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'AGT' Season 19: Watch fans turn on Howie Mandel after his reaction to Haley Viloria

Haley Viloria's 'AGT' Season 19 acrobatics weren't enough to sway Howie Mandel

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: Haley Viloria fell in love with circuses at the age of sixteen. Now a full-time circus artist and coach from California, she wowed audiences on the July 23 episode of 'America's Got Talent' Season 19 by using straps to lift herself gracefully into the air.

She performed daring aerial acrobatics with an edge of risk, each move potentially going awry at any moment. The audience gasped and cheered, especially when she spun so swiftly that she became a blur in the air.

Howie Mandel gives a thumbs down to Haley Viloria's 'AGT' Season 19 audition

Haley shared her journey of being self-taught in her craft.. Sofía Vergara admired the daring nature of her performance, while Heidi Klum felt Haley was vying for a spot in the competition. However, Howie Mandel remained unimpressed, calling her performance effective but noting, "It wasn’t for me."

Heidi and Sofía both gave a 'Yes' vote, while Howie declined. Simon Cowell also voted 'Yes,' but suggested Haley become more self-aware. With three votes in favor and one against, Haley is advancing in the competition.

Howie Mandel slammed for his criticism against 'AGT's Haley Viloria

As soon as the verdict was announced, fans flocked to social media to criticize judge Howie for his decision. On X, one user wrote, "@howiemandel

is crabby tonight." Another person chimed in, "Howie stop it. The fact she went that fast at the end was crazy. I would of been soooooo dizzy after that. How can u not get a wow."

One user asked, "Why is Howie liking this and not the other girl? #AGT This makes no sense." Another person took a jab at the judge, saying, "Watch Howie call this act amazing after he said he didn’t like the last aerial act." One user wrote, "Everybody boo howie."

Who is Haley Viloria in 'AGT' Season 19?

Aerial straps artist Haley has performed with Cirque du Soleil and serves as the aerial director for Celebrity Cruises Entertainment. In 2024, she clinched the Viva Fest World Circus Championship.

Stream 'America's Got Talent' Season 19 airs on Tuesdays on NBC at 8 PM ET.