Howie Mandel has been a recurring face behind the “America’s Got Talent” judges table to know which act can potentially turn into a winning act. However, season 21 of the show is proving to make that skill a bit difficult.
The longtime judge recently opened up that at this time in the show, he would normally know who is taking home the prize money. But, the competing acts are heating things up in an unusual manner, making it difficult for him to settle on one winner.
Mandel’s uncertainty comes as “AGT” moves deeper into its live competition. Although the judge may not have decided on his winning act for the season, he disclosed that several performers have his attention.
Howie Mandel Claims His ‘AGT’ Predictions Are Usually Right
During a discussion with Entertainment Weekly, Mandel spoke about his usual ability to predict who the winner of a season will be. The comedian explained that he would ordinarily have a “clear idea” of the act he expects to win by this point in a season.
He also boasted that his predictions record have been ‘about 80 percent’ accurate. Sadly, this season is proving harder with each competitor gracing the stage.
Mandel has been a judge on the “AGT’ show alongside Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara and Mel B since 2010. According to the 70-year-old judge several competing acts have shown promise throughout the season. A total of 44 acts entered the live shows after the audition and callback stages.
Mandel also mentioned that contestants are also feeling the added pressure of performing in real-time for a grand prize of $1 million.
Howie Mandel Confesses He Has A Soft Spot For “AGT” Comedians
Although Mandel is not clear on who is likely to win this season, the judge made a confession during his interview with Entertainment Weekly. He admitted to the outlet that there is a category of contestants he naturally loves to see succeed.
The veteran stand-up comedian revealed that he is usually sympathetic towards comics that come on the show.
His reason for this is that it is truly a big deal for a comic to grace the “AGT” stage with a 2-minute material that makes thousands of people laugh. He explained that comedians face a different challenge from performers whose talents provide an immediate visual spectacle.
Dancers, singers, magicians and sveral other acts can easily captivate the audience in a dramatic way, but for comedians, it’s an entirely different challenge. For a comic, his or her success depends heavily on how the audience responds.
This and many more reasons is why Mandel roots heavily for comics on the show.
Despite his fondness for this categery of contestants, Mandel also appreciated others acts like rock musician and guitarist Nene Royal. He noted that she is one of the standout performers of the season.
Howie Mandel Has Already Sent One Favorite Straight To The Final
Although Mandel is still conflicted about which act will win the season, he seems to have some favorites. The former comedian was particularly smitten by the magic ground called “Hundred Fingers.”
During the auduition stage, the judge awarded this awesome group one of his Golden Buzzers, sending them straight to the live shows. The group, brought together by magician Yu Hojin earned a standing ovation from the audience with their incredible sleight-of-hand magic.
During the first live quarterfinal on August 18, the group made another powerful impression on Mandel. After their amazing magic performance, the judge again used his live Golden Buzzer to send the group straight to the finals.
Mandel described what he watched as a performance worthy of the show’s grand prize money.
Is the judge picking this magic group as his winners for season 21 of “AGT”? Only time will tell.
