America’s Got Talent 2023 LIVE — Fans slam latest episode as ‘unnecessary’ just a week ahead of live shows

How much AGT judges make

AGT has featured a variety of notable judges throughout its history, including Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and more.

These judges bring their expertise, charisma, and personalities to the panel. But how much are they compensated for their contributions?

While specific details regarding individual salaries are not publicly disclosed, it is reported that AGT judges receive substantial compensation for their appearances.

According to various sources and industry reports, AGT judges can earn between $10million to $25million per season.

The substantial paycheck reflects the judges’ significance in the show’s success, as they are not only responsible for evaluating and critiquing the contestants but also for entertaining the viewers with their witty remarks and engaging personalities.

Summer Rios gets celebrity praise

Singer Summer Rios blew the judges away with her rendition of Zach Bryan's Something in the Orange during her audition.

Before her incredible performance, the 19-year-old confessed that she was nervous to sing in front of such a big crowd but that she wanted to follow her dream of being a singer instead of her current job as a Pizza Hut manager in Brunswick, Ohio.

After the judges sent her through in the competition with a unanimous vote, Summer earned some high praise from the song's original singer, who commented on AGT's TikTok video of the performance.

Zach Bryan wrote: "You sang this so much more beautifully than I ever could, thank you and it’s yours now"

Fans slammed Howie for 'rude' response

Viewers were equally unhappy with Howie's response - and took to Twitter to slam him.

One wrote: "Howie with a totally d****e move. Didn't need to be so rude."

Another commented: "@HowieMandel Since you don't like being a judge (or you don't know how) why don't you quit pretending you give a crap."

A third viewer tweeted: "@HowieMandel was a grumpy sourpuss last week, and nothing has changed this week. I think his time is done on #agt."

Someone else tweeted: "Howie that was rude AF!"

Another viewer wrote: "I am so outraged. They totally should have gone through."

A sixth fan tweeted: "A troll move by Howie."

Howie slammed for ‘trolling’ flash mob act, continued

The group, Improv Everywhere, is well-known for doing flash mobs – or surprise performances – in public places and they were able to win back some of the panel.

Howie, however, could not be swayed, saying: "So you have two yeses and you need three to move on.

"I've got to be honest with you, this is more of a party gag. It's great for a party. I'll hire you, but I don't think it's for this show. Like, what could you do next? You couldn't surprise us."

His co-judges pleaded with him to be kind as the flash mob members crossed their fingers.

It appeared he was considering it, saying: "OK, well I'm gonna surprise you. I'm gonna say no."

His response led to loud boos from the audience and audible disagreement from his fellow judges.

Howie slammed for 'trolling' flash mob act

During last week's episode of AGT, a composer took the stage claiming he was there to play the piano and sing.

He sat down in front of the instrument and began to play, but the audience wasn't impressed and they made it known.

Loud boos rang out from the audience and Howie Mandel, 67, hit his buzzer - indicating he wasn't interested in hearing more.

Eventually, people placed throughout the audience began standing up, joining in on the performance and viewers learned it was all an act.

'SO RUDE!'

AGT's Howie Mandell slammed after he 'trolls' act as fans want judge to 'go'

Judges shocked by flash mob

Comedy troupe Improv Everywhere shocked the AGT judges with a flash mob at the top of last week's episode.

Singers appeared from throughout the audience and a marching band came down the aisles as a choir sang on the rafters - and confetti even shot out of the stage at the end of the performance.

"I actually was surprised," Simon Cowell said.

Despite Simon's yes, he was outvoted when Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara weren't as impressed by the show.

The ladies of AGT

The panel of judges wouldn’t be complete without Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara.

Heidi Klum is a German-American model, television personality, producer, and entrepreneur who was the first German Victoria’s Secret Angel.

She originally appeared on the show in 2013 and remained on the panel until 2018, when she took a brief hiatus. For Season 15, Klum returned as a judge.

