'AGT' Season 19: Watch Howie Mandel take a bold shot at Latino boy band Menudo
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: The Latino boy band Menudo was the first group to play on 'America's Got Talent' Season 19, Episode 13. After their initial audition, Simon Cowell encouraged them to "be yourselves" rather than letting the industry shape their image.
They performed their new song, "Party in California," with complete Spanish lyrics. However, Howie Mandel criticized their performance, comparing it to something from Saturday morning TV.
Menudo just brought the house down and our hearts with it 💖 #AGT #menudo pic.twitter.com/NyNjEAV30S
— AGT Auditions (@AGTAuditions) August 28, 2024
Howie Mandel was underwhelmed by the revamped Menudo during their tryout, describing their performance as lackluster. The group, which was popular among Latino audiences in the 1980s and 1990s, frequently changed its lineup as its members aged. While their voices and tunes may lack vibrancy, their outfits are eye-catching. Despite the years, this group likely still has a dedicated audience. The young performers may sing off-key, but they have a certain charm.
Howie remained unimpressed, stating, "Good news, I don’t get to vote. I felt like I was on a Saturday morning kids show on Telemundo." Is Howie dismissing the band unfairly? We'll find out if they become fan favorites when the poll results are revealed on Wednesday, 28 August.
'AGT's Sofia Vergara criticizes the weak vocals in Menudo's Live Show
Despite their vocals not being "the best in the world," Howie and Sofia Vergara appreciated the energy they brought to the stage. According to Heidi Klum, they "brought the party to AGT," while Sofia described them as the perfect way to kick off the episode, though she also acknowledged their weak vocals.
Menudo assures Simon Cowell about taking the 'AGT' judge's advice
Simon Cowell inquired about their thoughts on the performance. They maintained that they "did everything that you asked" in selecting the music. With that, he ended the conversation. Simon allowed the men to speak before sharing his view. He confirmed that they had chosen the song themselves and had followed his advice to stay true to their path.
When was the new Menudo formed?
Menudo has been revived several times since the group's peak. Auditions were announced in 2004, and a reality show was planned for 2007. This is the first time this particular lineup has been introduced.
In Season 19, Episode 5, 'AGT' was introduced to the "new" Menudo, a project that, according to the members, started when their "boss bought the name Menudo" and initiated a global talent search. One of the project's architects is Mario Lopez, an actor and Access Hollywood anchor.
This time, the members are from the United States and are based in Miami, but they sing in Spanish (the original Menudo recorded songs in several languages). "Deciding on the final five was harder than we ever imagined because there was so much great talent to choose from," Mario stated when the new group was announced in March 2023.
"The five boys we selected gelled together instantly, and the music they’ve created have exceeded all of our expectations. I think we have several massive hits," he added. The current members of the band are Andés Emilio, Nicolas Calero, Alejandro Querales, Ezra Gilmore, and Gabriel Rossell.
Watch 'AGT' Season 19 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays on NBC at 8 PM ET