Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel are ‘thirst trap central’ on AGT, says expert
The judges of AMERICA’s Got Talent have stuck with their TV roles for years, in no small part because of their on-set chemistry.
But according to a body language expert, the panel is divided for the first time in season 19, with Howie Mandel and Heidi Klum planning to “produce their own talent show” through “attention-grabbing” antics.
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Sofia Vergara, 52, shared a photo on Instagram on Thursday in which she is seen, as usual, sitting betweenand Simon Cowell, 64, and Heidi, 51, on the AGT panel.
Howie, 68, also sat at the end of the desk on set.
The comedian and TV personality grinned next to the German supermodel, while Simon and Sofia looked more stern.
Body language expert Judi James saw a divide develop among reality talent competition judges.
“Sofia and Simon have taken over this season,” she told The US Sun.
“These two have displayed an arrogant attitude, which has emerged over time and through their stares into the camera.
“There is an intimidating air about their poses, which are deliberately designed to make them appear the most difficult judges.”
Meanwhile, she added, Heidi and Howie are demanding as much attention and camera time as possible.
She compared their body language to that of teenagers, with them sticking out their tongues and giving each other a “naughty grin.”
Some of Howie and Heidi’s bizarre new antics were filmed backstage on Wednesday.
A clip was shared on Instagram showing Heidi grabbing Howie’s stomach from behind.
“I like to get myself excited for a show,” Howie said.
Heidi rubbed her hands over Howie’s belly before the four judges came onto the set to film the show’s live results.
TEAM REBEL
James suggested that the duo tries to come across as “rebels” in the NBC series.
“The four judges entered the studio as Heidi stuck her tongue out at the camera,” she said.
“This seems to be the desired behavior style from Howie and Heidi so far and has set the tone for this season.
“Heidi’s tongue gesture lets everyone know she’s on Team Rebel, along with Howie.
“They regularly make headlines with their childish soap operas like this one.
“Heidi and Howie milked it all, while Simon and Sofia kept a close eye on them.”
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Heidi had jumped into Howie’s lap during a performance in August.
The star has been married to Terry since 1980, and Heidi is married to 35-year-old musician Tom Kaulitz.
“Let’s just say I was a happily married man,” he said, adding: “I hope I still am because it happened on national television,” Howie told The US Sun after the show.
After she sat on Howie’s lap, an Olympic competition ensued among the judges.
Judi James
“I have to explain this to my wife, but I was at work, right?” he asked.
“And I didn’t initiate it,” he added.
IT’S OVER
James thinks Heidi’s jump onto his lap sparked a huge competition among the judges.
“This was the pivotal moment when Heidi and Howie revealed their shocking headlines,” she said.
“Their attention-seeking behavior during the filming of the show is clearly visible.
“It became an Olympic competition between the judges after she sat on Howie’s lap.
“Heidi kept shaking her index finger to get more attention.”
She said Heidi was acting like a “clown” while Howie was making a funny face at the camera behind her back.
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When James saw how Sofia reacted, he said she moved towards her “ally,” Simon.
“At one point, Heidi stood up to pretend to shut the audience up,” she continued.
Sofia responded quickly by sliding her chair toward Simon.
“He threw his arms in the air in the ultimate pose to grab attention.
Simon and Sofia have been mirrored many times this season.
Judi James
Simon also performed dramatic, exaggerated rituals to distance himself from the other two.
“Anders, Simon and Sofia [are] strongly reflected this season.
“They lean into the shots with their arms in identical positions and at the same angles.
“Their facial expressions generally suggest a serious and mature mood.”
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Simon replaced Howard Stern on the AGT panel in 2015 and has been a regular on the series ever since.
Heidi Klum has been on the reality show for over ten years.
The model replaced Sharon Osbourne in 2013, but then took a hiatus and returned for season 15 when Sofia joined the group.
Simon and Sofia keep their distance from everything.
Judi James
Howie joined the series in the fifth season, replacing David Hasselhoff.
This has made Howie one of the longest serving judges.
Interestingly, in 2023 he spoke to NBC Insider about his time on the panel.
“I don’t feel like I’m showing up to work; I feel like I’m sitting on the couch with a bunch of friends and just saying what’s on my mind,” he said.
“And that comfort allows me to just be honest and real.”
ARMS LENGTH
“This season it feels like Howie and Heidi are producing their own talent show on AGT,” James continued.
“They took turns pretending to eat each other during camera tricks.
“Behind the scenes they were filmed pretending to push each other out through their behinds.
“Although this was playful or rebellious behavior from the child, it created a clear division in the group.
“The other two judges did not intervene or comment on it.
“Simon and Sofia keep their distance from everything.”
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