'AGT' Season 19 Finale: Watch comedian Learnmore Jonasi’s semi-final act that left funny bones untickled
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: Terry Crews's Golden Buzzer pick this season was Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi, the last artist standing who could become the first-ever comedy champion. His set on the Tuesday, September 17 episode of 'America's Got Talent' covered everything from airport behavior to dating encounters.
During the Season 19 finale of 'AGT', Learnmore discussed how, despite failure, he remained committed to comedy. He learned English by listening to renowned comics such as Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy, and he was ready to deliver a brand-new performance, continuing to explore his journey of making it to America.
Being an African fish out of water in America is his thing. He made jokes about how little he understood about airport security procedures. Joking aside, he also touched on his experience catching live chickens in Africa. Given the current political climate, this topic might be sensitive rather than humorous.
Even so, he's a perfectly decent comic—though his semi-final performance had more laughs in the past. Whether he will be the first comedian to take out the 'AGT' title, remains in the hands of the voters.
Learnmore Jonasi had us laughing out loud with his comedy set tonight! 🎭🙌 What a way to end the night! #AGTFinals pic.twitter.com/edelPe1qD8
— AGT Auditions (@AGTAuditions) September 18, 2024
Learnmore Jonasi dubbed 'cartoon character' by 'AGT' Season 19 judges
Sofía Vergara referred to Learnmore as one of her all-time favorite comedians. "You make us happy." Howie Mandel noted that the comedian has been putting in a lot of effort. Heidi Klum described him as "a cartoon character come to life," and she believes he has a strong chance of winning the title. Simon Cowell found him "clever and smart" for making jokes out of everyday situations that most people take for granted. He added, "I absolutely adore you. You really deserve this."
Learnmore Jonasi's semi-finals performance overshadows 'AGT' Season 19 finale act
Learnmore, the lone comic among the Finalists, got off to an incredible start in his Semifinal act. Learnmore brought a contagious enthusiasm to the stage, dressed in striking clothing, including a colorful jacket he had sewn himself.
Learnmore, who is from a tiny community in Zimbabwe, isn't shy to draw humor from the contrasts between his country and the United States. He shared additional hilarious insights about American society during the Semifinals, leaving the audience in stitches.
'AGT' Season 19 finalist Learnmore Jonasi writing new content under Howie Mandel's mentorship
Listening to stand-up records with his grandfather helped Learnmore learn how to speak English, and the 2004 comedy 'White Chicks', which starred Terry, was one of his favorite films. Now that the roles have reversed, Terry is Learnmore's biggest fan and even awarded the comic the Golden Buzzer during the auditions to secure his place in the live shows.
After relocating to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from Zimbabwe, Learnmore acknowledged that the comedy club scene might not offer him many opportunities. However, 'AGT' has already changed all of that. He began writing again and rehearsing in neighborhood comedy clubs, such as the renowned Ice House in Pasadena, with Howie Mandel's support.
Tune into NBC on September 24 at 8 PM ET to catch the results of 'America's Got Talent' Season 19 finale