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'AGT: Fantasy League' viewers slam 'rude' judges Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel over Sheldon Riley criticism

The studio crowd jeered 'AGT: Fantasy League' mentors Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell for their scathing critique of Sheldon's performance

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Australian singer Sheldon Riley, known from 'America's Got Talent' Season 15, returned to the main stage on February 5 during the Semi-finals 2 episode of 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League.' He performed 'Golden Hour' by JVKE. The studio crowd reacted negatively to Howie Mandel and Simon Cowell's critical comments on Sheldon's performance. In contrast, Heidi Klum and his mentor Mel B provided generally positive feedback. "You know, I’m just gonna say what I thought," Howie announced when it was his turn to speak.

"I think you’re one of the best singers we have heard on this show. But tonight, I thought that was way off. I found that way off." As the audience responded negatively to Howie's words, he continued, "Rather than hitting the notes, you were hitting volume, and you stayed in one little plane, and it was just loud. I think you’re much better than that, I really do. I don’t think that was your best."

Mel B applauded Sheldon for pushing things "to the next level," Heidi commented on his "bold fashion" and "extra" attitude, and Simon said he had a "great voice" and was "interesting," but he admitted this wasn't one of his "best nights."

On X, viewers criticized the male judges, writing, "Sheldon Riley did a awesome performance, I can't believe that Howie and Simon didn't like his performance, you don't listen to anyone telling you what you can't do,is what you can do." While another user chimed in, "You were absolutely Amazing and Beautiful as always! .I don't agree with all the judges!"

One user also tweeted, "He deserved more credit for his amazing performance, I thought it was amazing, his voice, the look, just the whole package. I was upset to hear Simon and Howie be so rude." A fourth person wrote, "I feel like Howie really displayed his ignorance tonight. He probably should not be judging the singing."

People were still happy with Mel B's support as they quipped, "Just put Mel B and Simon in a ring already. @SheldRiley blew the roof off!" Further disagreeing with Simon and Howie, one person noted, "Never expected Sheldon to take this song (but now having just seen it, it's PERFECT for his voice) & HE'S NEVER NEEDED THE MASK - don't know if he'll go through but he can ABSOLUTELY be proud of what he did (a couple of judges' comments notwithstanding)."  

Did Sheldon Riley advance to 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League' finale?

After singing 'Golden Hour' in the Semi-finals, the studio audience voted, and Sheldon was eliminated along with seven other artists. Other also-rans were magician Yu Hojin, sand artist Kseniya Simonova, danger act Grace Good, singer Darci Lynne, singing trio Chapel Hart, and dog act Adrian Stoica & Hurricane.

Sheldon Riley removed his mask during 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League' Qualifier

Sheldon previously sang 'idontwannabeyouanymore' and 'Can't Get You Out of My Head' on the 15th season of 'AGT' while wearing a face mask because he felt self-conscious about his appearance. During the 'AGT: Fantasy League' Qualifiers, he roared out "Tattoo" and took off his mask mid-performance for the first time, owing to Mel B's guidance.

Was Sheldon Riley on 'The Masked Singer'?

Sheldon is the second 'AGT' alum to join 'The Masked Singer' franchise, following Jackie Evancho, who appeared in the third US series as 'Kitty'.

'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League' airs on Mondays on NBC at 8 pm ET