Howie Mandel Admits He Has No Idea Who Will Win America’s Got Talent Season 21

Howie Mandel is usually confident that he can identify the likely winner of America’s Got Talent by the time the competition reaches the final stages. This season, however, the longtime judge says he is far less certain.

The Live Shows for Season 21 begin Tuesday, with just 44 acts remaining in the competition for the $1 million prize.

Mandel, who has been part of the judging panel since 2010, told Entertainment Weekly ahead of the first Live Show that he normally has a strong sense of who could take the title.

“I usually, at this point, have a clear idea of who I believe is gonna win, and I think my batting average has been about 80 percent,” Mandel said. “But this time, there are a couple of people that are just way out there.”

Mandel Has a Soft Spot for Comedians

Although Mandel says he is rooting for every contestant, he admits that he has a particular fondness for stand-up comedians, given his own career in comedy.

“Well, there’s nobody that I’m not pulling for,” he said. “Personally, I would like a comedian to do very well. I just believe, you know, that’s what I do and who I am.”

Stand-up comedians Cris Sosa and Daniel Alvarez, along with comedic singer Cesar Dias, are still in the competition.

But Mandel is also keeping a close eye on another standout performer: Nene Royal.

Nene Royal Has Become a Global Sensation

Mandel praised Nene Royal for making a huge impression on both the judges and the audience.

“We all are aware of Nene being the rockstar that she is and the global sensation that she has become just from two appearances on the show, one being the Callbacks,” he said.

According to Mandel, Nene had already attracted more than 40 million clicks globally after the first night of her appearance aired.

Another act that has particularly impressed him is Hundred Fingers, the magic group to whom Mandel awarded a Golden Buzzer.

He described their performance as “magic done in a way I’ve never seen it done before.”

The Final Decision Is Now in America’s Hands

With the Live Shows underway, the remaining 44 acts will have to prove themselves in front of a much larger audience.

The lineup features performers across a wide range of disciplines, including singers, magicians, aerialists and other acts who have made it this far with the support of the judging panel.

Mandel believes the American audience will ultimately make the right choice when it comes to deciding who advances.

“You sit there like a parent at a recital,” he said.

After all the contestants the judges have selected and told, “You’re the best,” Mandel believes every act still in the competition has the potential to win.

But reaching the Live Shows brings an entirely different level of pressure.

“There’s not anybody there that we don’t believe has the capability of being the winner, but they have to rise to that occasion,” Mandel said.

Performing live becomes even more nerve-wracking when the contestants are so close to the $1 million prize and must compete directly against such a high level of talent.

“Incredibly high,” Mandel said of the standard of competition.