Can 'AGT: Fantasy League' acts deny to switch Dream Teams? Kodi Lee refuses to leave Team Simon as Howie Mandel steals singer with Golden Buzzer
.LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Despite having strong performers on his side, Howie Mandel felt he could "always use more." He pressed the Golden Buzzer, sending Kodi Lee to 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League's "The Finals" as the newest member of Team Howie, surprising Simon Cowell. Kodi's mother, Tina Lee, found working with Simon unique, raising doubts about Howie as Kodi's new mentor. As golden confetti fell, Tina said, "Howie, we love you. But we don’t want to leave Simon."
What a gift you are @kodileerocks … you are GOLDEN 🤩🤩🤩 #AGT pic.twitter.com/IH5srhGdJR
— Heidi Klum (@heidiklum) January 30, 2024
It wasn't a dig at Howie, but Simon and Kodi had developed an incredible relationship. As confetti fell, a question emerged: Can Acts refuse to swap Dream Teams?
Howie's response to Tina clarified: "It doesn't matter," he said, "it's not up to you."
Host Terry Crews summed up the game-changing events.
"Kodi Lee, you just received the Golden Buzzer from Howie Mandel," he announced. "You have been taken from Simon Cowell's Dream Team over to Howie Mandel's Dream Team - reluctantly."
"Come with me, Team," Howie invited Kodi and his mother. Heidi couldn't resist telling Howie, "They don't want you."
What song did Kodi Lee sing in 'AGT: Fantasy League' Semifinals?
Before the Semifinals, Kodi shared the backstory of the song. "I'm singing a song I wrote, and it’s called ‘Journey of You and I.’ I wrote a song for my mom because she always helps me chase my dreams," he explained. Kodi's on-stage introduction at 'AGT: Fantasy League' was perfect: quick and simple. "I wrote this song for my hero," he said, seated at a keyboard. "Mom, this song is for you." Kodi expressed his ongoing reliance on sincere, straightforward songs. He brought the song to an emotional climax, declaring, "This is for you. The journey of you and I."
Who is 'AGT: Fantasy League' star Kodi Lee's mother?
Kodi, a blind and autistic singer from California, delivered a heartfelt ballad dedicated to his mother, Tina, in his latest performance on 'AGT: Fantasy League.' Choosing to sing his original song for both the audience and judges, Kodi, who previously won Season 14 of 'America's Got Talent' with a Golden Buzzer from Gabrielle Union, once again left everyone astonished. As tears welled up in the eyes of his mother, judges, and the audience, Howie granted him a Golden Buzzer, propelling him to the next stage but causing a significant shakeup in mentorship.
In an unexpected turn, the dynamics of the NBC reality competition instantly shifted. Despite Tina expressing a preference to stay, Kodi was compelled to switch to Team Howie, even though they cherished everything about Simon's mentorship on the Dream Team.Tina is not only the mother of Kodi but also has two other children, Derek and Kayla. She is an activist, speaker, and manager.
What did Kodi Lee’s mother think of his 'AGT: Fantasy League' semifinal performance?
Tina was visible in the backdrop during Kodi's semi-final song, radiating joy while wiping away tears. Her face then transformed, revealing a sense of quiet delight and pride. Simon, moved by the emotional moment, spoke up, "Gosh, I got all emotional now," he remarked. "You wrote that song for your mum, obviously. And Tina, you are like a little lioness, aren't you? You really are."
Before the performance, Tina shared insights into her supportive role, saying, "I'm just a mom. That’s what moms are supposed to do. I am extremely grateful for AGT because they have shown another whole side of Kodi that I didn’t even know existed," she expressed.
'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League' airs every Monday at 8/7c on NBC. If you are unable to see the show live, new episodes will be available for streaming the next day on Peacock.