Marlon Wayans Says His 'America’s Got Talent' Golden Buzzer Pick Can Win It All
With great power comes great responsibility — and hopefully some laughs, if Marlon Wayans has anything to say about it. The actor/comedian is guest-judging this week on America’s Got Talent, and like the other celebrity guest judges this season, he’s got the power of the Golden Buzzer. Whichever act he chooses to use the Golden Buzzer on will go straight through to the live round. Wayans talked to Yahoo TV about what he was looking for in a Golden Buzzer-worthy act.
Were you a fan of the show before being asked to guest judge?
Yeah, I was a fan of the show. I love the concept of it. For me, I was like, “Man, I wish I could be a judge.” I was excited to have the experience. What an amazing night it was!
Did you have any ideas on what kind of acts you hoped to see?
I didn’t know what to expect. You don’t know what you’re going to get. I just kept it open, and it allowed me to enjoy myself.
What qualities were you looking for in your Golden Buzzer choice?
To me, I was going to give the Golden Buzzer to somebody deserved to be in there, that touched me in a certain way, and that I felt had a specific kind of talent.
Were you impressed by the caliber of performers?
I was impressed. I was touched. I was entertained. I was horrified. I was frightened. [Laughs.] That’s the thing with America’s Got Talent, you really don’t know what to expect. The journey within that time period, you feel so much — you feel joy and you feel sad and you feel compassion. You feel inspired.
Do you think your Golden Buzzer act will go far in the competition?
I think my Golden Buzzer has a chance to win the whole thing. I wouldn’t have picked somebody who I didn’t feel had a chance to win.
Would you consider being on the show again?
Absolutely! I actually considered being a permanent judge. When you do it, it’s a lot of work, but it’s a great experience — to motivate people, to encourage people, to be a teacher, to be a mentor, to give people advice that hopefully changes their life in a positive way. Even if you’re giving them something negative, that’s the fun of that show.
How did you get along with the other judges?
I love everybody except for Howie and Howie Jr. [Laughs.] I’m joking. I had a great time. We laugh a lot. It felt like a family. It’s funny, halfway through the show, Howie and Howie Jr. looks at me and says, “You’re good at this thing!” I was like, I’ve been told what to be so much by my brothers. I’ve had my dreams tested. I’ve some shot down. Being the youngest of 10, I know how to give advice from all 10 different angles… I gave a lot of advice. I gave a lot of jokes. I always look for the joke first. I’m a twisted little guy. I wanted to make it a funny experience for the audience.
Speaking of making things funny, you’re making a Fifty Shades of Grey parody, right? How’s that going?
Fifty Shades of Black? It’s great! Should start filming in two weeks. I’m getting my body in order so I can look decent with my shirt off!
America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC.
