'AGT' Season 18: Andrew Stanton's 'gross' act leaves Simon Cowell horrified, fans say 'too disturbing to watch'

Andrew Stanton's 'Britain's Got Talent' audition received 83 Ofcom complaints after viewers found it 'disturbing'
UPDATED AUG 30, 2023
Andrew Stanton's dangerous sword act stuns Simon Cowell, who labeled the performance 'brilliantly disgusting' (YouTube/AGT)
Andrew Stanton's dangerous sword act stuns Simon Cowell, who labeled the performance 'brilliantly disgusting' (YouTube/AGT)

Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: Andrew Stanton, a participant in 'America's Got Talent,' has left a mark on the judges after sustaining injuries during his performance. During the live edition on Tuesday, August 29, eleven performers battled for two slots in the finals.

Each of them went all out, but one contestant pushed his body to its limits for his art. Andrew is a 42-year-old man who swallows swords and performs other incredible feats with his body.

The 'AGT' contestant began his act by inserting a huge metal spring into his nose and allowing it to exit via his mouth. Then he upped his game by using his eye sockets to lift a woman who was bound by chains and rubber hooks.



 

But Andrew didn't just raise her with his face; he accomplished it with two swords down his neck. He then swallowed a bigger blade before inserting his head into a metal clamp. Once his head was secure, he began swinging about the stage, secured only by the clamp.

Finally, the woman from earlier in the performance appeared on stage and climbed upon Andrew. He swung around the stage by the clap once more with the sword in his mouth, but this time she joined him - all on live television.

When the stunt was complete, they both bowed to the crowd, but Andrew was panting severely. Then he slumped and dropped to his knees, prompting the show's presenter, Terry Crews, to inquire whether he was okay.

Although Andrew stated multiple times that he was fine following the incident, it was evident that he had been hurt. His eyes were red and watery, his face was flushed, and he struggled to stand.

Andrew was asked whether he needed a physician, but he declined. Finally, Simon Cowell inquired whether he had injured himself, and received a slight affirmation. The judges went over their talking points as swiftly as they could.

"That was disgusting but brilliantly disgusting," Simon said, "and I think one of my favorite acts tonight." "You say you shouldn't try this at home...," Simon concluded. "You shouldn't try this anywhere."

Andrew's performance on X shocked and captivated viewers. One person wrote, "This guy will not make it this is just plain stupidity on many levels and also disturbing to watch on #AGT." Others noted, "Agreed. Sofia and Simon were almost as entertaining as Andrew Stanton! (I hope he’s okay, BTW..)" One fan wrote, "I was so spooked." A fourth person tweeted, "Don't try this ever. It's not what you think."



 



 



 



 

On YouTube, a person wrote, "That was one of the most disturbing things I've ever seen in my life, he's crazy!" One fan argued, "Beautiful singing gets a red x but this freaky things doesn’t get stopped. Seriously judges." Others noted, "Horrifying and gross." One viewer wrote, "Honestly, this act is starting to get repetitive."



 

What happened to Andrew Stanton on 'Britain's Got Talent'?

Andrew Stanton's 'Britain's Got Talent' audition received 83 Ofcom (British government agency) complaints because viewers found it "disturbing," with some even calling it "sick."

The performance took place on the show's April 29 broadcast. Andrew, the sword swallower, astounded the crowd with his act. Ant and Dec began by advising the audience not to try this at home.

'AGT' Season 18 judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara (NBC)
'AGT' Season 18 judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara (NBC)

When will 'AGT' Season 18 Qualifier 3 air?

'AGT' Season 18 Qualifier 3 will air on September 5 at 8 pm ET. Eleven artists take the stage live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, with the audience voting for their favorite performance to advance to the final round.

'America's Got Talent' Season 18 now airs both Tuesdays and Wednesdays on NBC at 8 pm ET

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