Arts & Entertainment

Houstonian Andy Huggins Wows Judges On 'America's Got Talent'

Comedian Andy Huggins not only impressed judges on America's Got Talent, but reminded Howie Mandel they'd actually performed together before

HOUSTON, TX -- Performing in front of an audience is nothing new for stand-up comedian Andy Huggins.

It's something he's done for 40 years.

But performing for the judges and the audience on NBC's 'America's Got Talent' television program was something of a treat.

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In fact, former Spice Girl Melanie Brown, aka Mel B, asked Huggins if being there was a big dream.

"To do stand-up on national television? It's absolutely a big dream," he said.

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He had 90 seconds to make an impression on the judges.

Oddly enough, Huggins said there were no pre-show jitters when he came out onto the stage inside the coliseum.

"No matter what the show is or the circumstances, I always have a little bit of nerves, that kind of pre-show anticipatory nerves, but for some reason...I was absolutely calm walking out there," he said.

Huggins said while he was performing, he focused on several people in the audience who seemed to be enjoying the act, and put on a good show.

Although his act was a hit, there was also the sidebar moment when judge and fellow comedian Howie Mandel seemed to recognize Huggins before he he started his act.

Afterward, while the judges were giving Huggins their feedback and voting him to the next level, Mandel recalled working with Huggins in comedy about 35-years earlier.

Now, it's onto the level where he will compete with other performers for a chance at a $1 million prize.

America's Got Talent airs on Monday at 8 p.m. eastern/ 7 p.m. central on NBC.

Image: Courtesy Vivian Zink/NBC

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