America's Got Talent

Howie Mandel is pissed about the state of stand-up comedy ... and he's blaming political correctness for its demise.

We got the comedian and "America's Got Talent" judge leaving Craig's Thursday night in WeHo, and he launched into a tirade about why comedy sucks now ... for comedians. Howie harkened back to legends like Richard Pryor -- who were revered for pushing the envelope -- but said anyone who tries that today runs the risk of destroying their whole career.

It's gotten so bad, Howie says he's actually afraid to crack jokes in public.

Simon Cowell had lots to celebrate this week -- a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a new deal with 'AGT' -- and he did it in true Simon fashion, which is why we love the guy.

Simon was having himself a little soiree Wednesday night at his favorite restaurant -- Ago in WeHo -- to ring in his two newest achievements in Tinseltown -- a permanent place on Hollywood Blvd. and a contract extension with NBC that'll keep him judging folks for years to come.

When we asked him about what was next, he replied in the purest SC way -- cold, brief, British and snarky ... just like he's been on TV for more than a decade. Classic! His t-shirt was a bit snug on him too, so he hasn't changed much in that department either.

The husband-wife duo who suffered a stunt fail on "America's Got Talent" is quickly learning all publicity can be good publicity ... cause biz is booming despite feeling the burn on national television.

We spoke to Mary and Tyce -- the flying duo whose blindfolded trapeze trick came to a screeching halt when Mary slipped and fell -- and they say they're fielding offers for corporate events and parties from reps who reached out and thought their stunt was really great. Up until ... y'know.

ICYMI ... Mary and Tyce pulled off some incredible stunts on a trapeze before something awful went down -- Mary slipped!! Making things scarier ... there were flames shooting from the trapeze's ends and a fire pit below to really amp things up.

Check it out ... the couple -- who btw is heading off to Europe to perform a Cirque du Soleil show -- tells us exactly what led to the slip-up and what they've got in store for the 'AGT' live rounds.

An "America's Got Talent" husband and wife duo felt the burn ... when their blindfolded trapeze trick -- over open flames -- came to a shocking end.

Mary and Tyce were flying through their act on Tuesday night's broadcast, pulling off some amazing stunts on a trapeze ... and even amped things up with a fire pit. The act took a turn though -- when Tyce slipped on a blindfold.

While hanging upside down, he was supposed to grab his wife as gravity pulled her down over his body -- but she, literally, slipped through his hands ... falling at least 20 feet as a couple of the judges shrieked in horror.

Neal E. Boyd, the "America's Got Talent" champ, who died earlier this month, was discovered by his own mother after she walked into his bedroom to check on him.

Neal's mother, Esther Rogers Boyd, told cops she couldn't wake him up, so she called 911. When officers arrived, we're told they saw Neal in bed with a sleep apnea mask on his face. They couldn't feel a pulse, so CPR was performed ... but to no avail.

According to the police report, obtained by TMZ, no illegal narcotics were found in his room. Cops also say there were no signs of foul play. There was no autopsy performed -- Neal had a known heart condition. We're told he was cremated the next day, and a private funeral was held a few days later.

We broke the story ... Neal died from heart failure in his Missouri hometown at his mother's home.

He was 42.

Neal E. Boyd, the gifted opera singer who won "America's Got Talent," died Sunday from heart failure ... TMZ has learned.

He was in his hometown of Sikeston, Missouri, reportedly at his mother's home, when he died. The county coroner tells TMZ ... Neal passed around 6 PM, and adds no autopsy will be done. We're told he had a known a health condition related to his heart.

Neal won 'AGT' back in 2008 ... wowing the judges and the audience with his operatic voice. He recorded one album, "My American Dream," after the victory.

In early 2017, Neal blacked out while driving, causing an accident that left him and his mother badly injured. They'd been slowly recovering since then.

Neal was 42.

Mel B's all about putting a scare into the fashion world these days ... this time with a full-body outfit from some time in the distant future.

The Spice Girls singer was on her way to judge "America's Got Talent" in rainy Pasadena Thursday when she was spotted in an out-of-this-world hot pink and blue jumpsuit -- equipped with a hood. She's also rocking leather high heels ... from Rihanna's Fenty Puma line.

They don't really match ... but she doesn't seem to care.

You may recall ... Mel was out and about in another eye-popping getup Tuesday that was even more Scary Spice, but it might have been to promote her group's reunion tour later this year.

"America's Got Talent" is being sued for the wrongful death of a woman who was injured as she tried to maneuver a motorized wheelchair over cables for the show's taping ... according to the suit.

Maureen Allen was working as a volunteer at the Pasadena Convention Center in March 2017, and 'AGT' was also on the premises preparing for a taping ... according to docs, obtained by TMZ. In the suit, Maureen's estate says a large power cord protector was blocking the only disabled access ramp to the auditorium.

