Howie Mandel Reacts to America’s Got Talent’s Shocking Season 21 Twist

Watch: Why Howie Mandel “Kind of” Regrets Apologizing to Kelly Ripa After Tense On-Air Exchange

America’s got twists—and Howie Mandel is totally here for it.

Following night two of America’s Got Talent‘s Judges’ Callbacks, the comedian revealed why he’s such a fan of the NBC reality competition series’ new season 21 curve ball.

“I was excited because it’s not just the traditional middle rounds,” the comedian told E! News in an exclusive interview. “We are always very passionate about who we think could go on to the live shows.”

Plus, Mandel thinks the new round of auditions is “amazing” because it gives competitors one final chance to score an invite to the Live Auditions, which kick off Aug. 18.

As the comedian explained, “Simon [Cowell] said, ‘Enough of this. If you’re really passionate about certain people, pick four of five people, take them with you, give them some input if you really believe you can move them on to the live shows.'”

And Mandel is already noticing a positive response after hand-picking five acts to prove their worthiness during the Callbacks.

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“I brought five acts to my office and then to my friend’s club The Laugh Factory,” the 70-year-old shared. “It was just off the hook. In fact, one of the videos just went crazy viral. Nene [Royal], she’s a young Thai girl, 16 years old. Just rips the guitar, she’s a rockstar.”

And it’s safe to say Mandel’s support could go a long way for Royal. As he added, “I think she’s got a shot at winning the whole thing.”

Chris Haston/NBC

However, he clarified of the Judges’ Callbacks, “I don’t know if it changes the outcome,” adding, “We’ve always had these deliberations, this just made it a lot clearer who is deserving of moving on.”

While fans will have to tune in to watch Mandel’s favorite season 21 acts go up against those picked by Cowell, Mel B and Sofía Vergara, the standup comic revealed the show’s latest twist isn’t the only thing making this season of AGT so special.

Trae Patton/NBC

“This is my Sweet 16,” Mandel—who joined the show for 2010’s fifth season—excitedly told E!. “I would never walk away from such a joyous non-job. It’s not really a job.”

“I’ve watched every episode before I was ever there,” he added. “I used to just sit on my couch in my underwear watching it. I love variety television, I love talent.”

Follow the season 21 competition by watching AGT Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC.

In the meantime, keep reading to look back at more TV stars’ shocking series exits.

—Reporting by Amanda Champagne-Meadows

Trae Patton/NBC

Do America’s Got Talent Contestants Audition for the First Time in Front of the Judges?No. In fact, contestants have a long road before they audition in front of the judges, who include Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofía Vergara and Simon Cowell for season 20.”We have open call auditions virtually to reach as many people as possible,” Theresa Graham, NBCUniversal’s director of unscripted formats, told NBC Insider in 2022. “Anybody can sign up and have an audition with our casting team and producers. If they think that somebody is worth considering, they put them through to our executive producers. After they say yes, then the act will go to audition in front of the judges. We all see everything play out from there.”Hopefuls can try out through either an in-person or virtual open call or through a video audition.

Trae Patton/NBC

How Long Do Contestants Have to Audition for America’s Got Talent?Set your timers! Because according to the audition guidelines, individuals will have up to 90 seconds to show off their skills during the open calls. However, the regulations note “producers reserve the right to modify audition times.”

Eric Liebowitz/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Is There Anything America’s Got Talent Contestants Can’t Bring to the Open Call Auditions?Yes, quite a few items, actually.While many acts incorporate open flames, for instance, the rules state that “fire and special rigging are not allowed at open call auditions.” Similarly, competitors will need to fill out an Animal Information Form and bring the animal’s vaccination record if their act incorporates an animal. Other prohibited items, per the rules, include “coolers (unless for medical reasons), fireworks, weapons, sharp tools, mace/pepper spray, illicit drugs, alcohol, [or] props requiring fire or pyrotechnics.”

Trae Patton/NBC

Does America’s Got Talent Cover Contestants’ Expenses to Audition in Front of the Judges?Once contestants make it through the initial rounds, they must try out in front of the judges. However, they don’t have to worry about paying the full bill to get there.According to America’s Got Talent‘s audition guidelines, contestants will be provided with airfare if they have to travel far for the judges audition round, or they’ll be given a bus ticket, train ticket or gas reimbursement for driving if they live fairly close to the audition site. They are also provided with hotel accommodations as well as a daily allowance for food or other expenses.

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Do America’s Got Talent Contestants Get Their Hair and Makeup Done?According to America’s Got Talent audition guidelines, the show does not provide hair and makeup support for contestants during the judges audition round; however, competitors are expected to come “camera ready.” Although, the series does provide these services for contestants for future rounds.In fact, AGT‘s makeup artist Tonia Green noted on Instagram the hair and makeup team worked with “hundreds of contestants” during season 19.

Trae Patton/NBC

Do America’s Got Talent Contestants Rehearse Their Acts Before the Show?Yes. Contestants have the opportunity to run through their acts during the rehearsals. However, this isn’t the only part of the show they go over.”I don’t know if you guys know this, but all the contestants have to do a results rehearsal,” Sofie Dossi, who competed on three seasons of America’s Got Talent, shared in a 2024 YouTube video. “It’s so everyone knows where to go if you’re booted off or if you make it through and for the staff to figure out lighting and camera angles.”

Trae Patton/NBC

Do the Winners of America’s Got Talent Get Their Money Right Away?The grand prize for winning America’s Got Talent is $1 million. But does the champion get the full amount right away?”The prize, which totals $1,000,000 is payable in a financial annuity over forty years,” a statement at the end of the show’s credits read, “or the contestants may choose to receive the present value of such annuity.”If you take $1,000,000 and you divide it by 40, that comes out to $25,000 per year before taxes for those who choose to receive the payment over time.

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