During the fourth week of America’s Got Talent Season 20, comedy icon Wes-P returned to the show for the third time in seven years, receiving a warm welcome from all judges, except Mel B. Wes-P appeared on AGT in 2018 and 2024, but has also auditioned for Canada’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent where he often performs novelty stunts, while being naked. In the past, Mel B had already buzzed Wes-P twice, but his love for the British judge convinced him to return for a third time in hopes of finally impressing her.
Wes-P Fails to Win Over Mel B for a Third Time
Mel B has had little-to-no tolerance for comedic or carnival acts this year, often becoming frustrated with contestants that use multiple gimmicks or props, making Wes-P’s job more difficult than usual. Nevertheless, the 37-year-old was determined to prove the Spice Girl wrong, despite knowing she was not thrilled with his talent twice before. While Wes-P began transferring a ping pong ball through hoops and balancing a wine glass on his head, Mel B didn’t hide her frustration, audibly voicing her criticisms of the audition and eventually pressing her buzzer.
However, things reached a boiling point when Wes-P asked the judge to join him on stage, where she was asked to help him perform a stunt while he was naked. Mel B was tasked with ripping off a red blanket placed on Wes-P’s body, while he balanced tea cups on his chest and groin. Despite being reluctant to agree, Mel B played along, but immediately turned away and nearly walked off-stage once the audition was over. During the voting process, Mel B was visibly annoyed with her involvement in the act, with the audition being less of a tribute, and more uncomfortable than initially expected. Despite the audience in attendance cheering for the veteran judge to advance Wes-P to the next round, she was more than confident about saying no, especially after being noticeably displeased with having to take part in the audition.
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Mel B Brought “Scary Spice” to ‘AGT’ This Year
It’s no secret that Mel B has been cutthroat on Season 20 of AGT, as Wes-P is just another name on the long list of contestants that Mel B hasn’t taken a liking to this year. In previous seasons, Mel B was still strict with several acts, but was also willing to consider unconventional contestants more often. This year, however, she quickly buzzes talent that she feels is wasting time on the show. Where Simon Cowell used to be the “mean” judge on many talent shows, Mel B has seemingly inherited his reputation now that she’s returned to the panel.
Fans noticed Mel B’s change in demeanor during the premiere of Season 20, as she buzzed many acts that the other three judges liked, and didn’t hide her frustration with those she believed were untalented. Mel B was particularly in the minority when it came to two acts, Team Recycled and Sandy Larson with her backup dancers, who seemed to be universally loved by everyone except the 50-year-old. Although some may view Mel B’s harsh judging style as refreshing, it’s become frustrating to watch the judge turn down several worthy acts five weeks into America’s Got Talent Season 20. It was first entertaining to watch Mel B embrace a more rigid approach, but her return to the desk hasn’t been as glorified as many thought it would be due to her poor attitude.
Although Wes-P was unsuccessful in his attempt to impress Mel B, hopefully the returning judge will begin to lighten up for the remainder of Season 20, especially towards comedic acts. Although auditions similar to Wes-P’s might not be her cup of tea, Mel B needs to watch every act with an open mind, instead of already writing a contestant off before they start performing. Cowell has seemingly mastered this judging strategy after several years, but hopefully Mel B can turn a corner before the end of the summer.
America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. All episodes are available to stream on Peacock.