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Hans Had the Most Clever Clapback to Simon Cowell’s Critique on AGT: Fantasy League
Has Simon Cowell met his match in returning fan-favorite Hans?
The “sex symbol” and former America's Got Talent Quarterfinalist, Hans, also known as Matt Gilbertson, is back for America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League. And, true to his style, he wasn't pulling any punches in his premiere audition.
Hans first appeared on Season 13 of the talent competition. His audition with Tina Turner's "Proud Mary," dancing and playing the accordion earned him a "yes" from Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum, and Simon Cowell. His later performance of The Weather Girls' "It's Raining Men" while dancing and playing the accordion sent him through to the Quarterfinals. However, he was ultimately eliminated from the competition during the Week 3 Quarterfinals. He returned for AGT: The Champions 2, where he finished in the Bottom 5 of the Top 10.
One of his stated goals upon his return this time was to get Cowell to crack and give him a good critique. The Judge has previously said “it’s torture" or "terrible singing" about Hans' Act despite initially giving him a "yes" in his first appearance.
RELATED: A List of All The Times Simon Cowell Pressed the Golden Buzzer On America's Got Talent
What song did Hans sing on AGT: Fantasy League?
During his audition, Hans sang "The Bitch is Back" by Elton John. It’s fitting since Hans announced, “I’m back!” upon taking the stage. The song was the second single released from John's 1974 album Caribou. The lyrics parody Elton John's real-life celebrity lifestyle.
Hans' audition on AGT: Fantasy League and his exchange with Simon Cowell
During his first performance on Heidi’s Dream Team, he had a sassy exchange with the executive producer following his critique.
“I know you love it Simon, from one bitch to another!” he exclaimed.
Hans ended the song as he pointed at Simon.
“If I’m being honest with you, he can’t sing and he can’t dance,” Simon said.
“If I can’t sing and I can’t dance, then when am I taking over your job babe?” Hans clapped back in what will surely go down as one of the most clever responses in all of AGT history.
Simon's comments notwithstanding, how did Hans do in his audition?
RELATED: How AGT: Fantasy League Works — and the Twist You Won't See Coming
What is Hans doing now?
Hans said, “America’s Got Talent gave me the opportunity to live my dream,” in his video introduction.
He went on to create an original production of Hans: Like a German in 2019, winning the Best Cabaret Award at Adelaide Fringe Festival followed by a national tour. His new show, Haus of Hans: Disco Spektakulär, premiered at Adelaide Fringe Festival 2020 and took home the Best Cabaret award for the second year in a row.
He also released his first single in 2020 called "Oxygen." It is a disco/dance anthem co-written by Hans and legendary producer and musical director Chong Lim.
Before returning to the stage on AGT: Fantasy League, Hans has been recovering from multiple injuries after falling from a stage on a cruise ship in Europe. The cabaret star fell more than 13 feet into the orchestra pit in August 2022. At the time on social media in a now deleted post, he shared the extent of the injury.
"It's resulted in a shattered foot and some slight spinal damage. At this stage the spine looks manageable but I will require extensive surgery on my right foot. Obviously not an ideal situation, but it could have been much, much worse," he explained. "I am being airlifted to London from Turkey today and will be treated when I arrive."
He’s rehabbed and is ready to take the stage again. Although he did not move on to the Fantasy League semifinals, he certainly did win his battle with Simon for the sassiest mouth award.
