Howie Mandel is now a member of Club X on “America’s Got Talent.”
The outspoken comedian found himself at odds with fellow “AGT” judges Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara and Heidi Klum during the fifth round of live shows Tuesday night.
Singer Lachuné captivated the jury with her moving rendition of “The Best” by Tina Turner.
“I really admire the fact that you took a song that everyone knows and made your version of it,” Cowell said. “From the first time we met you, you radiate kindness and I would love to see you in the final. I think you really deserve it.”
But even though Mandel applauded Lachuné’s vocal talents, the performance was not to his liking. “Only two (competitors) can qualify, and I don’t think that’s enough to get you to the final,” he said.
Mandel’s critics struck a sour note with Cowell and Vergara, who tripped their buzzers to give Mandel a red X — a gesture usually reserved for rejected contestants during the show’s auditions.
“America (is) going to vote for you,” Vergara told Lachuné, dismissing Mandel’s comments. “You deserve it.”
Here’s what happened in Tuesday’s episode.
Ramadhani Brothers dazzle Simon Cowell with ‘mesmerizing’ balancing act
The Ramadhani brothers have this brotherly synergy.
The balancing duo delivered a thrilling routine in which one brother balances the other’s entire body weight with one hand, while going up and down a flight of stairs and even climbing a ladder.
“It was haunting,” Cowell said. “I think every single person in that audience felt the same way, which was, ‘This is so hard, so scary, and at any moment it could have gone wrong.’ This is an act that should be in the finals and I think it’s a million dollar act.”
Klum was blown away by the brothers’ stunning performance.
“He’s one of the best artists the world has ever seen,” Klum said. “You two are amazing.”
Sofía Vergara calls Golden Buzzer singer Gabriel Henrique an ‘angel’‘
Gabriel Henrique may not have wings, but his voice can soar to the heavens.
The Brazilian singer, who scored Vergara’s Golden Buzzer earlier this season, captivated the judges with his ethereal whistle tone and soulful cover of the Jacob Banks ballad “Something Beautiful.”
“I don’t even have to say anything. It was perfection,” Vergara said. “She was like an angel. You are definitely a star.”
Klum praised Henrique’s extraordinary vocal range.
“You have incredible talent,” Klum said. “You released some inhumane songs. It was incredible what we just heard.”
Howie Mandel salutes 82nd Airborne Division Choir after ‘uplifting’ performance
The choir of the 82nd Airborne Division proudly sings in the tone of red, white and blue.
The vocal ensemble, a military acapella group from North Carolina, moved the judges with its rousing performance of Pink’s “I Am Here.”
Vergara said the performance was a marked improvement over the group’s audition.
“It was fun, uplifting: it was perfect,” Vergara said. “You guys came together and stepped up.”
Mandel said the choir’s choice of song emphasized the importance of its members’ military service.
“You can’t live in this country and be at home being a part of who we are and where we are and not love what you just did,” Mandel said. “We are here because you are here. Without you, we could not do what we do: we would not have freedom, we would not have peace, we would not have security. I can” I can’t thank you enough – for more than your performance – just for being here.
Viewers can vote for their favorite act at nbc.com/agtvote.
‘AGT’:Golden Buzzer dance troupe Chibi Unity advances to finals after member suffers knee injury
‘AGT’:Simon Cowell calls Golden Buzzer Chibi Unity dance team ‘one of the best artists’
USA Today
