Sofia Vergara returned to America’s Got Talent for the first episode of live performances…the first time she’s sat at the jury table since her split from Joe Manganiello…which Howie Mandel poked fun at.
All of the auditions were taped well before their split, although Tuesday’s first episode of live performance featured a Howie Mandel joke that Vergara absorbed calmly.
Manganiello, 46, filed for divorce from Vergara, 51, in late July, citing “irreconcilable differences” while there have been numerous claims that he wanted children but she didn’t.
While the breakup wasn’t discussed in detail in the episode, Mandel was just discussing an appearance by 12-year-old sorceress and ventriloquist Brynn Cummings, where she was trying to find a new partner for her rabbit puppet in the performance, when he cracked a joke .
“If I have any advice, if you’re looking for eligible bachelors, you should have spoken to Sofia because she’s on the market right now,” referring to her recent split from Joe Manganiello.
Sofia Returns: Sofia Vergara returned to America’s Got Talent for the first episode of live performances…the first time she’s sat at the jury table since her split from Joe Manganiello…which Howie Mandel poked fun at
Joke: All of the auditions were taped well before their breakup, although Tuesday’s first live performance episode contained a joke by Howie Mandel that Vergara absorbed with composure
Brynn: While the breakup wasn’t discussed in detail in the episode, Mandel was discussing an appearance by 12-year-old sorceress and ventriloquist Brynn Cummings — during which she was trying to find a new partner for her rabbit puppet in the performance — when he cracked a joke made
Howie’s quip: “If I had any advice, if you’re looking for eligible bachelors, you should have spoken to Sofia because she’s on the market right now,” referring to her recent split from Joe Manganiello
For her part, Sofia took the joke calmly, raising her arms and laughingly shouting “Yes” while Terry said, “No, we don’t do that here.”
First up were True Villains, a Nashville rock band that constantly competes with country artists in their city.
They sang one of their own original songs, with the group admitting before the performance, “It’s a big risk bringing an original.” “We’re trying to be an original band, not a cover band.”
Their original hard rock song called “Dead to Me” received thunderous applause from the audience.
Howie admitted, “You know, that’s actually my favorite music, it’s my favorite music, it’s not that popular today.” I thought you made a good decision to cover when you auditioned. America will vote, only two can get through. It’s a gamble to make it. I love the original. Your voice is like the most original voice, like the best rock concert from a helium factory
Heidi added, “I loved it, it takes me back to my 20s.” We listened to this music in our 20s, like Axel Rose. The band was super tight, two thumbs up.
Sofia added, “I love you guys.” I love you more than the audition. It’s incredible. I’m so glad you brought this energy with you. We have to start like this tonight. It’s up to America. I think they will love you.’
Simon added, “I enjoyed your audition because you did something very different with a song that we know really well.” No question, you can play really well. You can sing really well,” before admitting, “I hated that song, I did that,” which caused the crowd to boo.
Sofia: Sofia, for her part, took the joke in stride, raising her arms and laughing, shouting “Yes” while Terry said, “No, we don’t do that here.”
True Villains: First up was True Villains, a Nashville rock band that constantly competes with country artists in their city
Original Song: Their original hard rock song called Dead to Me received thunderous applause from the audience
Sofia loves: Sofia added, “I love you guys.” I love you more than the audition. It’s incredible. I’m so glad you brought this energy with you. We have to start like this tonight. It’s up to America. i think they will love you
Simon hated: Simon added, “I enjoyed your audition because you did something very different with a song that we know really well.” No question, you can play really well. You can sing really well,” before admitting, “I hated that song, I did that,” which caused the crowd to boo
Next up is 10-year-old dancer Lambros Garcia, who performed a dance routine for Todrick Hall’s Vogue Zone.
In a video package, he said, “I wanted to do this song because it has a good beat and there’s so much energy, and that’s what I want to show.” I want to show myself. My big dream is to perform on Broadway. This is my chance, but only two people will make it to the final in this round. “I’m nervous but I’ll just bring Lambros 2.0 with me.”
