Former Blue Peter star Joel Mawhinney has auditioned for America's Got Talent, performing a magic act that left judges Mel B, Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, and Howie Mandel speechless.
Joel, known professionally as Joel M, became the 41st presenter on the long-running children's programme in 2022. He described his act as "risky" and "the scariest experience" of his life.
Magic Act Details
Joel smashed items belonging to the judges, including a bracelet Mel B received from the Spice Girls, a picture of Sofia's dog in a cushion, and Howie's phone. He then made them reappear, with Mel B's bracelet found inside a red buzzer and Howie's phone in a box.
Mel B said: "I don't know how you do it. I believe in magic but I loved it!" Sofia laughed and called his magic "very impressive." Both women voted yes, but Howie said no, calling the act "too slow." Simon initially warned Joel couldn't do that on a live show but added, "audience love magic, which is exactly the reason I'm going to say yes," giving Joel a majority to advance.
Joel's Comments
After the show aired, Joel told BBC Good Morning Ulster: "I knew the plan was to take prized possessions, or whatever I could find, but it just so happened that the jewellery was there." He noted that he usually doesn't borrow possessions but decided to for America's Got Talent.
Joel said show bosses had asked him to audition for years, but he only decided to now after leaving Blue Peter. He added: "I left Blue Peter this year and wanted to establish myself as a magician again, because that's what I'm doing now. And I thought, you might as well kick the whole thing off with something a bit extreme, so I'll fly to the States and do that."
In the US, America's Got Talent winners receive a $1 million grand prize.
