Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with JJ Pantano

There’s no question we would give our golden buzzer to JJ Pantano. The comedian-singer is one to keep your eye on and a talent who we’re expecting big things from in the years to come. But don’t take our word for it. Just ask industry legends like Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Heidi Klum, and Terry Crews, who JJ impressed on his way to the semifinals of America’s Got Talent: The Champions. We recently caught up with JJ to learn what he’s been up to since his impressive run.

PC: How did you discover your passion for comedy?
JJ: One day, I got up and performed some dad jokes at a venue my mum was singing at. I got so many laughs that I couldn’t stop telling jokes. I even started making some up on the spot. One of the jokes I made up on the spot was why did the man cut the grass? Because it was too long.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
JJ: My family because they’re in the business. My grandfather is the most awarded cabaret artist in Australia. My mum is a singer. My dad is a presenter, so I’ve grown up watching them on stage.

Now my biggest influence is Howie Mandel for comedy because I watch him every day on social media, and I am learning so much about comedy. He’s my idol. Also, Simon Cowell inspired me to sing now because he thought I was a singer when I first walked on the stage of America’s Got Talent: The Champions. I’ve recorded my very first single and music video called “They Just Don’t Get It.” It was so much fun.

PC: How challenging is it to balance your career and life as a normal kid?
JJ: It’s not that hard. It’s normal for me because I’ve always done it. I do kid stuff and I do comedy, acting, and singing stuff. It’s all really fun.

PC: You’ve competed on Australia’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent: The Champions. What was the biggest takeaway from each of these experiences?
JJ: The biggest takeaway from Australia’s Got Talent was McDonald’s. The biggest takeaway from America’s Got Talent: The Champions was In-N-Out Burger. [laughs] Seriously though, everyone works so hard. That’s what I learned. I have had the chance to perform with the most talented people ever and in front of such legendary judges. You have to work hard, but all of it has been so much fun. Dreams can come true. You have to go for it! I’ve learned anything is possible.

PC: When you look back at these experiences, is there a standout moment?
JJ: There are so many moments. Got Talent has changed my life. When I got the Golden Buzzer on Australia’s Got Talent, that was a moment I’ll never forget, and when Howie Mandel gave me his vote on Champions, coming from such an incredible comedian was an honor. And then to top it off, Simon Cowell gave me his vote that put me through to the semifinals of AGT Champions.

To have the big boss of the show put you through, I couldn’t believe it. Then when I was invited back on the results show to interview Simon, Howie, Heidi, Alesha, and Terry Crews after I was eliminated was the best thing ever. I thought it was all over, but then I got to come back. I got to hang out with them all.

I got to hang out with Simon Cowell, who was so kind to me. We have a lot in common. We both like snakes. And I also got to hang out with Howie Mandel, who always makes time for me. We’re friends now, and we talk sometimes on Instagram. He even sent me a really funny message for my birthday. He’s just the funniest guy ever, after me of course. I love him. They are both such legends. I’m a very lucky kid.

PC: As you move forward in your career, what are some of the goals you hope to accomplish?
JJ: I’d love to go on The Ellen Show. That’s my next goal. And then my dream is to be in a Disney or Nickelodeon TV show. Maybe Howie can be in it too?

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
JJ: I binge-watched some of Empire with mum during ISO. It was great.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
JJ: The Rocky series

PC: Favorite book?
JJ: The Dog Man books

PC: Favorite play or musical?
JJ: The Greatest Showman

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
JJ: AC/DC

PC: Hidden talent?
JJ: Gaming, and I play the piano.

To keep up with JJ, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Trae Patton/NBC