Did Heidi Klum's mentoring cost Enkh-Erdene spot at finale? 'AGT: Fantasy League' viewers question contestant ditching Country music in semifinal

Enkh-Erdene sang 'You Were Always on My Mind' and had a difficult time concealing his accent
UPDATED JAN 30, 2024
Heidi Klum slammed over bad mentoring as Enkh-Erdene risks losing spot at 'AGT: Fantasy League' finale (Instagram/enkherdene_official/heidiklum)
Heidi Klum slammed over bad mentoring as Enkh-Erdene risks losing spot at 'AGT: Fantasy League' finale (Instagram/enkherdene_official/heidiklum)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Enkh-Erdene returned to 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League' for the first leg of the semifinals, testing his limits by attempting a new genre. However, the idea of switching styles, initially laid out by his mentor Heidi Klum, was not warmly welcomed by her co-judges or the viewers.

Enkh-Erdene shocked the crowd with a deep vocal performance of the country classic 'Low Places' during the Qualifiers. This time, he sang 'You Were Always on My Mind' and had a difficult time concealing his accent.



 

Enkh-Erdene's performance resembled that of a subpar Vegas lounge singer, bordering on parody. The music choice may not have been the most suitable for him. However, Heidi stated, "I can listen to you 24/7," describing him as a "class act."

Simon Cowell remarked that he hoped the tune was more dynamic, while Howie Mandel said he felt like "he was on a cruise." Mel B agreed that Enkh-Erdene should stick to the genre he understands.

Mel B, Simon, and Howie expressed their lack of enthusiasm for Enkh-Erdene's performance, a sentiment echoed by fans. Interestingly, Heidi, his mentor, appreciated the music choice.

On X, viewers wrote, "Good voice, but cruise-lounge song choice. Nowhere up there with the first 3 acts. Agree with Howie, MelB & Simon."

Another user suggested, "He should have done Elvis' Don't Be Cruel like in his MGY semifinal, would have brought the house down."



 



 

One user chimed in, "Howie and Simon were spot on. While Enkh Erdene has a great voice (fantastic tone) the performance was very much a cocktail lounge/cruise ship level act."

One person felt, "He should've done Josh Turner's song, 'Your Man.' It's perfect for him."



 



 

A user tweeted, "Poor song choice tonight...Bottom line.Not good." Another person added, "Sorry I agree with Simon... the song choice meh..."



 



 

One person asked, "I don't understand the switch up from country music, was the performance fine? yeah, It was alright but slow and not as special as the last performance."



 

Where is 'AGT: Fantasy League's Enkh-Erdene from?

When Enkh-Erdene appeared on the 'AGT: Fantasy League' stage, fans questioned if he could truly pull off a Country music classic.

The Mongolian singing sensation, who has limited proficiency in English, conveyed to Heidi backstage through a translator that he experiences fear while on stage.

As Enkh-Erdene struck the first note, everyone's jaws dropped, including the judges—except for Heidi. Confident in her Dream Team contender, she knew he would master the performance and tackle the challenging notes of the song.

'MGT' Season 2 singer Enkh Erdene (Instgram/enkherdeneerka)
'MGT' Season 2 singer Enkh Erdene (Instgram/enkherdeneerka)

'AGT: Fantasy League's Enkh-Erdene is known as 'Mongolian Cowboy'

Enkh-Erdene made his first trip to the United States in 2019 and sang a remarkable version of George Strait's cowboy hymn 'Amarillo by Morning' in front of Faith Hill on the competition show 'The World's Best.'

That night, to mark the occasion, he released his first original record, the country ballad 'Wake Up With You.'

Last year, the singer released 'Amidral Bayan,' featuring an album of nine country songs sung in his native tongue. His moniker as the "Mongolian Cowboy" is well-deserved!

'AGT: Fantasy League' contestant Enkh-Erdene reflects on his 'biggest dream' (Instagram/@
'AGT: Fantasy League' contestant Enkh-Erdene reflects on his 'biggest dream' (Instagram/@

Did Enkh-Erdene win any Got Talent series?

Enkh-Erdene's performance in front of Faith Hill was not his first time singing 'Amarillo by Morning.' In 2016, Enkh-Erdene stormed through the auditions for 'Mongolia's Got Talent' with the same song, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.

In the semi-finals, he captivated the show again—and won the competition—with a soulful original inspired by Michael Bublé's song 'Feeling Good,' complete with go-go dancers and horns.

The victory propelled him to international stardom, and his films have subsequently received millions of views on YouTube.

On 'AGT: Fantasy League', the humble singer stated that his "biggest dream is to become a star known worldwide."

'AGT Fantasy League' star Enkh Erdene stuns judges with his hidden skills (nstagram/ Enkherdene_official)
'AGT Fantasy League' star Enkh Erdene stuns judges with his hidden skills (Instagram/ Enkherdene_official)

'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.

RELATED TOPICS AMERICA'S GOT TALENT (2006) HEIDI KLUM

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The upcoming 'Love Is Blind' Season 10 reunion special will include plenty of twists and turns as the Ohio season comes to an end
3 hours ago
'Ozzfest Night' will feature Ozzy Osbourne's daughter, Kelly, as a guest judge, along with memorable performances.
2 days ago
A dramatic Season 4 ending has left the fans wondering about the new season of 'The Traitors' and here's everything we know about it.
3 days ago
The Season 4 finale saw Maura Higgins and Rob Rausch at the table as they awaited the moment of truth
3 days ago
The premiere episode of 'Survivor' Season 50 packed the usual punches, but no one saw the emergency medical evacuation coming.
3 days ago
Devonta’s six-figure claims spark questions as ‘Love Is Blind’ heads into its finale
4 days ago
With two days to go, one bride-to-be shocks her fiancé with a decision he never saw coming
4 days ago
Crane drops major clues during ‘Spice Girls Night’ of ‘The Masked Singer,’ but her true identity keeps the panel guessing
4 days ago
A sugary disguise comes off on ‘Spice Girls Night,’ and the big reveal leaves ‘The Masked Singer’ panel stunned
4 days ago
'Survivor' 50 makes it a point to relive all the unforgettable moments from the past 49 seasons, while also setting a new benchmark
5 days ago