After the performance, Heidi revealed: “I love you and I love everything about you.” Above all, I love that you do it and you don’t care what someone says. you don’t look back You do it and you are perfect.’
Sofia added: “Lambros I love who you’ve become.” You’re so confident tonight. “You were great. My favorite part of your show is how happy you are when you do it.”
Simon added, “You know, what I particularly liked, Lambros, was listening to you, before you started, about the reaction you had at school.” You had a problem with bullies, didn’t you?
Lambros confirmed this, but added that the bullies “completely” disappeared after his AGT audition.
Simon added, “We all loved you because you define the word personality.”
Howie added, “You know Lambros, more than what you do, you’re the same little boy who was bullied and went through that rough time.” Then you showed the world who you are. This is not a Lambros 2.0. you changed the world It’s the world 2.0.’
Moderator Terry Crews asked, “Lambros, what advice do you have for other boys who love to dance?”
Lambros said, “As I discovered in my first audition, not many people respect me, but we can’t let other people destroy our dreams. Dreams do come true, don’t they?’
Next up is Mitchell Mossell, who like True Villains chose to sing an original song after singing another original song at his audition that Howie predicted would go to #1 on the country charts the next day. would land on the charts.
Mitchell revealed that Howie’s prediction was true, although it also ranked #1 in four other genres.
His new song entitled “All I Need To See” was well received by the judges as Sofia said to him: “Mitch you sing with so much emotion it was such a catchy romantic song I love you.” “I love country music. I think you’re the perfect talent for America to fall in love with.”
Simon added, “Howie got it right when he said I think this song is going to be number one.” That audition was a brilliant audition. I saw you watch the movie and get emotional when you saw your family and, you know, you almost swallowed the first part of the song until you started the first chorus. I’m telling you, you’re the good deal. I really, really hope it works out for you. “You are super talented, such a nice person, amazing band – sorry I don’t know your names but they were all great.”
Howie added, “I’m going to make my second prediction.” This is at least number one on the country charts tomorrow as well. For me, tonight you are the best performance so far. I think you’re the player to beat, one of the two going through America, agree with me.’
Heidi added, “You’re radio ready.” Your songs are great. you have a great family I wish you all the best.’
Terry asked Mitch how he thinks tonight’s song will do tomorrow on the charts and he replied, ‘Oh man, I’m hoping for the same results.’ That would be fantastic.’
Next up is Oleksandr Leshchenko and Magic Innovations, who performed a narrative illusion about his native Ukraine, which received a lot of applause, although Simon wasn’t entirely impressed.
“I loved your first audition, I thought it was visually amazing.” However, I thought the music almost ruined it. “It took a great, great song,” says Simon, while Heidi argues, “It was dramatic though.”
Simon replied, “It was just cheesy, the music.” “It wasn’t as good as it should have been, in my opinion.”
Howie didn’t share the same opinion, adding: “I went to a different show tonight. You surpass everything we know – the dancing, the storytelling, the visual, the sounds, you tick every box.” You do so much more than most people and groups that come on stage. You just set a bar.’
Heidi was asked which of the men she agreed with and she said she agreed with Howie, adding: “I think you’re a great storyteller. I want to thank you for coming and sharing your magic on stage.” “You packed quite a lot of stuff in two minutes, well done.”
Sofia was also delighted with the performance, adding, “Sofia: That was a highly technical performance.” I can’t imagine how much it took to nail every second of it. “It was amazing you took it to a new level from the day of the audition today.”
Next up is Adrian Stoica from Turin, Italy, with his cute dog Hurricane, who unlike most canine shows doesn’t use treats as motivation.
“When we perform, Hurricane goes rogue.” She likes to improvise, anything can happen. I do my best to support them. If something goes wrong, it’s not her. It’s me. “Hurricane would love Las Vegas, she’s ready to show she’s the best dog in the world,” he said.
Howie added: “I was on my feet and then I sat down and I was on my feet. That shows how tough it is. We didn’t know whether to stand or sit. He’s a dog, he gets more clues than we do. He’s my favorite ‘dog show of all time at AGT.’
