Is Heidi Klum upset? 'AGT: Fantasy League' judge upset as Yu Hojin admits he originally wished to be drafted by Simon Cowell
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Yu Hojin, who finished in the top 11 of 'America's Got Talent' season 17, competed with Heidi Klum's team in the 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League'. However, on the January 15 episode, the magician from South Korea disappointed his mentor by admitting that he had originally hoped to be drafted by Simon Cowell.
Hojin informed Simon on 'AGT: Fantasy League' that he was "disappointed" that he had not picked the magician for his Dream Team. Heidi believes she was simply "faster."
Hojin goes on to add that he is pleased to have been chosen by Heidi, but that Simon is his "mentor". For him, Simon is the "Dad of Magic."
Even though Simon preferred the phrase "older brother," he couldn't help gloating and rubbing it in the face of his rival mentor.
Heidi previously stated that she picked Hojin not just because he is "great," but also because she was aware of Simon's strong desire for him to join his squad. "I wanted you even more."
Simon stated at the Draft that he was "upset" when Heidi snagged Hojin away from him.
When Hojin said he had something specially prepared for Simon, Heidi complained that Hojin says "Simon way too many times in his sentences." Even though Heidi believes Hojin has a "crush" on Simon, she still loves him.
Did Yu Hojin reach 'AGT: Fantasy League' semifinals?
Following his performance, Simon stated that Hojin had developed a Vegas-like persona. Mel B was charmed by Hojin's sleek appearance.
Howie Mandel said he was the greatest magician he'd seen in the last five years. He was confident that the in-house audience would advance Hojin to the semi-finals, and he was correct!
Who is 'AGT's Yu Hojin?
Hojin, a former member of the touring magic act The Illusionists, was already successful as a magician prior to his appearance on America's largest talent program. The 31-year-old traveled with the group for seven years and had a guest appearance on 'AGT' in Season 11.
Hojin later auditioned for the program with the group in Season 16, but they did not advance to the final round. He also won the FISM World Championships of Magic Grand Prix in 2012, being the first Asian magician to do so.
Sangsoon Kim believes he's a greater magician than 'AGT' alum Yu Hojin
"Actually, I met Yu Hojin," Sangsoon Kim told the judges. "We kept talking about AGT, and I thought, ‘Oh, I can go, because I’m better [than him].'"
It's unknown when Hojin met Kim, but 'AGT' was undoubtedly on both of their minds. Kim performed the same type of tricks as Hojin during his 2023 'AGT' debut, altering items in the blink of an eye and leaving spectators astounded.
Every Monday at 8 pm ET on NBC, new episodes of 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League' will air