Howie Mandel has never hidden his love for comedy, as he was once an incredible stand-up comedian. However, the judge admitted recently that his background has affected how he sees certain contestants on the show.
The judge said that comedians have it more difficult than other acts on the show, and this is why, when they perform for him, they have an advantage. He also acknowledged that he can be more forgiving of them than the audience watching at home.
Mandel made these revelations as the show enters the part of the competition where personal preferences can only take contestants so far. One comedian on the show has already seen how different viewers’ perception of an act can be.
Howie Mandel Admits He Goes Easy On Comedians
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly on Augst 15, Mandel opened up about his judging style and the acts who immediately have his heart. The judge gave a straight answer when he was asked if there was a type of contestant he looked favorably on.
“Absolutely. And easier on comedians than the actual audience,” Mandel said.
This admission stems from Mandel’s background as a stand-up comedian. Long before he became a judge on “AGT,” he built his career as a successful comedian and occasionally takes to the stage every now and then.
His experience in the comedy world has made him appreciate the effort it takes to deliver material to a large audience. He explained to the interviewer that a comedian does not necessarily have the immediate captivating drama that some other “AGT” performances offer.
Instead, the success of the act becomes obvious by the second when the audience is receptive to the material. “It’s a harder job. It really is a harder job to be a comedian,” he told the outlet.
Howie Mandel Personally Gave Two Comics Another Chance
Mandel’s love for comedians became particularly noticeable during Season 21’s new Judges’ Callback round. This round allowed judges to select amazing acts they would love to see one more time, then decide who makes it to the live rounds.
For his callback acts, Mandel chose six acts to see again, and two of them were stand-up comedians Cris Sosa and Daniel Alvarez.
Sosa received positive feedback after his callback routine. Mandel and fellow comedian Nikki Glaser offered advice on ways he could improve. Alvarez also made a lasting impression on the judges, and Glaser described him as “so likable.”
Sosa later told Houston station KPRC that Mandel offered him advice while he was on the show. He noted that the judge told him to find a way to be more memorable and to always bring something special while performing.
However, approval from Mandel was not the icing on the cake.
America Did Not Share Howie Mandel’s Support For Cris Sosa
Once “America’s Got Talent” reached the live quarterfinals, viewers gained much more control over which contestants remained in the competition.
On August 18, 2026, Sosa was part of the first group of performers to compete live. At that point, all Mandel could do was offer feedback. The decision for the comedian to remain on the show rested on the approval of the audience.
Hundred Fingers earned a golden buzzer from Mandel, which took them straight to the finals. Luke Taleno, Olivia Befus, and Royal Lasers garnered enough support from the audience and moved to the semifinals.
Sadly, viewers eliminated Sosa from the show on August 19.
Despite his sad exit, Mandel’s other comic act, Daniel Alvarez, is still in the running. He will compete during the September 1 quarterfinal.
