Houston, Texas-based RL Bell, a 50-year-old massage therapist and former bodybuilder, entered the America’s Got Talent stage looking stunning and exuding confidence. The female judges were immediately drawn to him when he talked about his distinctive long hair and exercise regimen. Bell said that although his massage clients frequently ask him to sing during their sessions, he typically plays a CD of his own music so he can concentrate on his work. Expectations were high for a “total package” performance meant especially “for the ladies” because of his captivating demeanor.
Bell had a performance full of dramatic showmanship as soon as he started singing the soul classic “Me and Mrs. Jones.” Bold theatrical gestures, such as flexing his muscles and eventually taking off his shirt and cap, complemented his deep, smooth R&B vocals. His high notes and theatrical intensity were obviously entertaining to the audience and several of the judges, but opinions on his strategy were divided among the panel. The male judges were more critical of his extravagant presentation, but Mel B and Heidi Klum praised the act’s “magical” and engaging qualities.
Simon Cowell called the performance “too corny,” likening it to a bag of candy, and implied that Bell’s “striptease” antics took away from his true singing ability, making the feedback session especially harsh. This opinion was echoed by Howie Mandel, who joked that Bell resembled a cross between Rick James and Hulk Hogan. Howie voted “No,” but Mel B and Heidi enthusiastically voted “Yes.” To the pleasure of his newfound admirers, Simon ultimately chose to take a bet on Bell’s potential by giving him the last “Yes” required to advance to the next round.
