Learmore Jonasi advanced to the semifinals of America’s Got Talent on Wednesday and Howie Mandel backed him to become the first comedian to win it all.
The 31-year-old stand-up comic from Zimbabwe was the last of three acts to advance into the semis during the one-hour results episode following aerialist Kelsey Jane and teenage singer Reid Wilson.
Show host Terry Crews, 56, pressed his Golden Buzzer earlier during season 19 to send Learnmore straight to the live shows and asked for the comedian’s reaction when he reached the semis.
‘I cannot believe it. What? What?,’ Learnmore exclaimed in a voice filled with emotion.
Terry next asked Howie, 68, a longtime champion of comics on the NBC show, if he had anything to say to Learnmore.
‘I want to say I’ve been here for 15 years and I’ve been waiting for comedians to take this all,’ Howie said.
‘You have what it takes. You have the talent. You are amazing,’ Howie added.
‘Thank you,’ Learnmore said excitedly.
‘Good luck in getting all the way. It would be great for you and me if a comedian won this thing. Congratulations, young man,’ Howie said.
America’s Got Talent premiered in June 2006 and a comedian has yet to win the show.
Learnmore gained his spot in the semis after beating out guitarist Maya Neelakantan and young singer Journeyy at the end of the results episode.
Howie and Terry both celebrated earlier when Learnmore secured his place in the top five acts be beating out Jelly Boy The Clown.
The results episode also saw the elimination of Menudo, magician Sam Huang, The Reklaws and dance group Sabrina. Dee Dee Simon advanced to the finals on Tuesday after Heidi Klum hit her Golden Buzzer for the singer who is a nurse at San Quentin Prison.
‘I want to say I’ve been here for 15 years and I’ve been waiting for comedians to take this all,’ Howie said. ‘You have what it takes. You have the talent. You are amazing’
Learnmore gained his spot in the semis after beating out guitarist Maya Neelakantan and young singer Journeyy at the end of the one-hour results episode
Dee Dee Simon spoke with Terry after Heidi Klum hit her Golden Buzzer on Tuesday’s show to send her straight to the finals
Dentist-turned-aerialist Kelsey has become a fan favorite and shared her gratitude for the support when she advanced to the semis.
‘I wouldn’t be here without you guys. Thank you. And thank you to my ‘AGT’ family here. This is a dream come true. Thank you. Thank you,’ Kelsey said.
Guest performers for the episode were Lauren Daigle, 32, and Loren Allred, 34, who shared the stage together.
The powerhouse vocalists delivered a stunning performance that showcased their incredible range. After their performance, Terry asked Lauren for advice for the contestants.
‘Oh, man, that’s a great question. I would say it takes persistence. It takes dedication. It takes working on your craft and knowing how to serve it well. And the most important thing is every person, every contestant, was made for a unique purpose,’ Lauren responded.
‘I wouldn’t be here without you guys. Thank you. And thank you to my ‘AGT’ family here. This is a dream come true. Thank you. Thank you,’ Kelsey Jane said after advancing.
‘Oh, man, that’s a great question. I would say it takes persistence. It takes dedication. It takes working on your craft and knowing how to serve it well. And the most important thing is every person, every contestant, was made for a unique purpose,’ Lauren responded.
He added: ‘What is that message that you’re going to bring into the world? What is it that you’re going to share? What gift are you going to be able to give? That’s the most important thing. You know, a talent is great. But having a message and a purpose is something well beyond.’
Loren, who has experience competing on both Britain’s Got Talent and AGT Fantasy League, offered her own words of encouragement to the top five: ‘Just do your best, be brave, and no matter what happens here on this competition, it’s just the beginning.’
Terry also brought up online criticism that Simon and Howie were too critical of acts.
‘Of course you’re going to get criticized. But you know what? You’ve got to say how you feel. You can’t just tell everyone they’re great if you don’t feel it,’ Simon said in their defense.
America’s Got Talent will return next Tuesday with the fourth batch of quarterfinalists performing, followed by a results episode on Wednesday.
