‘AGT’ Season 19: Who are DaksDominoes? Iowa brothers also won Fox’s show ‘Domino Masters’
SIOUX CENTER, IOWA: DaksDominoes, twin brothers from Sioux Center, Iowa, are set to flaunt their captivating domino talent in the forthcming episode of 'America's Got Talent' Season 19. They are keen to wow both the judges and audience with their impressive performances.
The dynamic duo, Derek Koops and Alex Koops, rose to prominence during their time at Dordt University, where they made a name for themselves by showcasing their impressive skills on the Fox competition series 'Domino Masters'. Competing as the Dominerds, the duo outshined their opponents and clinched the top spot, earning themselves a substantial cash prize of $100,000.
23-year-old Derek and Alex teamed up with Lyle Broughton to create the awe-inspiring trio known as Dominerds on the hit show 'Domino Masters' in 2022. Their incredible skills and synergy allowed them to dominate every episode they competed in, leaving audiences in awe of their talent.
The pair's YouTube channel has garnered a substantial following of 195,000 subscribers, with one of their standout videos showcasing a Fortnite Battle Royale concept and an impressive demonstration involving a massive 10,000 dominoes. This particular video has amassed an incredible 11 million views, solidifying their presence as successful content creators in the online space.
The talented twins are set to display their ingenuity and expertise in the upcoming episode featuring vibrant tiles, which will be broadcasting on June 25. This marks their highly anticipated television comeback following their impressive win on the hit Fox competition series 'Domino Masters' in 2022.
'AGT' Season 19 producers approached DaksDominoes to audition for NBC show
Producers of 'AGT' Season 19 reached out to DaksDominoes to invite them to audition for the popular NBC talent show. The opportunity to showcase their skills on television came about when a casting producer contacted the brothers and inquired about their interest in participating. Without hesitation, they eagerly accepted the invitation, as they have fond memories of bonding with their loved ones while watching the show in their formative years.
Derek and Alex have decided to view the recording of their audition, which took place back in April, in the comfort of their own home surrounded by their loved ones. They are looking forward to sharing this special moment with their family and friends, reminiscing about the experience and celebrating their hard work and dedication.
“I’m very proud of the build we did. I think it will go over really well on TV. It’s something new for that show — I don’t think they’ve ever shown dominoes on ‘America’s Got Talent’ before or on a show quite that big,” Derek told Sioux Center News.
The atmosphere was completely unlike what they experienced on 'Domino Masters', where they were accustomed to performing in front of a live audience instead of the intimate setting of a studio with only the judges, fellow contestants, and camera crew present.
Talking about their audition, Alex shared, “We performed in front of 2,000-3,000 people which is more than what we’ve ever done before.”
'AGT' Season 19 duo DaksDominoes call The Kinetic King 'their inspiration'
Derek and Alex have been constructing elaborate domino setups since 2011, drawing inspiration from The Kinetic King, a kinetic artist who gained fame on Season 6 of 'America's Got Talent.' Despite being eliminated in the Quarterfinals, The Kinetic King made a comeback for the Wild Card Show, only to be eliminated again in the Semifinals.
Born in Saint Paul in 1964, Tim Fort, also known as The Kinetic King, was known for his innovative chain-reaction gadgets that showcased techniques unlike any other. Growing up, Tim never outgrew his love for building intricate structures with blocks, often driving his parents crazy with his elaborate creations.
After earning a degree in rocket science and entering the workforce, Tim continued to explore his passion for creating mesmerizing chain reactions that captivated audiences worldwide.
When Tim reached the age of 35, he grew tired of traditional jobs and chose to pursue a career as an artist. Over time, he developed various innovative techniques such as the herringbone, string-a-ling, multi-celled stick bombs, and clever-lever, showcasing his creativity.
Watch 'America's Got Talent' Season 19 air on NBC on Tuesday night at 8pm ET to see their audition along with numerous others.