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'AGT' judge Howie Mandel slammed for calling Kylie Frey's tribute to late granddad sub-par: 'Needs hearing aids'

Howie Mandel said that Kylie Frey's song didn't move him at all and the audience booed him loudly in response

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: Kylie Frey took the stage to perform an original song devoted to her late grandfather. However, many were disappointed when Judge Howie Mandel appeared unimpressed with the vocalist.

Kylie is a third-generation rodeo girl and Louisiana state goat-tying champion, as genuine as her blue denim, who was born and bred in the country. Her music both exemplifies and transcends the genre, since she is sincere in her convictions and too authentic to deny, even for staunch country haters. Her music reintroduces a timeless feeling of sincerity. For her 'America's Got Talent' audition, the singer wore a cowboy hat and bare feet while playing guitar. The act was previewed by NBC last week.

'You are the real deal'

Kylie grew up in Louisiana surrounded by rodeos, but she always wanted to sing. She moved to Nashville and started writing music. But it didn't pan out. Her audition for 'AGT' was her first in front of a big audience. She started singing the national anthem at rodeos.

She used to play Simon Cowell as a child and is a great 'AGT' fan. "That was terrible," he observed after seeing her Simon impression, "but I still like you." She performed a song about her grandfather. The song stated that he had died. 'Horses in Heaven' is the title. Her ambition was to perform the National Finals Rodeo song. Reba McEntire, who got her start in rodeo, was an inspiration to her. Her wish is likely to come true after 'AGT,' because it was a fantastic song and performance.

"I really like you," Simon remarked. "You are the real deal," he added. Heidi Klum praised her and her band for "the whole look and sound." Howie was not a fan but the audience was booing the judge. He stated that a piece of music he has never heard before must be stuck in his brain thereafter. Kylie received three yeses, while Howie said no.

'Be quiet Howie! Just sit there and be quiet!'

Howie claimed after Kylie's performance that the song did not impress him at all but the audience booed him. He also stated that the song did not stick in his head as he would expect after listening to new music. Despite Howie's criticism, Kylie receives three yeses from the other judges and advances to the next stage of the competition. On Twitter, fans wrote, "Howie is an idiot. Great job @kyliefrenchfrey. Always enjoy hearing your songs on @959theranch." Another fan said, "somebody buzz howie mandell because he didnt like it." One also tweeted, "Be quiet Howie! Just sit there and be quiet!" A fourth user quipped, "Maybe Howie was never close to his grandpa? I don't know. It worked for me."

On Instagram, a user wrote, "Disagree with Howie on this one." Others added, "Boo to Howie!!!! You obviously aren’t a country music fan. Kylie great job. Loved it and a great tribute to your grandfather." Another person wrote, "Howie Mandel has absolutely no business being a judge." One suggested, "Awesome voice..Howie needs hearing aides."

'America's Got Talent' Season 18 airs every Tuesday on NBC at 8 PM ET.

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