Simon Cowell conquers clown phobia as Jelly Boy wows on 'America's Got Talent'

Defying Cowell's fear of clowns, Jelly Boy impresses with a stunning performance of sword-swallowing and fire tricks.

In a surprising twist on Tuesday's episode of 'America's Got Talent', contestant Jelly Boy the Clown faced his biggest challenge yet—winning over the notoriously clown-averse Simon Cowell. 

"Oh no, oh no, oh no," Cowell muttered as Jelly Boy stepped onto the stage. 

However, Jelly Boy promised a different kind of show. "I'm here to show you guys clowning in a different light," he declared.

What followed was an act far removed from traditional clown antics, involving daring feats of sword-swallowing, and even incorporating fire and electricity. 

The judges cringed at the sight, yet by the end, Cowell himself couldn’t help but applaud the performance.

"You're really not a clown," Sofia Vergara remarked, impressed by the act's originality. 

"That wasn't clowning. That was fantastic," Cowell concurred, reflecting on the unexpected delight Jelly Boy's performance had brought.

The vote was unanimous, with Vergara, Cowell, and even a surprised Heidi Klum giving Jelly Boy a yes. 

Howie Mandel rounded out the approvals, noting, "Very rarely does a clown get four yeses!" 

The episode wasn't just about Jelly Boy; it also featured standout performances from Biko's Manna, a South African singing trio, and Bboy Samuka, a one-legged Brazilian breakdancer, each earning their moments of acclaim. 

Meanwhile, Sofia Vergara's dramatic turnaround awarded a Golden Buzzer to the Argentinean Malambo folk dancers, Legión, after an initial cold response.

Auditions for 'America's Got Talent' continue to promise more surprises, airing Tuesdays through July 23 on NBC.