PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: Howie Mandel attacked his co-judges Sofia Vergara and Simon Cowell on live television, leaving fans perplexed, with many labeling the comedian a 'hypocrite'.
During the live broadcast of 'America's Got Talent' on Tuesday, September 12, Puppet Simon and The Cowbells competed for a spot in the finals.
The Cowbells are a puppeteer ensemble that operates many puppets on stage, including Simon and Sofia puppets.
The puppets sing and dance in an attempt to win over the 'AGT' audience at home and in the studio.
Despite their best efforts, the Cowbells did not appear to have won over the judges. During the performance, Sofia was the first to press the buzzer, and Simon swiftly followed suit.
Simon, the last to sound the buzzer, stated that the performance "started well, but then got increasingly worse."
The audience began booing Simon, and Sofia said, "No! It was horrific in the beginning," but the puppet version of herself made the set better.
When it came time for Howie to assess the act, he didn't hold back from blasting his co-judges. "I don't think giving red buzzers at this point in the contest is appropriate," the 67-year-old stated.
The evening's host, Terry Crews, quickly began calling out the former game show host. Terry could only respond, "What?!" with a puzzled expression on his face.
The other judges began to giggle at Howie's hypocrisy. The judge is well-known for repeatedly pressing the red buzzer during live broadcasts, and he's done it multiple times this season.
Fans of the X competition program, formerly known as Twitter, swiftly chastised Howie for his remark.
One user asked, "Then why did you buzz @SharpeSingers when they were singing during the live shows? You seem to be hypocritical here Howie." While one quipped, "Howie call the kiddle black when it comes to the buzzer."
One user reminded him, "Howie: "I dont think its appropriate to buzz at this stage in the competition." uh, you Buzzed Ray Wold AND Sharpe Family Singers AND Parent Jam so shut the f**k up." A fourth user noted, "Coward Howie! Waited to stand until Simon did! Coward!"
On Reddit, users wrote, "WAIT A MINUTE HOWIE................ You have been Giving Buzzers all Season!" Another person chimed in, "LOL Howie is such a Hypocrite!" While some called him, "Cheap shot comic. That's why he is downgraded to 1% funny."
How much does 'AGT' pay Howie Mandel?
Howie earns $70,000 from each episode of 'AGT,' which may equal $1.5 million in the 2022 season, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Because Howie has been on the talent show for 13 years, he might have earned more than $15 million during the last decade.
Who is 'AGT' judge Howie Mandel's wife?
Since 1980, Howie has been married to Terry Mandel (nee Soil). They have three children: two daughters, Jackie and Riley, and a son, Alex.
Are 'AGT' judges Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel friends?
While Howie claims to enjoy working with Simon, he also admits that they do not always get along. Given Simon's strong feelings on certain issues, it may be difficult to find someone who always agrees with him.
When will 'AGT' Season 18 Qualifiers 5 air?
New episodes of 'AGT' Season 18 air on NBC every Tuesday and Wednesday at 8/7c. However, Qualifiers 5 will air on Tuesday, September 19 (performance show) and Wednesday, September 20.
The fifth week of 'AGT' live performances for Season 18 will be back, with 11 of the 55 overall acts performing in front of judges Simon, Howie, Heidi, and Sofia, as well as host, Terry.