Sofía Vergara is a Colombian-American actress best known for her role as Gloria in the television comedy Modern Family.

Between 2013 through 2020, she was the highest-paid actress on American television.

Judge is going through a divorce

AGT judge Sofia Vergara and her husband Joe Manganiello announced last month that they are divorcing after seven years of marriage.

The former couple shared in a statement: "We have made the difficult decision to divorce.

"As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect of our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives."

A source added to Page Six: “Sofia and Joe have been growing apart for a while now and are taking some distance from each other to contemplate their future.”

JOE NO!

Joe Manganiello looks downcast in somber first photos since divorce from Sofia

Past AGT judges

The original judges of America’s Got Talent were David Hasselhoff, Brandy Norwood, and Piers Morgan when the show began in 2006.

Since then, a slew of famous faces have taken their seats on the judging panel.

The full list includes: David Hasselhoff, Brandy Norwood, Piers Morgan, Julianne Hough, Gabrielle Union, Sofía Vergara, Heidi Klum, Simon Cowell, Howard Stern, Howie Mandel, Sharon Osbourne, and Mel B.

How to vote on AGT

The voting process is easy and can be done through the official AGT app or NBC.com.

Remember, voting is time-sensitive, so mark your calendars for the voting window when it opens.

After the auditions phase is over, the voting window opens at the beginning of the show on Tuesdays at 8pm ET and closes at 7am ET on Wednesdays.

Don’t miss the opportunity to make a difference and help your favorite act win starting next week.

Former AGT contestant shares exciting news

Former AGT star Madilyn Bailey, who competed on the 16th season of the show with her Hate Comments song, revealed some exciting news to fans recently.

After two years of fertility issues, Bailey and her husband James Benrud are expecting their first child together, the star announced on social media.

On her Instagram, she posted a carousel of images, including one of she and Benrud holding up a sonogram and him cradling her still-small belly, along with a caption that reads in part: “Here’s to the next chapter. This wasn’t the original plan… it’s so much better.

“We love you so much already little bean and we can’t wait to meet you!”

The Mayyas winning controversy, part two

Many viewers thought that the right winner was picked and congratulated the dancers on their victory.

“Worthy winners. Proud moment!” wrote one fan.

Another happy fan said: “Congratulations to the Mayyas on winning season 17! These ladies are going to take Vegas by storm! #AGTFinale.”

“Well deserved you girls were amazing congratulations each one of you deserves this win. Congratulations Lebanon. Thanks @AGT,” wrote an America’s Got Talent fan.

The Mayyas winning controversy

The season 17 winners were a source of controversy as many people believed them to be deserving of disqualification.

“Mayyas should be disqualified. They will only win because the whole country of Lebanon is voting for them (simply because they’re Lebanese) when clearly the rules say only US Citizens can vote,” pointed out one fan.

“I don’t get why people like the Mayyas. The act was boring to me. Their last 2 performance where step-downs from what they did in auditions. Honestly, Drake Milligan is my winner here,” said another.

More backlash came after many of the acts, including The Mayyas, in the finals were not American-born.

Since there are other Got Talent shows around the world, some fans thought that America’s Got Talent should just stick to American acts, so it is “more fair.”

GOLDEN ACT

Everything to know about AGT's dance crew Mayyas

Where are they now – The Mayyas

The Mayyas won season 17 of AGT with their dance performance.

They are a Lebanese all-female alternative precision dance group, with 36 members in total.

In 2019, The Mayyas reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions and won Arab’s Got Talent.

Becoming the fifth Golden Buzzer act to win, The Mayyas took home the title on AGT in season 17.

After AGT, The Mayyas went on to dance with Beyonce at the opening of the Atlantis The Royal Dubai Hotel in the United Arab.

Where are they now – Kodi Lee

Kodi Lee won the hearts of America with his sweet personality and amazing singing voice in season 14.

