Why are fans siding with Howie Mandel? 'AGT' Season 18 judge says 'no' to Phil Wright and Parent Jam's 'segregated and disorganized' act

Fans sided with judge Howie Mandel after he said 'no' to Phil Wright and Parent Jam's dance performance, saying it was not 'AGT' worthy
Howie Mandel did not like Phil Wright and Parent Jam's act on 'AGT' Season 18 (Youtube/@agt)
Howie Mandel did not like Phil Wright and Parent Jam's act on 'AGT' Season 18 (Youtube/@agt)

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: In the realm of 'America's Got Talent', the essence of togetherness and kinship resonates deeply, and this understanding is not lost on the renowned choreographer Phil Wright. With a grand team named Parent Jam, Phil took center stage on 'AGT' to present a spectacle like no other. Their performance exuded pure joy as parents and their children unleashed a storm of electrifying moves that lit up the stage.

Despite the overwhelming support they received with three resoundings of "yeses", the tide took a different turn when Judge Howie Mandel expressed his dissent. In his view, the performance fell short of the 'AGT' standard. Many fans also found themselves swayed by Howie's perspective, acknowledging the chaos that had unfolded during the act.

Howie Mandel says 'no' to Parent Jam

Emerging from the vibrant hip-hop scene of Los Angeles, this extraordinary group finds its roots in a local studio, where parents and their children come together to dance. Amidst their spirited performance, Howie Mandel's keen eye catches a familiar face—a dancer who once triumphed on his own game show 'Deal or No Deal'. The sight of mothers and children adorned in matching attire exudes an undeniable sense of amateurism, yet their routine embraces the thrill of tossing children in the air, adding a touch of dazzle. Among them, a few young talents display promising potential.

Howie acknowledged the entertainment value and charm in their act, deeming it enjoyable and heartwarming, but not up to the caliber expected on the grand stage of 'AGT'. However, Heidi Klum said that there were genuine stars within the group, while Sofia Vergara showered the young performers with compliments. Simon Cowell, ever captivated by the concept, wholeheartedly embraced it, highlighting how it evoked a sense of joy and perfectly embodies the spirit of the show. Howie ultimately delivers a firm "no," while the remaining judges resoundingly affirm their belief with three enthusiastic "yeses." Thus, the final verdict is one no and three yeses.



 

'I am with Mandel on this one'

The audience echoed Howie's decision to reject the group, concurring with his judgment. Fans unanimously shared the sentiment that the performance exuded an overwhelming sense of chaos. One user commented on the YouTube video of the performance and said, "IDK what to feel about this performance. It seemed very busy even though they have good skills. It is segregated and disorganized too."

Another chimed in, "I agree with Howie. Its not Vegas worthy at all." One viewer tweeted, "Awesome idea. Solid skills. Too busy, though. I think I would enjoy it more if the choreography was slowed down and showcased 1 family at a time. There was so much to see."

Another added, "I agree with Howie on this one. This isn't a talent really. There was some great things. Guy spinning on the other dude head the lil one break dancing, lil girl with pink tails cute. But this act for me would of been a no." Another echoed the same sentiments and said, "I’m with Howie on this one. Love the idea… But it’s not an AGT level act."

One Twitter user added, "I can not believe this but I have to agree with @howiemandel. This act is not a Vegas act. As for the audience, they must all be high." Another pointed out, "Howie is spot on. Not a good act, plain and simple." 



 



 



 



 



 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Malik has no idea Hondo knows his secret, and Adain Bradley says their story is far from over.
2026-10-17T20:45:16.000Z
Jo’s resignation raises questions about her future as ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ begins a new era in Season 23
2026-10-17T18:23:30.000Z
‘Tulsa King’ Season 4, starring Sylvester Stallone, streams every Friday on Paramount+
2026-10-17T10:36:40.000Z
Pavi and her long-lost twin Nisha hunt for their origins as the Havens cheer the last Avatar’s death
2026-10-17T08:37:00.000Z
Season 2 of the HBO Stephen King prequel jumps back to 1935 and a gang of bank robbers
2026-10-17T06:52:24.000Z
‘Fire Country’ season 5 episode 2 reveals Jake’s fate after the shooting as the team uncovers the attacker’s motive
2026-10-17T06:41:28.000Z
Wes ends ‘Sheriff Country’ Season 2 Episode 2 in the hands of Stoyanovs after exposing bakery bug
2026-10-17T05:35:47.000Z
Chad Lowe is the executive producer on ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ and has also directed many episodes
2026-10-17T05:07:28.000Z
Issa López returns as showrunner for a Jamaica Bay story with ties to ’Night Country’
2026-10-17T03:12:59.000Z
Oklahoma’s governor and Dwight’s love interest board a private jet in the first episode of Season 4
2026-10-16T09:30:07.000Z