Simon Cowell isn't clowning around on “America's Got Talent”: 'Oh no, oh no, oh no...I hate them'

Let's just say that Simon Cowell was not excited to see contestant Jelly Boy the Clown step onto the stage on Tuesday's episode of America's Got Talent.

"Oh no, oh no, oh no," Cowell said. He then turned to the audience and explained, "I don't like clowns. I hate them."

Jelly Boy explained that his parents love the show, so he wanted to take the risk that Cowell would like his act.

"I'm here to show you guys clowning in a different light," he promised. And it was definitely different, but also seriously impressive.

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Jelly Boy swallowed more than one sword and sometimes fire and even electricity. The judges were cringing.

But by the end, Cowell himself was smiling and raised his hands to clap.

Sofia Vergara commented, "You're really not a clown."

"That's a good point," Cowell agreed.

<p>Kevin Winter/Getty</p> Simon Cowell is not a fan of (most) clowns

Kevin Winter/Getty

Simon Cowell is not a fan of (most) clowns

Related: Simon Cowell leaves other judges howling when he breaks America's Got Talent Golden rule

Vergara said it was, "surprisingly good."

"We normally get this," Cowell said, holding up a foam nose. "That wasn't clowning. That was fantastic."

When it came time to vote, Vergara and, yes, even Cowell were in.

As for Heidi Klum, "I'm shocked at myself, but I'm also gonna give you a yes," she said.

Then, it was all up to Howie Mandel, who had complimented Jelly Boy on his "tricks" and was quickly told they were "stunts."

Jelly Boy shut him down: "Tricks are for kids."

Nevermind, though, because Mandel didn't hold it against him.

"Very rarely does a clown get four yeses!" he said.

Genuine surprise was on Jelly Boy's face (under the clown makeup) as the judging ended.

South African singing trio Biko's Manna received a standing ovation for the cute-kid performance of the night with their rendition of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” while one-legged Brazilian breakdancer Bboy Samuka served up an inspirational routine that delighted and impressed the judges.

Vergara almost snuffed out the hopes of dancers Legión with her cold response to their Argentinean Malambo folk dance, until she changed her tune and awarded them a Golden Buzzer.

“Sofia, you faked us all out on that one,” host Terry Crews told her.

Audition episodes of the show continue Tuesdays through July 23 on NBC.

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