Heidi made an apt joke about Hurricane Hilary making landfall near Los Angeles, adding, “I love it.” “It’s the type of hurricane that we like in Hollywood.”
“And it’s mind-blowing to me how you do this routine with him without giving him treats.” “He knows this whole routine, it’s mind-blowing, unbelievable,” she added.
Sofia added, “That was perfection.” I love the relationship you two have. I love that she has so much fun, the humor, the story. I think Hurricane is ready for Vegas!’
Simon said: “Honestly, I think that’s – in terms of going from audition to live show – that’s the best act we’ve seen tonight. It was great how I said at the beginning, that’s live. “That was a tricky routine,” he asked if Hurricane was a “he” or a “she,” confirming that Hurricane was a “she.”
Next up was the 26-piece Sainted Choir, led by DJ Fannie and Dennis, who took the stage in pink ensembles and sang a medley of hits like Nelly’s Hot In Here and Mark Morrison’s Return of the Mack.
Heidi revealed, “That was so much fun,” while Sofia said, “You guys pulled the space up, that was amazing.”
Heidi added, “Every single one of you brings excellence to the stage,” while Simon said, “It was like seeing 30 brilliant solo artists together.” It was so clever, cool, timely, a step forward. That must have taken a lot of preparation, that’s what we were looking for. Brilliant.’
Next up was 12-year-old Michigan native Brynn Cummings, who mixed magic and ventriloquism in her audition.
“I just want to be myself.” I’m doing something for life that I’ve never done before, and hopefully the reveal is crazy. I also add audience elements, jury elements, comedic elements and props. “I’m used to small theaters. This is my biggest performance yet because it’s also live, it’s just insane,” said Brynn.
Instead of combining magic and ventriloquism, this time she combined ventriloquism with mentalism with the help of Heidi.
She hired Heidi to help her doll – who had just suffered a breakup – find a new partner. She asked them to choose a new partner based on short descriptions, after which Brynn revealed a photo of the partner.
Heidi dropped a “Lamborghini collector,” a “beach lover,” and a “poetry writer” before settling on “a world traveler.”
“Oh my god, he’s a lovebird now, Heidi could have chosen a duck or a platypus, but no, she chose the bird.” Now we’re going to meet him. “I am a wizard. I knew Heidi would choose the bird out of the dozens of options she could have chosen, and now I’m making it appear,” Brynn said, before using her free hand to reveal the new doll.
“Love is like magic.” “Tonight the audience will contribute to that magic that I promised to create a connection with the audience. Please hold up your papers and show America that it loves connections,” Brynn said, while several viewers held up individual photos that included an image of the two lovebirds.
Heidi added, “I think we’ve done a fantastic job, especially you. I wish you the best of luck,” while Sofia said, “That was amazing, it’s so unique that we’ve seen so many ventriloquists.” Seeing you practice mentalism is great, seeing the two things, magic and ventriloquism.”
Simon added, “I had no idea what was going on.” You have to remember what you’re doing ventriloquism. You’re doing brilliantly.’
Next was music teacher John Wines, 59, from Bournemouth, England, who said his audition was “scary but also exhilarating”.
He said his students’ reaction to his performance was “amazing,” adding, “You walk into a class and they just start gossiping.” I can’t get over the fact that I’m doing this. I am a teacher.
He began with an opening version of the US national anthem before moving on to a hard rock version of the Black Eyed Peas’ “Pump It Harder”…although Simon surprised everyone by buzzing him.
After the performance, Howie said the performance was like watching “old man Halen,” and joked, “When the girls come out, that’s a great Viagra commercial, the way you’ve been able to keep it up all this time.” I loved it.’
Terry asked Simon why he was using his buzzer, and he replied, “I was just imagining the whole thing — I don’t know what it was.” It just felt weird. “You are very talented.”
Heidi joked, “Simon, didn’t you think it was tearable?” I love it even more. i love your outfits You walked in front of the mirror and said, “Yes, that’s how I’m going to live, I love it.” “You can shred it like no one can.”
