‘America’s Got Talent: The Champions’ recap: Who advanced to the finals in Week 2 shocker?

America’s Got Talent: The Champions completed its second week of competition and to be honest, this group of ten was a bit of dud. At the end of the night, only two acts would make it through to next month’s finals.

In case you missed it, here is a recap of the ten acts along with their performances.

Darci Lynne

The winner of Season 12 of America’s Got Talent was first up and returned to the stage with her puppet Oscar to deliver a fun performance of Tina Turner’s “Rollin’ on a River”. After seeing Darci win the show two years ago, I have to say she really stepped up her game and set the tone for the rest of the night.

Ashleigh and Sully

The winner of the sixth series of Britain’s Got Talent hit the American stage for the first time and delivered one of the cutest dog performances we’ve seen in a long time. Originally, Ashleigh won with Pudsey, but he passed away due to cancer.

This time, she performed with Sully and what a performance it was. I was impressed because I can’t even get my dog to “come” when I call her. Anyway, the routine won the judges over, as well as the audience.

Light Balance

One of my favorite acts from season 12 returned to light up the stage… literally! The Ukrainian dance group performed a routine to Backstreet Boys, Kiss, and “Runaway (U & I)”. There is no doubt they would have won if they had done this performance two years ago.

In fact, their routine was so good it had me screaming for them to get the Golden Buzzer.

Taylor Williamson

The funnyman and runner-up from America’s Got Talent season eight came back with more awkward jokes and his quirky presence. Yet it was not enough this time around as he got some negative feedback from the judges.

Personally, I have never found Taylor to be funny. It was too uncomfortable and boring for me.

Cristina Ramos

The winner of Spain’s Got Talent made her first-ever stop in America and showed everyone why she won. She sang her own version of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and had the Pasadena Civic Auditorium rocking.

Personally, my ears rang because Cristina sounded screechy and over the top. Yet she still had a big reception from the crowd.

DDF Crew

The jump rope dance crew won Holland’s Got Talent back in 2012 and showcased their high flying skills on the American stage for the first time.

They did some cool tricks to the Blacked Eye Peas’ “Pump It” but didn’t impress the judges, who had rather harsh feedback.

Viktor Kee

One of my favorite acts from America’s Got Talent‘s past made his debut on Champions Monday. Juggler Viktor Kee stunned the crowd with his skills and did not drop a single ball. He used a projection that told a story and it was mesmerizing.

In my opinion, it was one of the first acts of the night that felt worthy of a golden buzzer.

Courtney Hadwin

She’s back! If you thought you’d seen Courtney recently, you are correct. She was a finalist on the just completed 13th season of America’s Got Talent. She received a standing ovation as she walked out on stage and instantly, you could feel she wanted redemption.

The “fan favorite” sang an original song “Pretty Little Thing” and had the judges and crowd on their feet. Now, I never got the hype for Courtney last season, and I still don’t. She’s just not good. She’s over the top, screechy, and nothing special in my opinion. But I’m likely in the minority here.

Deadly Games

The danger act from season 10 of America’s Got Talent wanted to show everyone they had improved, and wow, did they ever.

They performed a routine that showcased their talent, including shooting a tissue paper with a bow and arrow. But there was a twist — Alfredo turned the bow around and used only a selfie camera on judge Heidi Klum’s phone as a guide. The feat impressed Heidi so much she pressed her golden buzzer and sent them straight to the finals.

Piff The Magic Dragon

The hilarious comedy act of Piff and Mr. Puffles closed the night with their routine. Heidi was called on stage and Piff made her ring disappear before making it reappear in an egg yolk. It was one of the more “entertaining” acts that Piff has done.

The Results

After all the acts had performed, host Terry Crews returned with the results. As Deadly Games had already gone through to the finals with Heidi’s Golden Buzzer, only one spot remained. Courtney, Cristina, and Darci made the top three. Courtney finished in third place, much to the disappointment of show judge and producer Simon Cowell. Terry then announced that Cristina would also advance to the finals, leaving Darci in second place.

The pair joins Susan Boyle and Preacher Lawson, who both advanced to the finals in last week’s premiere.

What do you think of the results? Let us know in the comments below!

America’s Got Talent: The Champions airs Mondays at 8/7c on NBC.