'AGT' Season 18 Finale: Howie Mandel slammed by viewers for calling Chibi Unity's act 'mediocre'
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: Chibi Unity's performance, according to Simon Cowell, was the "best performance of the night." However, viewers attacked Howie Mandel when he said their act on 'America's Got Talent' Season 18 finale was "mediocre".
Chibi Unity made it to the semi-finals despite losing one member due to an injury in the first round, thus their final performance was all about seizing the opportunity to realize their ambition without holding back.
Simon reminded everyone that he's never been a fan of dancing groups, but groups like Chibi Unity have changed his opinion. He referred to their performance as the "best of the night so far."
Heidi Klum admitted that they "take a lot of risks," and it was great to see the ultimate result following so many rehearsals. Their performances, according to Sofia Vergara, were about "hard work, passion, and fun."
Howie described it as "mediocre at best" since he didn't think it was as good as the other judges thought.
On X, one viewer slammed Howie and wrote, "Applauds some of the earlier duds and then says mediocre at best for that. Your brain is broken and stupid @howiemandel."
Another viewer chimed in, "Only mediocre thing is Howie's ability to judge talent in the finals." One person asked, "Chibi Unity is mediocre?? What have you been smoking Howie?? Chibi Unity is fabulous!"
A fourth user noted, "@howiemandel #AGT you have to leave. Amazing acts are only mediocre to you."
Applauds some of the earlier duds and then says mediocre at best for that. Your brain is broken and stupid @howiemandel ! #AGT
— AGTCommenter 🏆🏆 (@AGTCommenter) September 27, 2023
Only mediocre thing is Howie's ability to judge talent in the finals. #AGT
— David Blackwelder (@chessnerdbird) September 27, 2023
Chibi Unity is mediocre?? What have you been smoking Howie?? Chibi Unity is fabulous!!.@howiemandel #AGT
— David Haase (@David_Haase1959) September 27, 2023
.@howiemandel #AGT you have to leave. Amazing acts are only mediocre to you.
— kenneth symonds (@kennethsymonds2) September 27, 2023
On Reddit, fans were surprised at Howie's comments. One wrote, "“At best mediocre” dang Howie didn’t hold back."
Another one added, "Airborne also mediocre, this show picks a lot of mediocre talent for the finals. Imagine having to give one of these acts a million dollars lol. I think the dog or Avant is my front runner so far."
One person added, "No way Howie just said that was mediocre. That was amazing. Not better than Avantgardey or Murmuration but still the best of the night along with Avantgardey."
Where is 'AGT' Season 18 finalist Chibi Unity from?
Chibi Unity, a 27-member fusion dance group from Niigata, Japan, has competed in contests all around the world.
They were established in 2017 when leader Rena Goto merged two distinct competitive dancing troupes to form a supergroup that reflects the finest of Japan's creativity and ability.
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How much does Howie Mandel earn from 'AGT'?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Howie, a long-time 'AGT' judge, makes roughly $70,000 every episode, making him the show's lowest-earning judge.
Who are the guest performers on 'AGT' Season 18 finale?
With amazing show-stopping displays alongside the Top 11 finalists, the two-night season finale concludes on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 9 pm ET/PT.
Special guests include world-famous chef and television persona Cat Cora, award-winning songwriter Diane Warren, pop and R&B singer Jason Derulo, acclaimed award-winning musician Jon Batiste, music sensation and 'X Factor UK' alumna Leona Lewis, and 'AGT' Season 17 winner the Mayyas.
'America's Got Talent' Season 18 to air finale result on September 26 at 9 pm ET on NBC.