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Magician Joel Mawhinney Advances on AGT, Smashes Judges' Items

7/22/2026

22 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Joel Mawhinney (28) advanced on America’s Got Talent after three judges voted yes.
He entered judges’ dressing rooms, took Mel B’s bracelet, Sofía Vergara’s photo and Howie Mandel’s phone.
He then smashed the three items.
Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara and Mel B voted yes while Howie Mandel voted no, saying it was too slow.
Mawhinney, who left Blue Peter in July 2026, will use his 20 million-plus followers to relaunch magic career.

History

Historical Context

America’s Got Talent, launched in 2006, introduced a Las Vegas headline prize in its third season (2008) and has averaged about 10 million viewers per year. When ventriloquist Paul Zerdin won the tenth season on 16 September 2015, he received the $1 million prize and drew roughly 10.3 million viewers. His success paved the way for 2026 contestant Joel Mawhinny’s audition before judges Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara and Mel B.

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Story summary

Joel Mawhinney (28) advanced on America’s Got Talent after three judges voted yes.
He entered judges’ dressing rooms, took Mel B’s bracelet, Sofía Vergara’s photo and Howie Mandel’s phone.
He then smashed the three items.
Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara and Mel B voted yes while Howie Mandel voted no, saying it was too slow.
Mawhinney, who left Blue Peter in July 2026, will use his 20 million-plus followers to relaunch magic career.

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