Is Howie Mandel OK? 'America's Got Talent' judge's mysterious absence leaves fans concerned

'AGT' fans began worrying about Howie Mandel after the judge disappeared from the judges' panel without any explanation
'America's Got Talent' judge Howie Mandel (America's Got Talent/ YouTube)
'America's Got Talent' judge Howie Mandel (America's Got Talent/ YouTube)

Fans excitedly tuned in to watch the third round of 'America's Got Talented' Season 17 auditions. While many were engrossed watching the performers showcase their jaw-dropping unique talents, many fans however couldn't help but notice that Howie Mandel was missing from the judges' panel.

The famous stand-up comedian was present at the judges' table alongside his peers- Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, and Heidi Klum, for the first hour of the episode, giving his valuable feedback and insights to the performers. So, when Howie was suddenly missing from the panel and none of the judges or the showrunners gave any explanation behind his absence during the second half of the episode, fans began growing worried and concerned. Thankfully, Howie seems to be just fine and was down with Covid 19 at the time of filming, so he had to step away. Though Howie assured his fans that he was fine, many of them took to Twitter to express their concerns for his health.

RELATED ARTICLES

The Bella twins audition for 'AGT' as Duo Rag Dolls, amused fans say 'best prank ever'

'AGT' 17: Simon Cowell slammed for giving 'mediocre' Sara James golden buzzer, fans say 'just not fair'

'AGT' judge Howie Mandel (NBC)

A fan tweeted, ".@heidiklum #AGT What happened to Howie?" "What happened to Howie?? He didn't meet protocol #AGT," wrote a fan. "@howiemandel where’s Howie!? #agt not the same," declared a fan. "Where did Howie go? #AGT," questioned a fan.



 



 



 



 

Another fan shared, "Miss you Howie. Hope you are doing fantastic right now. @howiemandel #AGT." "Did Howie have Covid or something? Where was this one taped? @agttimepod @agt @howiemandel #agt #AGTauditions #AmericasBestPicsAndVideos," wondered a fan. "If Howie was sick, you couldn't get a backup to replace him? #AGT," added a fan.



 



 



 

'AGT' Season 17 continues to celebrate the variety format like no other show on television. Year after year, the NBC show features a colorful array of singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, magicians, ventriloquists and hopeful stars, all vying to win America's hearts and a $1 million prize.

America's Got Talent' Season 17 airs Tuesdays, at 8 pm on NBC. Following the show's premiere, you can catch all-new episodes every Tuesday from 8 to 10 pm ET/PT. For viewers who wish to tune in to the show without cable, they can do so using any of the following streaming services: Sling TV, fuboTV, Hulu With Live TV, AT&T TV, or YouTube TV.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Cher Horowitz has a teenager of her own in the Paramount+ sequel, and one of her former classmates is returning on screen and in the writers’ room.
2026-11-09T20:01:16.000Z
'VisionQuest' is approaching its finale as Marvel teases a major surprise involving Vision and his family, which could open possibilities for Tommy.
2026-11-09T17:56:28.000Z
Katrina Law calls the new ‘NCIS’ episode her favorite acting job and recalls how a rehearsal with her scene partner took an unexpected turn.
2026-11-09T16:36:10.000Z
'North of North' Season 2 follows Siaja's search for her estranged sister, navigates workplace challenges, and explores her growing feelings for Kuuk.
2026-11-09T15:48:33.000Z
An X post from a Marvel insider sets up the next chapter for Vision ahead of the ‘VisionQuest’ finale
2026-11-09T09:40:28.000Z
Season 2 heads to 1935, while Chastain’s Beverly lives in 2016 in ‘Chapter Two’
2026-11-09T08:33:05.000Z
'The Gilded Age' brings back a season one storyline in its latest episode
2026-11-09T08:04:24.000Z
'Saturday Night Live' pays tribute to the two-time host who found love on the show
2026-11-09T05:15:30.000Z
The final episode runs longer than any other MCU TV episode and closes the ‘WandaVision’ trilogy
2026-11-09T04:55:14.000Z
Each season has six episodes, and the double shoot should finish by early December
2026-11-09T03:29:13.000Z