'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMF/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAb/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAJ7RVh//xAAfEAACAQQCAwAAAAAAAAAAAAABAwIABAYRBRITIkH/2gAIAQEAAT8AwLO5ZDyXL2b0hFqiPdXikfYdtamKbfRDZgMmBs/TX//EABsRAAIBBQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAFERIh/9oACAECAQE/ALegki3fuSa//8QAGhEAAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgMAARESIf/aAAgBAwEBPwBzLEtR5if/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
America’s Got Talent aka AGT aired its third round of auditions on June 10, 2025, with several different acts taking the stage. The Osaka Philharmonic, a harmonica-playing team from Japan, stood out with their loud and unusual performance.
During their act, judge Howie Mandel reportedly made a comment about fellow judge Sofía Vergara that wasn’t planned and was later removed from the final episode. According to an exclusive report by The U.S. Sun published on June 11, Mandel’s remark was made when the Osaka Philharmonic invited Simon Cowell on stage.
In a moment involving dry ice being applied to performers' chests, Mandel allegedly joked that Vergara should “be next,” implying she take part in the same stunt. A source told the outlet that the comment drew gasps from people nearby and was described as “gross,” although it was said that Mandel was joking.
Trending
While the performance aired as part of a montage during the episode, Mandel’s comment did not appear in the final broadcast. According to the report, Vergara appeared surprised by the remark but did not take offense. The Osaka Philharmonic still received four nods from judges and advanced to the next round.
Osaka Philharmonic's act in AGT included Simon Cowell in an unexpected role
The Osaka Philharmonic surprised the AGT judges with a performance that mixed harmonica playing, physical stunts, and crowd participation. During the act, the group asked Simon Cowell to join them on stage for a strange routine that used a frozen stick of dry ice. The performers removed their shirts and reacted by playing notes on harmonicas each time the ice touched their chests.
As reported by The U.S. Sun, it was during this segment that Howie Mandel made the now-cut comment to Sofía Vergara, suggesting she “be next.”
“When he said that, those in close proximity who overheard the comment gasped,” a source reportedly said.
The media outlet noted that the comment was made in jest and that Vergara’s jaw dropped, but she didn’t appear to be offended.
Meanwhile, the audition received mixed reactions from the AGT judges. Mel B initially hit her X buzzer but later changed her mind after Cowell’s participation.
“I’m gonna take my X back! If Simon’s involved, it’s a yes from me,” she said.
Cowell also gave his approval to the group's act, stating, “Four yeses… I’m actually losing my mind.”
AGT edited out Howie Mandel’s remark before airing the montage
Although the Osaka Philharmonic’s performance was included in a montage in the June 10 episode, Howie Mandel’s comment about Sofía Vergara was not shown. The U.S. Sun’s report suggested that producers decided to remove the comment due to how it was received by those nearby, who seemingly felt it was inappropriate.
Despite the edit, the harmonica-playing act drew attention. While Mel B initially disapproved of the performance, Cowell’s involvement changed her perspective. After Cowell chose to participate in the act, she changed her decision.
So far, there has been no official statement from NBC or the show’s producers regarding Mandel’s remark. As of now, neither Mandel nor Vergara has publicly addressed the moment.
Auditions 4 of AGT season 20 is set to air on June 17, 2025 on NBC and the episode will be available to stream on Peacock the next day.
