia’s Got Talent, I had just turned seven. That was six months ago, so I’m a little older now. I knew what to expect because I had done it before. I practiced more, watched other comedians, and did a lot of research on the American judges. I keep learning more about comedy every day. I also knew I had to be better than the last time I was on the show because the competition includes the best of the best.

What was your favorite part about competing on Champions? 

Alexa Lauenburger: The fact that Heidi Klum was there and I could perform in front of her. I love Heidi. I’m a big fan.

Hans: I think the great thing about AGT is being able to do something different. This isn't like other reality shows. It's not all just singers or dancers--it's a variety show, so I’m happy to be representing that element.  

JJ Pantano: Getting to come to America was great because I’ve always wanted to come, but getting through to the semifinals was the best moment for me. Howie gave me his vote, the audience chanted my name, and then Simon said “JJ,” which was the best thing ever. Another great part of Champions was that I met so many amazing people, all the contestants and crew. I even got to hang out with some of the judges--that was really cool.

What was the most challenging part? 

Alexa Lauenburger: After the first audition, I was chosen to go to the semifinals, so I needed to create a completely different act, and the same thing happened when I was voted through the finals. We had to rehearse completely new tricks again, and I didn’t know if everything would work out fine.

Hans: Filming for Champions is done in a much tighter time frame than the regular season, so many times, you only have three days to put together a whole new spectacle. But the people who work on the show are such professionals and put in so many extraordinary hours, so we're very lucky as contestants to know that while we might be working 15 hour days sometimes, there are other people probably working harder to make us look good. It's a great team backstage.

JJ Pantano: Nothing! It was all easy. I had the best time.

What was one of your favorite acts you watched backstage on Champions? 

Alexa Lauenburger: There were so many great acts, but the ones I liked the most were Duo Transcend and Sandou Trio Russian Bar.

Hans: I always love Duo Transcend. Not only are they so talented and skilled at what they do, but they're also lovely people and--let's face it--the second-best looking act on the show (after myself, of course). I’m desperately trying to join their marriage. Sister wives, anyone? 

JJ Pantano: Honestly, I loved every act. All of them are champions and have amazing talents. It was such an honor for me to have been competing among them. Everyone was also super nice to me and made me feel so special. 

What's up next for you after the show? 

Alexa Lauenburger: I successfully broke Guinness World Records, and I’ll be training to make new ones and break more existing ones. My next show is a Guinness World Record TV show in Italy, and I’ll attempt new records there.

Hans: Last year, AGT gave me so many opportunities to travel my cabaret show all around the world, and 2020 is already looking like my busiest year yet starting with my brand new disco show Haus Of Hans playing in Australia over the next few months. Hopefully, later this year, I'll have the opportunity to bring it to America because, let me just say, there are many things in my show that I would never be allowed to do on AGT. 

JJ Pantano: I’ll keep performing. I would love to roast some other stars in America and go on The Ellen Show. That would be a dream come true. Eventually, I would love to be on a Nickelodeon or Disney show or have my own talk show for kids. I just released a fun song about parents not giving us enough screen time called “They Just Don’t Get It” on my YouTube, too, and doing a bit of singing has been fun.

Follow the Contestants on Instagram:

Alexa Lauenburger: @alexalauenburger

Hans: @accordionhans

JJ Pantano: @jjpantano

Photo Credit: NBC