America’s Got Talent: Howie Mandel calls medic after Jonathan Goodwin catches fire during daredevil act

Kenan Thompson has participated in hundreds of live shows during his tenure on National Broadcasting Company (NBC)’s “Saturday Night Live”. And the newest guest judge for “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) has a word of advice to the contestants, “Seize the moment.” Thompson filled in for Simon Cowell as he recovers from breaking his back in an electric-bike accident.

And the judges were sure that AGT was close to another injury during the second round of quarterfinals after daredevil Jonathan Goodwin’s “scary” act. Jonathan Goodwin, who was doused in oil, was going to attempt to escape padlocks and shackles with his vision impaired in under 20 seconds while flames closed in on him. To raise the stakes, this was Jonathan Goodwin’s first time attempting the escape act.

Jonathan Goodwin caught fire before successfully escaping and being extinguished. At one point during the act, Howie Mandel called for help, “He’s on fire!” When the coast was clear and Jonathan Goodwin emerged unharmed, Mandel joked, “Well done.”

Despite being scared, the judges appreciated Jonathan Goodwin upping the ante.

The performance made Thompson emotional. In total, 11 acts performed mainly from Universal Studios Hollywood‘s soundstage, theme park, and the famed back lot. One act joined via satellite from the other side of the world due to pandemic travel restrictions. But the fate of the contestants is up to America, and only five of the acts will advance to the semifinals.

Fans can vote up to 10 times for each act.