Kodi is a singer, who is blind and autistic, and wowed the judges after he played the piano flawlessly and sang in a voice completely different from his speaking voice.

After his AGT win, he went on to perform shows across the country and was even seen playing alongside the Plain White T’s at the 2022 Yucaipa Music & Arts Festival.

He still currently sings and performs around the country.

Where are they now – Darci Lynne Farmer

Darcy Lynne Farmer became the third ventriloquist to win America’s Got Talent, and also the third Golden Buzzer act to take home the title.

After her win, she started touring across the country and is still on tour to this day.

Darci also made her acting debut in the film, A Cowgirl’s Song.

She recently graduated high school and attended prom.

The season 12 winner lives a relatively normal life, aside from touring or attending movie premieres.

Where are they now – Grace Vanderwaal

Grace Vanderwaal won season 11 of America’s Got Talent at just 12 years old.

After winning the television show, she released one album and three EPs.

In 2017, Grace performed at the Special Olympic Games in Austria.

She first toured for her album, Just The Beginning, and then opened for Imagine Dragons and Florence and the Machine.

Grace moved to New York City in 2023 and is currently performing unreleased music throughout the city.

Where are they now – Michael Grimm

Michael Grimm won season five of America’s Got Talent over classical singer, Jackie Evancho.

After winning, Michael headlined the first-ever America’s Got Talent Tour.

He went on to release seven albums, with his latest being released in 2015, and opened for Stevie Nicks.

In June 2023, it was revealed the blues singer had been hospitalized and in the ICU with an undetermined medical issue.

He was then rushed to the hospital after “talking gibberish” and his wife released a statement that he wouldn’t be making any public appearances anytime soon.

TALENTED SINGER

All about AGT winner Michael Grimm - career, wife and health

Where are they now – Paul Zerdin

Paul Zerdin was the second ventriloquist to win America’s Got Talent in season ten.

He made history as the first-ever Golden Buzzer act to win.

In 2019, Paul competed in AGT: The Champions and Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions, but failed to make it to the finale of either show.

He is still currently touring the world and has had televised comedy specials.

Where are they now – Mat Franco

Mat Franco made America’s Got Talent history during season 9 by becoming the first magician to win.

The season 9 winner began his Las Vegas residency in 2010 and has gone on tours throughout the country ever since.

Mat has also had a TV special and will continue his residency through 2025.

He got married in 2019 and became a father this year.

Where are they now – Neal E. Boyd

Neal E. Boyd won America’s Got Talent in season three after wowing the judges with his opera talent.

Shortly after, he released the album My American Dream, which debuted at number 95 on the Billboard 200.

The season three winner headlined a show at MGM’s Grand Garden Arena after his win and again in 2010.

The star died in 2018 at the age of 42 due to heart failure, kidney failure, and liver problems.

Where are they now – Terry Fator

After Jeff Dunham, Terry Fator is the next most popular ventriloquist in the world after winning America’s Got Talent in season two.

Now, Terry headlines the Who’s the Dummy Now? show at New York New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Earlier this year, the season two winner competed on AGT: All-Stars, but did not make it far in the competition.

Where are they now – Bianca Ryan

Bianca Ryan won the first season of America’s Got Talent, impressing the judges and the country with her renditions of popular songs including, And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going from Dream Girls.

Bianca’s hit Christmas song, Why Couldn’t It Be Christmas Everyday? reached the top of the charts, and is still widely popular today.

After a few years in the spotlight, she went back to living a pretty normal life.

The season one winner left her label and started to release music independently.

Bianca made her big comeback in 2019 when she appeared on AGT: The Champions and got to tell her story.

AMERICA'S GOT CHAMPIONS

Where AGT winners are now - from Beyonce dancer to Disney star

Live shows start next week

America’s Got Talent continues next Tuesday with the live shows portion of the competition at 8pm ET on NBC.

Until then, you can rewatch tonight's show by streaming tomorrow on Peacock.