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'AGT: All-Stars' fans unhappy as Simon Cowell rings Golden Buzzer for 'cringe' comedian Mike E Winfield

Fans aren't overjoyed since they believe there are plenty more deserving performers that didn't make it to the finals

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: On 'America's Got Talent: All-Stars,' Monday, January 16, 2023, stand-up comedian Mike E Winfield received the Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell. However, fans aren't overjoyed since they believe there are plenty more deserving performers that didn't make it to the finals.

Mike grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, but went to Los Angeles to pursue comedy and escape the hazards of his hometown. Mike recalls finding a revolver beneath his mother's pillow as a toddler and thinking, "I can't wait for my teeth to fall out," he says on his website. Mike's stand-up comedy shows reflect on his life experiences, from his marriage to his choice to quit his work. His audition for 'AGT' Season 17 drew the attention of judge Simon, who told him, "You have a real star quality about you, Mike. We always say an audition on this show two minutes can literally change your life," he added. "Maybe this is one of those auditions."

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Judge Howie Mandel made Mike Winfield an astonishing job offer, telling him that if he didn't make it to the top two, he could open for Howie in New York. "I will tell you something: if you do not get voted into the finals, on September 9, I'm playing the Westbury Theater in New York," Howie said after his comedy routine. "You come and open up for me." "But I've got a feeling you're not going to be available," he continued.

The duo never performed together, but Howie was so taken with Mike that he and the other judges gave him a standing ovation. "He just makes me, and an entire room, explode," Howie told People. "I think he's unique. I think he's a star in himself," he continued. "I love everything he's talking about. I like the way he dresses and his glasses and the way he looks. I liked everything about him. I think the kid is a star. I thought that was the best performance of the night."

On Monday night, the audience was up and dancing before he had started. Mike was determined to win this time. The jokes were inspired once again by his older wife and stepson, who is close to his age and whom he refers to as "step-man." 

Heidi Klum referred to Mike as a "ray of sunshine." Simon believes Mike has returned, funnier and more confident. Mike declares that he wants the victory "more than anything." The audience erupts in applause. Simon was so delighted with Mike's demeanor that he awarded him the Golden Buzzer. Simon stated that he was not intending to press the button, but was so impressed by Winfield that he felt compelled to do so.

Unhappy fans took to social media, and wrote, "Really this guy Mike is in the finals, but Sara James no? He's cringe. I don't understand people's decision sometimes." Another person dubbed him, "I call him Mike E. WinFraud." Another viewer didn't feel that Mike was worthy of the Golden Buzzer, "What??? that was not #GoldenBuzzer worthy but congrats to Mike Winfield." A viewer tweeted, "Tired of getting the golden buzzer spoiled every week."

One fan was shocked at Simon's decision but then also thought the decision could have been worse, "Didn't expect him to be the Golden buzzer. Could be worse?" Surprised to see Simon giving his Golden Buzzer to a comedian, a fan wrote, "Really Simon gave golden buzzer to comedian."

'America's Got Talent: All-Stars' airs every Monday at 8/7c on NBC.

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