America was reminded of Sofía Vergara’s relationship status as she judged more wild and crazy America’s Got Talent auditions.
During the Tuesday, June 17, episode of NBC’s reality show, Sofía, Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell and Mel B were introduced to a perch act made up of circus performers Tobias Wolfgang and Vanesa Martinez.
“I’m guessing you are a couple. He looks like he’s ready,” Sofía, 52, shared as both Vanesa and a shirtless Tobias approached the stage to begin their audition. “Is this going to be dangerous? I can’t wait. Please go ahead.”
The pair, known as Duo Soma, began their performance and quickly earned a standing ovation from the audience after their equilibristic balancing act featured Vanesa atop a pole that was being held by Tobias.
“That was amazing,” Sofía said in her critique. “I really loved it.”
Howie, 69, was amazed that the pair had been working together for eight years and had so much trust between each other.
“And you’re not a couple?” he asked again.
“We were a couple,” Vanesa replied. “We broke up but…”
Sofía’s ears immediately perked up as she asked, “How long ago did you break up?”
Before Vanesa revealed it’s been five years, Howie joked, “She’s asking because she’s single now, too.”
The Modern Family actress was previously linked to orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman. She also was married to Joe Manganiello for seven years before they filed for divorce in July 2023.
This isn’t the first time Howie has had some fun with his costar in regards to her dating life.
In September 2023, Sofía playfully walked off the America’s Got Talent stage when Howie joked about her single status.
One month earlier, the comedian offered some surprising guidance to 12-year-old ventriloquist Brynn Cummings.
While discussing how Cummings’ act included a love connection between her puppets, Mandel said, “I have one word of advice. If you’re looking for eligible bachelors, you should have talked to Sofía, because she’s in the market right now.”
Howie later defended his jokes, making it clear to those taking issue with his comments that his friend doesn’t need assistance in the dating department..
“She doesn’t need my help. She really doesn’t,” he told Extra in August 2024 of Sofía’s ability to find a guy. “I believe that she’ll be fending them off.”
All jokes aside, Duo Soma received enough votes from the judges to advance to the next round. Even Simon, 65, voiced his approval of the talented pair.
“What’s amazing about this act [is] it’s very dangerous,” he said. “It’s incredibly difficult and you’ve got amazing showmanship.”
America’s Got Talent airs on NBC Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET. Stream old episodes anytime on Peacock.
