Ahead of the beginning of the live shows tonight, judges Simon Cowell and Mel B. answered questions from reporters on a conference call about the talent competing on the show this season. Simon talked quite a bit about the singing talent–former American Idol 14 contestant Sal Valentinetti is one of his favorites! He claims he had no idea the singer previously competed on Idol.
Simon also snarked about how SOME of the One Direction members are loyal. OOPS and how hard the producers worked to lure good singers to AGT. Check out the interview below.
The audience gets to see the video clips of the acts before they go on stage. Do the judges know anything about them before they come out?
Simon Cowell: Nothing. I ask for them to tell us absolutely zero about anybody. And look, sometimes they might say there’s something so sensitive, don’t go there. But that’s really rare. Our job, funny enough – when we talk to them on stage, is to find out what we can and what they want to tell us – and not knowing makes it much more fun and interesting for us and the audience sitting behind us I think. But then of course the audience at home to know everything that we don’t know.
Mel B: It’s a surprise. I think the audience appreciates that because we’re seeing it just like they are for the very first time. And I think that comes across.
Are there some key indicators that you look for when evaluating the success of the act being a long-term success? Do you think about that while you’re evaluating their performance?
Mel B: I don’t because I like to just like react to what I’m seeing there and then. You know, Heidi sometimes says, “But what are you going to do next?” And to me I don’t care what they’re going to do next. All I know is I’m in that moment and I’m thoroughly entertained.
Simon Cowell: Yes. I think in this day and age it’s almost impossible to predict that kind of stuff because so many factors have to happen after the show. If you look at One Direction or Susan Boyle, I don’t think any of us when we first worked with both acts could have possibly have predicted what was going to happen next. It comes down to the act. It’s got to be in them that they are going to push and fight for a successful career afterwards. And some people do it and some people don’t. Sometimes when we’re sitting doing the audition – with Grace VanderWaal as an example – this is the little girl who played the ukulele – and she had this massive response of the show. Genuinely on the day I thought she was good. I didn’t think she’d get that response. It really took me by surprise. I was happy for her. But the same thing with Tape Face. I thought yes, that was funny. And then he gets like 30, 40 million hits on YouTube or something. You just can’t predict (things) anymore.
Why is the show so much better this year?
Simon Cowell: [It’s] the acts actually – the show is all about the acts. And I think what’s happened is that we’ve been able to attract better music acts, which you do need in a mix on a show like this. And also it has to be fun, this show. If you ever get too serious particularly in this day and age with so much bad news on the news and everything–you got to have escapism. And you’ve got to have a show where most things end up well and they’re fun. And that’s why I think the show has worked so well this year and it is a great panel. I have to tell you.
Why do you think singers are so hot this season? And also, what’s your temperature on Sal Valentinetti? He was a former Idol guy.
Simon Cowell: Who? Was he on Idol?
He had a good run in Hollywood. But I guess like Harry didn’t think that–you know how particular he is about the standards…
Simon Cowell: Well maybe he was too good.
More about Sal and why he connected so well with the crowd.
Simon Cowell: I think it’s one of my favorite auditions of all time when I watched it back. I mean his family and his swagger and his confidence in the fact he’s flirting with all the girls. But you know what I loved about him is that he’s an old soul and he loves this kind of music. I know what he’s singing next actually and it’s going to surprise a lot of people. But I think it’s going to work. I love him. I love everything about that guy.
Was Simon surprised when Sal got the Golden Buzzer?
Simon Cowell: No I wasn’t. And I’m really happy that he got it even though he was really confident. Every singer always in that moment slightly doubt themselves a little bit. And, you know, he did his thing and he’s got his shtick. But when he got it, you could see in his eyes and particularly with his family how much it meant to him. I think it’s important that he’s in the next round with the Golden Buzzer and he’s got something to live up to now. And there’s an expectation. And he deserved it. That whole clip–particularly his cousin in the wings–you can make a show with that family. They were amazing. People really like him. I really loved in him the moment when he said, “I’m not here to compete. I’m here to win.” I always love that in a competition that people actually really want to win. And that makes the show really exciting. I think he’s got a shot [at winning].
