‘AGT’ Country Duo Trailer Flowers Say They ‘Don’t Live for Anyone’s Criticism’ After Howie’s Sneaky X Buzzer (Exclusive)

Trailer Flowers sing from the heart, regardless of what their critics think.

During Tuesday American talent live, Howie Mandel surreptitiously pressed fellow judge Heidi Klum’s red “X” buzzer as the country duo performed their original song, “Who You Are,” on stage.

Despite Heidi asking him out and the cameras actually caught him do the deed, the 67-year-old referee insisted he “won’t press my horn in the semi-finals.”

Heidi, 50, didn’t seem to buy into Howie’s sarcastic quip and was confused by his behaviour. “What’s going on with you, Howie? There’s an invisible line here,” she said during the live show, pointing to the space between them. “This is your side, this is my side.”

Simon Cowell also addressed the issue, apologizing to the Nashville singers. “First of all, I don’t think the producers should have done what they just did, because we don’t have a lot of time to talk and actually give you something constructive,” he said of producers repeating a moment on screen. “That’s why I apologize.”

Speaking with PEOPLE backstage after the Season 18 final qualifying round, the country duo — best friends Brooke and Jack — explain why they weren’t fazed by Howie’s actions or the lukewarm reception from the judges.

“We don’t live for anyone’s criticism, so I honestly had my arms open about anything the judges might say,” Brooke tells PEOPLE. “We respect everyone’s opinion and it’s okay if we’re not for everyone. So we’re excited to spread country music and keep doing what we’re doing.”

Jack echoed his partner’s words, saying, “We live for no other affirmation than Jesus Christ.”

Trailer Flowers perform on “America’s Got Talent”.

Trae Patton/NBC

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While he insisted he didn’t ring Heidi’s bell during the live episode, Howie appeared to have a change of heart backstage, telling PEOPLE of the moment, “I think sharing is caring.”

“Sometimes I have to do her work for her,” he jokes about his fellow judge. “But I don’t know why she did it or why she made me do it.”

Howie Mandel and Heidi Klum in “America’s Got Talent”.

Trae Patton/NBC

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Despite the night’s antics, Trailer Flowers ends up feeling “really grateful” to have performed at American talent stage and hopefully anyone who “needed to hear” their song on Tuesday “felt the lyrics.”

“We also believe that whatever is meant and created for you cannot be taken away from you,” Jack tells PEOPLE. “So I know we’re meant to be up there tonight.”

“We hope it was just one big hug that everyone felt,” he adds about their performance.

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Fans will find out if Trailer Flowers is one of two contestants voted by viewers to enter the Season 18 finale when American talent results air Wednesday at 8:00 PM ET on NBC.

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Source: HIS Education