The competition for the brightest “America’s Got Talent: All-Stars” stars continues.
Top international “Got Talent” acts continue to compete on NBC’s super-competition (Mondays, 8 EST/PST), with their sights set on the finals. Only Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel were capable of hitting the Golden Buzzer Monday, securing an act’s place in the finals. (The second spot in the finals would be determined by a voting panel of “superfans,” while eight other contestants would be eliminated again.)
Here’s how the evening went down:
Cowell’s Golden Buzzer selection surprises him.
Mike E. Winfield, a comic from “AGT” Season 17, returned to amuse the judges. He made a joke about his stepson, whom he refers to as “stepman” because they are the same age, staying out too late. “I drove around the corner to get him (from a party), and I got home three hours later,” Winfield explained. According to his wife, “‘Michael, have you been drinking?’ ‘We have some of the same friends,’ I say. Everyone was present. He is still present. I’m going to go get him again.”
“You are a ray of sunshine to me,” Klum exclaimed. “You are absolutely hilarious.”
Cowell predicted that if Winfield had previously performed the evening’s routine, “It could have been a completely different story if you hadn’t returned funnier and more confident. I can see how much this means to you right now in your eyes.”
“It means everything,” Winfield said. “This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I desired ‘AGT.’ I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and you go unnoticed for a long time before you get a platform. There is no time to take off or slow down. I’m here to have fun.”
Cowell gave the standup the Golden Buzzer after noticing the audience’s love for him. “What do you think, Mike? I love, love, love people who compete,” Cowell said, “and I wasn’t expecting to do this, but I’m going to do it.”
Avery Dixon, a saxophonist, hits all the right notes.
Saxophonist Avery Dixon, who competed on Season 17 of “AGT” and received a Golden Buzzer from host Terry Crews, returned on Monday.
“I’m here to get her that house and win it all,” said the young musician, who picked up the saxophone after being bullied about his voice.
Dixon gave himself a fighting chance by performing a lively rendition of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” with his band, which brought a dancing Klum to her feet.
“That’s how you do it!” she exclaimed, a smile on her face.
Mandel praised Dixon’s progress. “You took it up a notch,” Mandel said. “You went from an incredible piece of talent to an incredible show. You are a spectacle!”
Cowell finds Bir Khalsa nearly unwatchable.
Bir Khalsa, a dangerous stunt group that first appeared on Season 14, proved it was ready for “All-Stars” with a terrifying act Cowell found difficult to watch.
A blindfolded member of the four-person group took a sword and sliced coconuts resting on another member’s neck for one bite. “I can’t take it!” exclaimed an agitated Crews.
Another trick was performed by the blindfolded member, who smashed coconuts and watermelon while outlining his collaborator’s body with a sledgehammer. “I can’t watch,” Mandel said, nervously placing his hands on his head.
Cowell covered his eyes as the sledgehammer approached a watermelon by the group member’s head. Following a swing, Cowell, who had turned away from the stage, inquired, “Is he alive?”
The blindfolded man used a chainsaw to slice an apple between the heads of two partners for the group’s final feat.
“By far the craziest thing I’ve ever seen,” Mandel said.
“Ever!” Klum concurred. “It was exhausting to observe! You guys are insanely insane, and it was so entertaining. It was fantastic. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.”
Cowell stated that the group would receive his vote for the finals.
Who did the superfans choose?
Crews revealed its Top 3 for the finals, prolonging the suspense of the panel’s selection. (Remember, they can only advance one act.)
