Amazing acts have taken the “America’s Got Talent” stage with their dance moves, singing abilities, and dangerous stunts. Howie Mandel acted before the show, but also worked as a comedian. The judge explained why he takes it easier on stand-ups than on other acts.
Howie Mandel Thinks Comedians Are at a Disadvantage on ‘America’s Got Talent’
NBCComedians rarely take the $1 million prize home. Ventriloquists win more than others, like Terry Fator of season 2, Paul Zerdin of season 10, and Darci Lynne of season 12.
The funny acts who don’t use a puppet have placed in the top three. Josh Blue placed third on season 16, Ryan Niemiller placed third on season 14, Drew Lynch placed second on season 10, Taylor Williamson placed second on season 8, and Tom Cotter placed second on season 7. Mandel, 70, answered whether he judges comedians differently in an Entertainment Weekly interview.
“Absolutely. And easier on comedians than the actual audience,” the judge admitted. “Being a comedian, I understand it’s really hard on our show when you see somebody come out and fly two stories in the air and light themselves on fire and then things appear. And then next, you have Bob walk out and he tells a story about raising his kid.”
He believes a disadvantage for comedians is that people don’t know what it takes to do it. “I don’t think people understand what goes into, number one, coming up with material, presenting that, and the need to elicit laughs from people who don’t know you,” the actor said.
It’s also important to consider that comedy can be very subjective. It’s harder to take an act seriously, though, when they have a puppet in their lap. There is also an obvious skill with ventriloquism.
Where Are the Funny ‘America’s Got Talent’ Winners Now?
Fator is currently on his Pure Imagination: Once Upon a Voice tour. He does impersonations or voice characters inspired by famous people, such as Willie Nelson, Justin Bieber, and Michael Jackson.
Zerdin posts some of his performances on YouTube. His international Shut Your Mouth tour starts this September and continues into June.
Lynne won the reality show when she was 12 years old. She’s 21 years old and branched out to releasing country music. “Takes A Melody” was released last year with lyrics about missing a lover. She is also touring with her puppets.
If comedians have a tough time on the talent show, then which acts win the most? Singers win the most, which is understandable since singing is easier to judge. It doesn’t hurt that Simon Cowell, who became famous on “American Idol,” is an important judge on the show.
Comedians might have a tougher time, but they continue to have careers after the competition. They also have someone on their side on the panel.
“America’s Got Talent” airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Results episodes air at the same time on Wednesdays on NBC. Episodes are available to stream on Peacock the next day.
