'America's Got Talent' Season 15: Heidi Klum buzzes dancer who was body-shamed, fans say 'fire her now'
Dancer Amanda La Count boldly took on body shaming in Episode 3 of America's Got Talent, stating representing the voices of those who feel unseen and unheard.
Right from the moment she tossed off her lush red jacket, it was clear Amanda is a star. While the crowd clearly loved the young dancer, the judges stated they did not believe Amanda has a "million-dollar act," all except for Simon Cowell, who found her joyous and memorable, stating he couldn't wait to see where she would go. And with a yes from Sofia Vergara and another coerced out of Howie thanks to the crowd, Amanda will move forward in the competition.
While some agreed with Heidi Klum and Howie's initial assessment, stating, "I don't deny Amanda is a good dancer, but I don't think she's hitting that mark for this competition. #AGT," most viewers found the dancer inspiring.
One tweet read, "Amanda LaCount has got the moves. #AGT," another said, "Amanda was great she's a great dancer #AGT," and one user stated, "Amanda did that!!"
Some viewers were angered by Amanda's experience with body shaming, tweeting, "I don’t know who Amanda’s former studio coach was, but shame on her. I’m a middle school dance coach and welcome all body types. #AGT." Others expressed anger at Heidi's vote of no for Amanda.
"@heidiklum not everyone needs your body!!! Amanda deserves a yes. You can’t even look and see the truth passion and heart in the performance," tweeted one viewer, "@heidiklum you were way out of line buzzing Amanda #AGTG #agt leave the show!!!! Awful," said another, "Heidi could have waited for Amanda to quit dancing. That was just so rude and wrong to "X" her while Amanda was so joyfully dancing. Say no after, if you'd like. #AGT #AmericasGotTalent," stated one and one user shared, "@AGT #amanda belongs in the competition! @heidiklum you blew it."
And the criticisms only continued. "Of course the super model judge #heidi buzzes someone who isn’t skinny #agt bad look! Go Amanda! You rock!!" tweeted one viewer, "#agt@heidiklum did you really have to buzz Amanda? You could have let her finish! Way to be a superb*tch!" stated another, "Did @heidiklum REALLY have to BUZZ Amanda on #AGT?!?? REALLY?!?? You couldn’t just tell her your opinion afterwards, you had to straight BUZZ the girl, being a SKINNY *SS SUPERMODEL, and GIVING HER A REJECTION?! F*ck. You. I used to be a fan. USED TO being the keywords. #tacky," said one and one shared,"@nbc IM APPALLED AT HEIDI TONIGHT AFTER BUZZING OFF Amanda Lacount the dancer SHAME ON @heidiklum, adding, "@AGT #bodyshaming fire her NOW!"
Amanda evidently already has fans, on account of both her dancing and her courage. One user stated, "Amanda danced her *ss off despite Heidi's buzzer. #agt." Another user declared, "Body issues won't stop Amanda from doing what she loves. #AGT."