Howie Mandel salutes military group 82nd Airborne Division Chorus on 'America's Got Talent'

Howie Mandel is now a member of the X club on "America’s Got Talent."

The outspoken comedian found himself at odds with fellow "AGT" judges Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara and Heidi Klum during the fifth round of live shows Tuesday night.

Singer Lachuné captivated the judges panel with her emotional rendition of Tina Turner's "The Best."

"I really admire the fact that you took a song that everybody knows, and you made it your version," Cowell said. "From the first time we met you, you radiate kindness, and I would love to see you in the final. I think you really deserve it."

But while Mandel applauded Lachuné’s vocal chops, the performance fell flat for him. "Only two (contestants) can go through, and I don’t think this was enough to get you to the finals," he said.

Mandel's criticism hit a sour note with Cowell and Vergara, who hit their buzzers to give Mandel a red X — a move typically reserved for rejected contestants during the show's auditions round.

"America (is) going to vote for you," Vergara told Lachuné, dismissing Mandel's comments. "You deserve it."

Here's what else went down on Tuesday's episode.

Ramadhani Brothers dazzle Simon Cowell with 'spellbinding' balancing act

The Ramadhani Brothers have that sibling synergy.

The balancing act duo delivered a nail-biting routine that saw one brother balance the other's full body weight with one hand, while walking up and down a staircase and even while climbing a ladder.

"That was spellbinding," Cowell said. "Every single person in this audience, I think, felt the same thing, which was, 'This is so difficult, so scary, and at any time it could've gone wrong.' This is an act that should be in the final and I believe is a million-dollar act."

Klum was blown away by the brothers' showstopping performance.

"This is one of the best acts the world ever gets to see," Klum said. "You two are amazing."

Sofía Vergara calls Golden Buzzer singer Gabriel Henrique 'an angel'

Gabriel Henrique may not have wings, but his voice can soar to the heavens.

The Brazilian singer, who scored Vergara's Golden Buzzer earlier this season, captivated the judges with his ethereal whistle tone and soulful cover of the Jacob Banks ballad "Something Beautiful."

"I don’t even have anything to say. It was perfection," Vergara said. "It was just like an angel. You are definitely a star."

Klum praised Henrique's extraordinary vocal range.

"You have an unbelievable talent," Klum said. "You busted out some tunes that are unhuman. It was incredible what we just heard."

Howie Mandel salutes 82nd Airborne Division Chorus after 'uplifting' performance

The 82nd Airborne Division Chorus proudly sings in the key of red, white and blue.

The vocal ensemble, a military-based acapella group from North Carolina, moved the judges with its lively performance of "I Am Here" by Pink.

Vergara said the performance was a marked improvement from the group's audition.

"It was fun, uplifting: It was perfect," Vergara said. "You guys came together and stepped it up a notch."

Mandel said the chorus's song choice highlighted the importance of its members' military service.

"You can’t live in this country and be at home as part of who we are and where we are and not love what you just did," Mandel said. "We are here because you are here. Without you, we couldn’t do what we’re doing: we wouldn’t have the freedom, we wouldn’t have the peace, we wouldn’t have the safety. I can’t thank you enough – for more than your performance – just for being here."

Viewers can vote for their favorite act at nbc.com/agtvote.

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