Learmore Jonasi made it to the semifinals of America’s Got Talent on Wednesday and Howie Mandel hoped he would become the first comedian to win it all.
The 31-year-old stand-up comedian from Zimbabwe was the last of three acts to make it into the semi-finals during the hour-long results episode, followed by aerialist Kelsey Jane and teenage singer Reid Wilson.
Show host Terry Crews, 56, pressed his Golden Buzzer at the start of season 19 to send Learnmore straight to the live shows and asked for the comedian’s reaction if he reached the semifinals.
“I can’t believe it. What? What?” Learnmore cried in an emotional voice.
Next, Terry asked 68-year-old Howie, a longtime champion of comedians on the NBC show, if he had anything to say to Learnmore.
Learmore Jonasi reached the semifinals of America’s Got Talent on Wednesday and Howie Mandel backed him to become the first comedian to win it all
“I’d like to say I’ve been here for 15 years waiting for comedians to take over,” Howie said.
“You have what it takes. You have the talent. You are incredible,” Howie added.
“Thank you,” said Learnmore excitedly.
“Good luck making it to the top. 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 so far no comedian has won the show.
Learnmore secured his place in the semi-finals after defeating guitarist Maya Neelakantan and young singer Journeyy at the end of the results sequence.
Howie and Terry both celebrated earlier as Learnmore secured his place in the top five acts by beating Jelly Boy The Clown.
Menudo, magician Sam Huang, The Reklaws and dance group Sabrina were also eliminated in the results episode. Dee Dee Simon made it to the final on Tuesday after Heidi Klum pressed her Golden Buzzer for the singer, who works as a nurse at San Quentin prison.
“I’d like to say I’ve been here for 15 years, waiting for comedians to take over,” Howie said. “They have what it takes. They have the talent. They’re incredible.”
Learnmore secured his place in the semi-finals after defeating guitarist Maya Neelakantan and young singer Journeyy at the end of the hour-long results episode.
Terry and his Golden Buzzer favorite Learnmore exchanged a fist bump as the comic progressed
Dee Dee Simon spoke to Terry after Heidi Klum pressed her Golden Buzzer on Tuesday’s show to send her straight to the final
Former dentist and current aerialist Kelsey has become a fan favorite and expressed her gratitude for the support as she advanced to the semifinals.
“I wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you. And thank you to my AGT family here. This is a dream come true. Thank you. Thank you,” Kelsey said.
Guest stars in this episode were Lauren Daigle, 32, and Loren Allred, 34, who shared the stage together.
The powerful singers 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 perseverance. It takes dedication. You have to work on your craft and know how to use it well. And the most important thing is that every person, every participant, was created for a unique purpose,” Lauren replied.
“I wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you. And thank you to my AGT family here. This is a dream come true. Thank you. Thank you,” said Kelsey Jane after she
Teenage singer Reid Wilson also made it to the semifinals
Guest actresses in the episode were Lauren Daigle, 32, and Loren Allred, 34, who shared the stage together
Loren looked enchanting in her white appearance
“Oh man, that’s a great question. I would say it takes perseverance. It takes dedication. You have to work on your craft and know how to use it well. And the most important thing is that every person, every participant, was created for a unique purpose,” Lauren replied
He added: “What is the message you are going to take to the world? What are you going to pass on? What gift are you going to be able to give? That’s the most important thing. You know, talent is great. But having a message and a purpose is something much bigger.”
Loren, who competes in both Britain’s Got Talent and the 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 in this competition, this is just the beginning.”
Terry also criticized Simon and Howie on the Internet for being too critical of the performances.
“Of course you get criticism. But you know what? You have to say how you feel. You can’t just tell everyone they’re great if you don’t believe it yourself,” Simon said in her defense.
“America’s Got Talent” returns next Tuesday with the performance of the fourth group of quarterfinalists, followed by a results episode on Wednesday.
