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Is Howie Mandel favoring Avantgardey? 'AGT' Season 18 judge slammed for being biased after finale performance

Even though viewers appreciated Avantgardey's act, many detected obvious favoritism from the 'AGT' judge Howie Mandel

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: During the Season 18 two-part finale of 'America's Got Talent,' Howie Mandel claimed Avantgardey gave their "best performance yet."

Even though viewers appreciated the act, many detected obvious favoritism from the 'AGT' judge.

Avantgardey, the dance ensemble that made it to the finals as the wild card act, claimed the 11th position with the instant save vote.

The women from Japan performed ABBA's 'Money, Money, Money' on September 26, Tuesday, staying true to their own sense of abstract dancing.

Howie Mandel showers praises on Avantgardey

Howie stated that they were worth his saving since they had their greatest performance yet. Sofia Vergara described them as "weird and funny" all at once.

Simon Cowell agreed with Howie that they had "saved the best for last" in the competition. Heidi Klum praised it as "superb," thanking them for "always bringing the wow."

On X, fans were quick to call out the judge's alleged bias, "Of course Howie would say that lol he is all in with avantgardey."

Others criticized, "Their clothes could be in another color... everything dark brown... it puzzle me !"

One user also wrote, "I, personally, cannot get onboard with this act I’m usually all about uniformity but this just creeps me out a bit."

Reminding Howie how the act got into the finals, one user wrote, "Avantgardey didn't make the finals. Take our votes, next time. They are awful and creepy."

On Reddit, users further accused, "Well Howie obviously wants Avantgardey and Murmuration top 2 so are you shocked? Needs to knock the other group dynamic. Also Took a little swipe at Mzansi too."

Another person chimed in, "He definitely wants one of his acts to win, whether it's Avantgardey or his GB Mumuration. He's got the bragging right of having 2 of his golden buzzers win the whole show. (3 if you count the spin off series) I know he wants a hat trick for the main series."

Who won 'AGT' Season 18 Instant Save?

Season 18 of 'AGT' had several incredible acts, but whittling them down to the Top 11 was a difficult task for voters. And with their incredible performance on September 19, Avantgardey won the season's Instant Save competition.

On September 20, it was reported that the 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus and the Ramadhani Brothers had been voted into the Top 2 during the fifth round of Live Shows and would therefore advance to the Finale. As a result, Avantgardey would have to return home.

However, there was one extra seat available because the Act who would win the episode's Instant Save vote had not yet been announced.

Then it was Howie's turn to choose. "It's gotta be someone that moves me. And somebody that I believe is original. And something like I never saw," he added. "I gotta see more." His selection? Avantgardey!

After 5 minutes of voting, the dance ensemble Avantagardey was chosen to perform.

Where is 'AGT' Season 18 finalist Avantgardey from?

Avantgardey is a 20-member all-female Japanese dance troupe led by Akane, a well-known producer, and choreographer. The duo earned international fame after playing with renowned DJ Steve Aoki during one of his gigs in January 2023.

They are noted for their synchronized dancing skills and humorous faces.

Who are the guest performers on 'AGT' Season 18 finale?

With amazing show-stopping displays alongside the top 11 finalists, the two-night season finale concludes on Wednesday, September 27 at 9 pm ET/PT.

Special guests include world-famous chef and television persona Cat Cora, award-winning songwriter Diane Warren, pop and R&B singer Jason Derulo, acclaimed award-winning musician Jon Batiste, music sensation and 'X Factor UK' alumna Leona Lewis, 'AGT' Season 17 winner the Mayyas.

'America's Got Talent' Season 18 to air finale result on September 26 at 9 pm ET on NBC