PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: "I found that a little corny," Howie Mandel said after watching The Rybka Twins perform their synchronized acrobatic act on 'America's Got Talent' on July 18. 'AGT' viewers slammed Howie for assessing acts based on whether they would go viral on TikTok.
The Perth sisters previously met Simon Cowell on the 'AGT' red carpet, where he urged them to audition this year. They, of course, accepted his offer, and the rest is history. While Simon and Heidi Klum were impressed by their performance on the big stage, Howie and Sofia Vergara were not. Soon after the audition aired, many went to social media to criticize Howie's remarks.
'That would not go viral on TikTok'
Howie mocked the twins' "music choice" and "dance choice," saying, "That would not go viral on TikTok. Pick different music and pick different moves, and make it for a younger audience. You’re 27." Their acrobatic dance performance was performed to 'Sway' by The Pussycat Dolls and 'I Will Survive' by Gloria Gaynor.
"I agree with you," Sofia added. "Make it more modern. I thought that you guys were great, and you obviously know what you’re doing. It’s just that it was a little outdated." Cue the booing from the audience in the live studio.
"I completely disagree with Sofia and Howie," Simon said, seizing control of the issue. I loved this audition. I really, really did. And I’ll tell you why: because you’re fun, you’re likable, great energy, great showmanship. I just find you two interesting." Heidi also stated that The Rybka Twins "had me already at the first flip."
When it came time to vote, Simon and Heidi both chose "Yes." Howie, of course, voted "no" since they aren't in the right decade. That meant it was all up to Sofia. She glanced to the audience for guidance, and she finally voted "yes" as the people began shouting her name.
Backstage, the sisters informed host Terry Crews that they would listen to Howie's suggestion since they can "perform to any song, any genre."
'Highly disappointing to see them rag on genuine talent'
Hearing Howie's advice to the duo, fans took to Twitter to write, "Howie needs to retire . IMHO." One fan noted, "Howie hates Broadway show tunes. He should hate this." Another person reminded him, "Howie, they have over 7 million youtube subcribers and 14 million followers on tiktok." A fourth user slammed the 'AGT' judge saying, "The f*ck Howie mean by corny? Wtf? Outdated? How is dancing and stretching outdated?"
One upset fan tweeted, "So, @howiemandel just confirmed that acts are being judged on whether ats will go viral on #tiktok." While others added, "This mf said “it wouldn’t go viral on TikTok” WHAT DID U DO TO GO VIRAL ON TIKTOK AGAIN @howiemandel REMIND ME PLS."
On YouTube, fans wrote, "The fact that Howie had the audacity to say they wouldn't go viral on TikTok when those girls have 14 million followers over there is ridiculous. They put through so many subpar acts on AGT tonight, so it was highly disappointing to see them rag on genuine talent. The Rybka Twins definitely deserve to be there and have more than enough talent to be." Others added, "The way howie said it wouldn’t go viral on tiktok but most of us only know those songs from tiktok is just-" Another user wrote, "Howie is the one who’s corny here lol. It’s GOT TALENT. And they definitely have it!" "I strongly took serious offence to Howie’s remarks after Teagan and Sam’s phenomenal performance. Just that plain and simple. But don’t get me wrong, he’s my fellow Canadian. The Rybka Twins are one of my top 5 YouTube channels, adding in their sisters, Brooklyn & Bailey (since their Squared days) and Merrell Twins. Then, the final two in the LaBrant Fam and Dude Perfect. Those 5 channels are my go-to’s!!" read another.
Tune into NBC on Tuesdays to catch new episodes of 'America's Got Talent' Season 18 at 8 pm ET.
