Heidi Klum cheers on Golden Buzzer singer Lavender Darcangelo on 'AGT': 'I am so happy'
Simon Cowell may get flack for his brutal honesty on "AGT," but sometimes it rings true.
Rock band True Villains found itself on the chopping block Wednesday night during the first results show of the season, in which each of the 11 acts who performed Tuesday learned if they secured viewers' votes for a spot in this week's top 2.
While True Villains earned praise from Cowell's co-judges Sofía Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel for its fiery showmanship, Cowell criticized the Nashville group's song selection of the original track "Dead to Me." "There's no question you can play really well, you can sing really well, (but) I hated the song," he said to boos from the studio audience Tuesday.
In the end, Cowell's criticism was in harmony with America. During True Villains' head-to-head deliberation with country singer Mitch Rossell, host Terry Crews revealed the band had not received enough votes to advance to the top 5.
Mandel, who joked he has his "finger on the pulse of America," wasn't fazed by viewers' verdict. "There were no surprises in the elimination," he said. "It is amazing. What a (finale) we're going to have."
Here's what else went down.
Heidi Klum is 'so happy' for Golden Buzzer singer Lavender Darcangelo
Golden Buzzer contestant Lavender Darcangelo, who moved the judges with her emotional cover of Foreigner’s "I Want to Know What Love Is," was showered with viewers' love when Crews announced she made the top 5.
Klum, who used her Golden Buzzer on Darcangelo, was ecstatic with the singer's progress in the competition.
"I am so happy for you," Klum told Darcangelo, adding, "America, I am so happy with you right now."
Joining Darcangelo in the top 5 were country singer Rossell, child ventriloquist Brynn Cummings, dancer-technologist Oleksandr Leshchenko & Magic Innovations, and dog owner duo Adrian Stoica and Hurricane.
Who went home on 'AGT'?
True Villains wasn't the only act to be burned in the elimination round.
Fire stunt artist Ray Wold, guitarist John Wines, dancer Lambros Garcia, trap choir Sainted and comedian Maureen Langan were also sent home after failing to make the top 5.
Though the eliminations proved to be a bittersweet moment for Cowell, he said he trusts viewers' judgment.
"America over the years actually pretty much gets it spot on," Cowell said. "I always feel bad for the people who leave the competition, but I’m also happy for the people who stay."
Who made the top 2 on 'AGT'?
Despite placing in the top 5, Cummings and Leshchenko failed to secure enough votes to continue in the competition, leaving Darcangelo, Rossell, and Stoica in the top 3.
Darcangelo was the first contestant chosen by America's vote to advance to the top 2, earning her a spot in the Season 18 finale.
"Lavender, my heart is so happy right now," Klum said. "I said to you I’m going to hold your hand, and we’re going to go all the way to the finish line."
Stoica and his dog Hurricane, who captivated the judges with their adorable physical comedy, edged out Rossell and made this week's top 2.
Cowell praised Stoica and Hurricane for taking their performance style to the next level.
"This act is honestly the best example of an amazing audition, and then when you get to the live shows, you’re even better," Cowell said. "That’s what being on this show is all about."
'AGT':Simon Cowell raves over mother-son fire stunt act, Howie Mandel says 'it's just wrong'
'AGT':Sofía Vergara awards Golden Buzzer to 'spectacular' Brazilian singer Gabriel Henrique