Courtney Hadwinis the latest fan favorite contestant to return to theAmerica’s Got Talentstage!
News of Hadwin’s casting follows her performances in Las Vegas as part of season 13 winner, magicianShin Lim‘s headlining Vegas series at the Paris Theater at Paris Las Vegas earlier this month. (Lim will also be among those onChampions.)
“It was the best experience of my life,” Hadwintold PEOPLEabout her time on the show, in which she won Howie Mandel‘s Golden Buzzer. “I didn’t see myself as a fan favorite at all. I just felt so lucky to be there in the final and to be in the top 10 doesn’t really feel like losing to me. … I was able to be myself all the way through.”
The teen added, “It was never about winning for me. I just love to perform, and that’s it really.”
Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty
During her run, Hadwin, who previously made the top 10 onThe Voice U.K., belted out Tina Turner’s 1988 classic “River Deep – Mountain High,” Steppenwolf’s 1969 hit “Born to Be Wild,” James Brown’s “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” and Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle.”
Joining Hadwin and Lim forChampionsare season 11 finalist, singer Sal Valentinetti and season 12 finalist, comedian Preacher Lawson as well as sword swallowing act Alex Magala and opera rock singer Christina Ramos, both of whom were namedSpain’s Got Talent2016 winner.
Sal Valentinetti.Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty
Preacher Lawson.Justin Lubin/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty
Alex Magala.Virginia Sherwood/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty
The new spin-off will feature the star-studded judges’ panel of Mandel,Simon Cowell,Mel B,Heidi Klumalong withTerry Crewsas host.
“This is the Olympics of talent,” Cowell said in a promo for the show.
America’s Got Talent: The Championspremieres Jan. 7 on NBC.
Season 14 auditions forAmerica’s Got Talentare currently underway, and interested acts can register atwww.AGTAuditions.com.
source: people.com