The estate says Maureen tried to roll over the protector, but her front wheel got caught and her scooter flipped on its side ... violently throwing her to the ground. According to the suit she suffered severe injuries to her head, arms, and hip.

She had to be hospitalized, and suffered a stroke the next day. She also had to have hip surgery and remained in declining health for several months. After 8 surgeries she was put on life support in June ... and died shortly thereafter.

Mel B is so damn good at the promotion game, she's giving Spice Girls fans some serious hope for a reunion tour by dropping a few well-chosen words.

Mel B was walking out of Fred Segal Tuesday in WeHo when we asked, point-blank, if the group's hitting the road again. Of course, she's fully aware of the rumblings that started when all 5 Spices posed for a photo last week in the U.K.

Watch Mel's sly reply when we attempted to grill her -- arguably she played it perfectly.

Mel B's become a major thorn in the side of "America's Got Talent" producers, who now want to kick her to the curb ... and Queen Latifah's their first option to replace her.

'AGT' production sources tell TMZ ... Mel's been butting heads with people on set and producers think she comes with too much "baggage" for the amount of money the Spice Girl's getting paid. We're told the situation worsened while Mel was enmeshed in her intense divorce from Stephen Belafonte.

You'll recall ... she's feuded on camera with Simon Cowell ... tossing a drink at him, but we're told there's been even more tension behind the scenes.

We're told producers wanna replace Mel with Queen Latifah by next season. One potential hurdle is the fact QL's under contract with the FOX series, "Star."

Jeff Dunham's got high hopes for the kid ventriloquist who won season 12 of "America's Got Talent" ... because he knows her folks want what's best for her.

The famed ventriloquist and comedian tells TMZ ... 12-year-old Darci Lynne Farmer's fantastic with her puppets, but also has fantastic parents. Jeff thinks that's vital for a child star in showbiz, and with their guidance ... Darci could be the next Shari Lewis.

As for teaming up with Darci for a ventriloquism duet ... he's down with it, but says he'll have to clean up his act a little.

Dunham also took a moment to adjust his screen for some not-so-subtle reason ... check it out.

Dream scenario for a bunch of kids pouring cups of lemonade ... Simon Cowell rolling up in his Bronco with a bunch of dough!

Simon and girlfriend Lauren Silverman stopped at the makeshift stand which the squad set up on a corner in Beverly Hills ... pretty genius.

Going rate for a cup is usually a quarter and it looks like Simon and Lauren handed over much more than that without taking any lemonade, so it was purely a donation.

New Orleans Saints long snapper and star magician Jon Dorenbos is "resting comfortably" after open-heart surgery on Tuesday -- this according to Dorenbos' former NFL coach.

Dorenbos -- who crushed it on "America's Got Talent" -- was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm during his physical for the Saints last week ... which prompted the emergency surgery.

Eagles head coach Doug Pederson gave an update on his ex-player's condition, saying, "Everything went well yesterday with surgery and he's resting comfortably."

"Just wish him and his family well, our prayers are with him and hope for a speedy recovery."

The NFL vet shared a video of his friends and family before going under the knife, saying, "Thank you to my beautiful amazing wife, my family, my friends and videos like this. This brought out some tears. I feel the love and support."

Get well soon, Jon!

A trade to the New Orleans Saints may have saved Jon Dorenbos' life -- because the longsnapper just learned he has a very serious heart condition that was discovered during a team physical.

Dorenbos -- who dominated as a magician on "America's Got Talent" -- was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Saints back in August and had to undergo a medical exam as part of the deal.

Saints coach Sean Payton just told the media ... doctors discovered the 2-time Pro Bowl player had an aortic aneurysm that will require immediate heart surgery.

Payton says, "It's a pretty serious condition."

Dorenbos is 37 years old -- and the news could signal the end of his NFL career -- but who cares as long as he gets healthy.

#GetWellSoon

"America's Got Talent" champ Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. won't face charges at this time for allegedly hitting his baby mama with a golf club ... TMZ has learned.

The domestic violence case against the season 6 winner of 'AGT' was dismissed without prejudice Wednesday ... meaning the case could still be reopened pending further investigation and discussions with the victim.

As we reported ... Landau was arrested in July for misdemeanor domestic battery and assault after an alleged brawl with his GF at the time, and was accused of striking her under her eye with a club.

Murphy says he is no longer in a relationship with the woman, but the 2 have a child to raise and "we both want our son to realize that his parents love him."

Mel B hurled a cup of water at fellow 'AGT' judge Simon Cowell and then stormed off the set in the middle of a live show, after he made a reference to a very sensitive subject ... her marriage.

Simon was critiquing a contestant when he began using a simile, comparing his performance to Mel B's honeymoon ... lots of anticipation, but no delivery.

That was all she wrote ... Mel B smiled at first but apparently had to be coaxed back onstage a few minutes later.

She's been dealing with a disastrous breakup with estranged hubby Stephen Belafonte, so it hit too close to home.