Next, Manhattan comedian Maureen Langan talks about her preparations for the show.
“I prepare for the lives by just going out there and doing three, four sets and going on like that. It’s intense, it’s nerve-wracking going live in front of millions of people, maybe I want to throw up in the corner.” I want to bring the same energy that I brought before I want to show them I’m consistent. This is the greatest achievement of my life, which I have mustered for 20 years. “I feel great,” she said before the performance.
She shared jokes about crochet and menopause before joking that she had a gay ex-husband… adding, “Well, he was a golfer, it’s the same thing.”
She ended with a joke about her gynecologist telling her to “go to your special place,” and she joked, “Well you’re so close, why don’t you go there?”
Her routine got the crowd going, as Sofia added, “Maureen, you can tell you’ve been practicing and getting out there.” You feel so confident. You feel like you’re having fun. “I can understand all your jokes. I love you,” Maureen joked. “If I could look like you, it would help me get through this.”
Simon said he thought it was “good,” but that wasn’t true. “He enjoyed the audition,” and he missed the one big moment where a joke actually landed.
Howie disagreed, adding, “You said you wanted to be professional and consistent.” You showed us you were professional and consistent. This is a big family show. I’ve been married a long time. I think you made big jokes for the women out there that you can understand and relate to. Your final joke to me was your special place, which is also my special place.
Next up is Ray Wold, who couldn’t find an assistant for his audition, so he turned to his 85-year-old mother. The audition garnered 165 million views, the season’s second-highest total.
The routine included Ray setting himself and his mother on fire, and setting other things on stage on fire, with Ray’s mother even slipping through a flaming hoop… but Howie was the hit.
The finale involved Ray being dunked in a tank of water which was set on fire, submerged for many seconds before resurfacing unharmed.
Heid joked, “What am I thinking?” What am I not thinking? I mean, this act was really a pleasure. Jokes aside, it was lit.’
Sofia added, “I don’t know what happened during the audition and I don’t know what just happened today.” They’re the craziest couple I’ve ever seen in my life, and they’re very, very much too inspiring. “I want to be with you with my son in the future.”
Terry asked Howie how he could put the show on stage, and Howie explained, “Because I love my mom and if you love your mom don’t set her on fire, even the security guy has a helmet and a visor.” His mom did a straw hat and a flamethrower. It’s just wrong.’
Simon, on the other hand, “thought it was beautiful.” You know what, where else will you see a mother setting her son on fire? I’ve never seen that before. That’s why I love this act. I love you, both of you. It’s awesome.’
The final act was Heidi’s golden buzzer, Lavender Darcangelo, a blind autistic singer from Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
In the video package before her performance, she said, “Whereas people often label me because of the disability that I am.”
“The golden buzzer made me feel like the world is seeing me now.” “It was just so emotional for me,” she added.
She decided to sing the 1984 Foreigner hit “I Want To Know What Love Is,” adding before the performance, “I chose to do it because being on America’s Got Talent gave me so much confidence. “This song is definitely challenging my vocal range. I know it’s a challenging song. I’ll start with the heart and the voice choices will follow.”
Her powerful rendition of the “Foreigner” hit amazed both the judges and the audience, and Heidi expressed how proud she was of her after the performance.
“I’m so proud of you, I love you Lavender, I can feel you when you sing.” I can feel you. I hope everyone in this room does. I hope everyone at home felt you. I hope that everyone will vote for you so that we can go to the next round together. Please vote, America.”
Simon added: “It’s the most incredible feeling when a candidate that everyone loves makes it and you can feel it behind you. I have to tell you, the second half of this song, the way you sang it, the whole song, the lyrics ‘took a whole different meaning for me, it was beautiful.’
America’s Got Talent returns Wednesday night at 8 p.m. with the results of America’s voting on today’s performances, plus a “super effort” from AGT with five previous winners – Aidan Bryant, Pack Drumline, Human Fountains, Light Balance and Kodi Lee.