Why do you think the singers are so hot this season?
Simon Cowell: We did do a lot of work in advance to tell a lot singers – all the singers in fact to trust the show because, you know, the show’s always done well. I don’t think we’ve had enough good singers turning up for the show in the past. So we all made a huge effort this year. I did a lot of radio interviews basically trying to put the message out look you can trust the show. The producers cast it very well. People just wanted to be on the show. And they were judged well on the show. You could see that when you watched the singers back.
On having One Direction member Louis Tomlinson as a guest judge:
Louis is great. It was so funny and it was so kind of odd, you know, that he had auditioned for me five years ago. Now he’s sitting where I’m sitting judging other people and doing it really well. I was really happy for him and he loved doing it.
The One Direction guys are going in the right direction. You got Liam with the solo album…
Simon Cowell: Yes. We’re talking to all of them at the moment. And you know what the great thing about these boys are – well not all of them but most of them. They’re incredibly loyal. And you don’t always expect that. Niall, Harry, Louis, amazing.
What can singers do to differentiate from each other and stand out to people voting at home?
Mel B: I think it’s all about being really clever with your song choices. You know, because if you’re going to choose a popular song, which will always go down well, you have to put your own twist on it. They’ve got to really do their research and put their own stamp especially if you’re a singer.
Simon Cowell: What I’ve noticed this year particularly on the show is it’s been a learning curve for me – a big learning curve because I think the old rules are starting to – are starting to go now. You know, we – there was a pattern when we first started these shows where there was a kind of a formula for what people should or shouldn’t do. And I think now it’s all about showing people who you are. And if you’ve got the confidence in who you are, you stick with it.
We’ve seen a couple of singers who have suddenly popped on the show like Brian Justin Crum because he did what he felt passionate about and he took a risk. And you never know what’s going to work in the room or what’s going to work through TV. But this guy has really popped and he’s been honest.
I don’t get rules of talent shows – I’ve never understood them. There’s an age range or this or that. You know, if you’re talented and you’re up for it. And the 90-year-old guy (John Hetlinger who sang “Bodies” by Drowning Pool) proves that – the singer – he was brilliant. Then goes on to one of the coolest bands in the world. So, you know, I think that’s what people – and certainly what I like about the show this year. It feels fresh.
If Simon and Mel had to choose one act, who would they be most excited to see?
Mel B: I was raving about the dance group that was George Lopez’s Golden Buzzer, Malevo. I love a dance group. Not everybody on the panel does. But the way that they came out with such power and passion, it was just hot. So I’m super excited to see these guys.
Simon Cowell: I’m sort of fascinated to see what the 90-year-old stripper’s (Dorothy Williams) going to do next. I mean I was never in this position before. I mean does she take more off or does she get the tassels to work this time. At the same time, I’m obviously excited about the singers because that’s an important part of the show. And my own Golden Buzzer Calysta Bevier , you know, I’ve got a soft spot for her because I loved her story and I love her and I think she’s really good. I like Grace. I’m really curious to see what she’s going to do next. Sal is a real (talent). I like the guy who drills things into himself. I like Tape Face. Normally at this stage there’s about ten I actually care about. This year fortunately there’s a lot more than that.
Mel B: What I’m excited to see is the kids because I do feel like this season the kids have just popped out of nowhere with such confidence. I’m really excited to see what they’re going to bring especially the two young comedians.
Simon Cowell: I think this guy Brian who I talked about earlier. He hasn’t got the biggest personality. He was quite shy when he first performed with us. But he sang Creep in the second round and I thought he was superb; really, really good. I’m really excited to see what he’s going to do because he’s a big singer and he’s got great taste.
So like I said, I think there’s going to be some surprises. I’ve got no idea what’s going to happen but I’m really looking forward now to [Tuesday].
