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 Road' on CBS featured 12 new voices judged by country music stars Keith Urban and Blake Shelton
7 days ago
Celeb guests include Singer Zac Brown and YouTuber MrBeast, with Jeff Probst returning as the host
Dec 18, 2025
Season 49 of the survival reality show concluded with Savannah Louie winning the competition
Dec 18, 2025
Savannah Louie, Sophie Balerdi, and Sage Ahrens-Nichols were the final three contestants who competed for the title of 'Survivor' Season 49
Dec 18, 2025
The milestone 'Survivor' Season 50 is all set to make its debut on Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Dec 18, 2025
Aiden Ross claimed victory on 'The Voice' Season 28, marking Niall Horan’s undefeated streak as coach
Dec 17, 2025
The Top 6 who competed for the win were Aiden Ross, Jazz McKenzie, Ralph Edwards, Max Chambers, Aubrey Nicole, and DEK of Hearts
Dec 17, 2025
14-year-old Chambers entertained fans with his strong vocals after making a wild card entry into the 'The Voice' Season 28 finals
Dec 17, 2025
'The Voice' Season 29 is slated to premiere on Monday, February 23, 2026
Dec 17, 2025
While Niall Horan's team members, Aiden Ross and DEK of Hearts, shone in the finale, he was unfortunately unable to perform
Dec 16, 2025