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Howie Mandel honors late comedian Norm Macdonald during 'AGT' finals

America's Got Talent's finale week kicked off Tuesday, with the final 10 acts performing one last time. Among those acts were two comedians, Gina Brillon and Josh Blue, who are hoping to become this season's champion and make history as the first comedian to ever win AGT.

But it wasn't just an inspiring night, it was also an emotional one for judge and comedian Howie Mandel, who paid tribute to fellow Canadian comedian and SNL alum Norm Macdonald, who died from cancer Tuesday at the age of 61.

“I just want to say this, because I need to,” Howie told Gina. “One of the greats of comedy passed today. Norm Macdonald passed today, and it broke my heart. Having you and seeing you and Josh on the show today brings us back and lets us know that laughter is still alive, and that laughter is the best medicine. So, thank you for being here. Thank you for being you.”

News of Macdonald's death was shocking and heartbreaking for fans and, in the past, Macdonald spoke highly of Mandel's work as a comedian. But on Tuesday, it was Mandel's opportunity to pay tribute to his friend.

Video transcript

- Being in Vegas and like seeing my face on billboards would be amazing. It's time for [INAUDIBLE] AGT. It really is.

KYLIE MAR: It's finale week for "America's Got Talent." and on Tuesday, the final 10 acts performed one last time. Among those acts were two comedians hoping to become this season's champion and to make history as the first comedian to ever win AGT.

- Making it to the finals means that tonight I could make history, like I could be the first comedian to win.

KYLIE MAR: But it wasn't just an inspiring moment, it was also an emotional one for judge slash comedian Howie Mandel who paid tribute to fellow Canadian comedian and SNL alum, Norm Macdonald, who died from cancer Tuesday at the age of 61.

HOWIE MANDEL: I just want to say this because I need to. One of the greats of comedy passed today. Norm Macdonald passed away. And it broke my heart.

KYLIE MAR: News of Macdonald's death was shocking and heartbreaking for Fans and in the past, Macdonald spoke highly of Mandel's work as a comedian. So viewers loved that the AGT judge got an opportunity to honor him. Like this person who tweeted, "Amen Howie Mandel with Norm Macdonald's death today. He would want the laughter to continue especially with these comedy acts left in the AGT finale."

HOWIE MANDEL: Having you and seeing you and Josh on the show tonight brings us back and lets us know that laughter is still alive, and laughter is the best medicine. So thank you for being here. Thank you for showing up. And thank you for being you.