‘Thanks for the support’: AGT's Howie Mandel claps back at trolls for criticizing his judgment during Qualifiers 3
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: 'America's Got Talent' fans have taken to social media several times since the beginning of Season 18 to criticize the judges—specifically, Howie Mandel, but also Simon Cowell on occasion—for being harsh in their critiques of the acts and for hitting their buzzers more frequently than usual during the Live Shows.
After all, the Live Shows include the 55 best acts from the auditions, which were hand-picked by the judges, so it seems strange that they would criticize their own selection.
On September 5, Howie responded to online criticism by first urging fans to write to him on X. He wrote, "I’ve been reading all of your comments tonight… #AGT."
I’ve been reading all of your comments tonight… #AGT pic.twitter.com/FOrn6G5TWr
— Howie Mandel (@howiemandel) September 6, 2023
Attached was a video message, in which the judge snarkily declared, "I've been reading everybody's comments online, and, I'll be honest with you. I think I'm doing an exceptionally great job tonight. So, thanks for all the support, everyone."
Fans took to the comment section to note, "Hate how y'all don't judge. Simon is the only one with a backbone to actually judge. Not every act is great."
One person asked, "Why do you all buzz anyone during the live rounds where it's up to the fans? Let them perform uninterrupted so we can choose without bias."
Hate how y'all don't judge. Simon is the only one with a backbone to actually judge. Not every act is great.
— Colton Petersen (@coltpeter45) September 6, 2023
Why do you all buzz anyone during the live rounds where it's up to the fans? Let them perform uninterrupted so we can choose without bias.
— Greg Ball (@Ballzy99) September 6, 2023
Soon after the episode aired, Howie took to X once again, writing, "Getting a lot of hate tonight - they must be green with envy."
Getting a lot of hate tonight - they must be green with envy #AGT pic.twitter.com/YcBGLf3EW7
— Howie Mandel (@howiemandel) September 6, 2023
In the comments, one person retaliated, "We know you want a comedian to win!"
On Instagram, people argued, "Bro needs a lesson in judging the finals. It’s up to America! Why press the buzzer when your vote doesn’t even count?!"
One sighed, "Howie, you are just plain mean. You were mean last week, too." Others wrote on another Instagram post, "Your response was revolting! Apologize."
A fourth fan wrote, "Howie you need to be nice. You have a big platform to be an example. During the live shows no buzzers. Let America vote."
How much does 'AGT' pay Howie Mandel?
Howie earns $70,000 every episode of 'AGT' which amounted to about $1.5 million in the 2022 season, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Howie might have earned more than $15 million in the last ten years because he has been on the talent show for 13 years.
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How much was Howie Mandel paid per episode of 'Deal or No Deal'?
The first thing to determine is how much money Howie was making as the host of 'Deal or No Deal'. According to cheatsheet.com, Howie was paid $75,000 for every episode of 'Deal or No Deal' he hosted by the time the show ended.
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When will 'AGT' Season 18 Qualifiers 4 air?
'AGT' Season 18 enters the fourth of five weeks of the Qualifiers phase. Brace yourselves because 'AGT' Season 18 Qualifiers 4 will air on September 12.
Each of the five weeks, eleven of the 55 performers invited to participate will perform. Only two will be chosen by popular voting in America. Who stays and who goes home will no longer be decided by the judges, Howie, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Simon.
NBC airs 'AGT' LIVE performance shows on Tuesdays at 8 pm ET/PT. The one-hour results programs air on Wednesdays at 8 pm ET/PT.
'America's Got Talent' Season 18 now airs both Tuesdays and Wednesdays on NBC at 8 pm ET.