Exclusive Interview: Jennifer Nettles Chats Go-Big Show Season 2

From starring roles in projects like The Righteous Gemstones to releasing GRAMMY award-winning hits like “Stay”, Jennifer Nettles is a global superstar who has captivated audiences across platforms.

This January, she returns to the judging panel of TBS’ Go-Big Show. The competition series showcases supersized talents on a scale never before seen on television. Featuring monster trucks, alligator trainers, stunt archery, and other radical feats, the program celebrates daring acts alongside personal, behind-the-scenes stories from the challengers as they battle head-to-head to impress the judges and advance toward the finale’s ultimate $100,000 prize.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Jennifer about Go-Big Show Season 2.

PC: Season 2 of Go-Big Show is dropping in the new year. What can fans expect?
Jennifer: You can definitely expect everything to be bigger! The motto of our show is go big or go home. The acts have definitely gone bigger this season. The level of talent, entertainment, and danger were ramped up this season. You can definitely expect the show itself to go even bigger.

PC: You’ve done it all throughout your career. What initially made you want to be a part of the show?
Jennifer: I was curious about the show because it was so different. The majority of competition shows that are out there are much more performing arts-based, so they’re either singing or dancing. I love that this was so different. It’s exploring human limits within the context of entertainment. What makes us feel? How do these acts inspire us by doing crazy, wild superhuman things?

PC: We have T-Pain joining the judging panel this year. How did that change the dynamic amongst the judges and what was it like getting to work with him?
Jennifer: He’s a world icon. Sometimes that has with it its own dynamic. Even myself, I was fangirling. We’re all fans of each other. There’s much more of a symbiosis amongst us in a way. I normally describe it as The Breakfast Club, if you remember that movie. It’s this very crazy, wild, diverse group of characters who are all thrown into Saturday detention. They make it so much fun, even though they’re so different. That’s how I describe our dynamic.

PC: In Season 1, we see you take part in some of the acts. What is that experience been like for you? Is there anything that you will say no to?
Jennifer: There are definitely things that I will say no to, but there are many—and most—that I say yes to. In Season 2, you’ll see there are a couple of times where Rosario [Dawson] and I are like, “Could we do this? You’re not inviting us, but could we learn how to do this because it looks super awesome.”

PC: With this being such a unique show, when you look back at Season 1, did anything surprise you about the experience? What was the biggest takeaway?
Jennifer: You know what surprised me? The human spirit. I’m looking at these acts and I’m wondering, “How did you figure out that you could do this? How were you inspired to try this in the first place?” I thought the first season was big, but everybody upped their game this season.

PC: Speaking of the talent, do you have a favorite act from Season 1? Is there anything you can tease about the acts that we can expect from Season 2?
Jennifer: One of my favorite acts of Season 1 was definitely Curtis Downs. I loved him. He’s from Nitro Circus. He’s such a fantastic talent and definitely thrilling. He had so much grit. I was so proud of him for his performance.

In the second season, I can’t give too much away, but I definitely have some favorites, one of whom you’ll get to see in the first episode. There’s a lot of talent. Professor Splash is such a fun character on the show. You’ll see him in the first episode, too.

PC: You do so much in your career outside of this show. What can fans expect from you in 2022?
Jennifer: There is a lot going on! I have a couple of music projects that I’m wanting to get out there that I’m excited about. I’m developing a musical that I’ll keep working on throughout the year. I have some movie stuff that I can’t talk about, but that’s really, really fun. Righteous Gemstones will be airing in January 2022. That’s exciting. And hopefully, knock on wood, we’ll get another season of Go-Big.

To keep up with Jennifer, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Go-Big Show every Thursday at 9/8c on TBS.