Watch the 'AGT: All-Stars' Contestant Who Joked His Way into Becoming Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer

Paulette Cohn
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Despite working non-stop since becoming a finalist on Season 17 of America’s Got Talent, comic Mike E. Winfield didn’t hesitate for a second to put everything on hold when he was invited back for All-Stars because, for him, being a finalist isn’t enough. He wants the title.

“The way I got sent home pushed me to work harder,” Mike said in his video package before performing his routine.

Related: Photos! See All 10 Artists Performing on Night 3 of America's Got Talent: All Stars

The comic, who has been doing comedy for almost 20 years, returned to the stage with what he calls his “funniest material ever,” and most of it was based on his family life. He’s married to an older woman, who already had a child, who Mike calls his “step-man,” rather than his stepson, since they are close in age.

“I love you,” judge Heidi Klum said when he was done with his routine. “You do have that superstar smile and you are a ray of sunshine. You are hilarious.”

And despite the fact that Howie Mandel had offered Mike a job opening for him, which the comic has been too busy to do, it was Simon Cowell who had kind words for him.

“If you had done that routine in the finals, it might have been a completely different story because you’ve come back funnier, more confident, I can even see it in your eyes how much this means to you right now,” the Brit wit told him.

Related: Watch the AGT: All-Stars Golden Buzzer Pick That Moved Simon Cowell to Tears

To which Mike responded, “It means everything, I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years and when you finally get a platform, there’s no time to take off or put on brakes. I’m here to play.”

Simon was impressed by Mike’s work ethic and attitude, and responded, “You know what, Mike? I love, love, love people who compete. I wasn’t expecting to do this, but I’m going to do it.”

And Simon pushed the Golden Buzzer sending Mike E. Winfield straight to the finale.

America’s Got Talent: All-Stars airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

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