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Why Simon Cowell Called The Mayyas AGT's 'Best Dance Act' of All Time
They earned a Golden Buzzer from Sofía Vergara.
So far during this season of America's Got Talent, we've seen two singers and a saxophonist be awarded with the Judge's sought-after Golden Buzzer. Now, during Week 4 of Auditions, it was time for another talent to have the spotlight.
During AGT's June 21 episode, Mayyas Dance Crew (the last Act of the night) stole the show with a mesmerizing routine. Intended to "hypnotize" the audience, the performance was choreographed by the group's founder, Nadim Cherfan. During the show, Cherfan revealed that the crew was inspired by Season 16's Jane "Nightbirde" Marczewski.
Following her own powerful Audition, Marczewski earned Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer last year. Unfortunately, due to her health, the singer was unable to move forward in the competition. She died of cancer on February 19, 2022.
“I grew up watching Americas Got Talent and I was inspired by so many people, but what really got us to audition this year is Nightbirde," Cherfan said. "When she said, ‘We can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.'"
During their performance, Mayyas' members—who hail from Lebanon—opened up about what their Act truly meant for them and their culture.
“Unfortunately, being a dancer as a female Arab is not fully supported, yet," they said. "Us being here standing on the biggest stage of the world is our only chance to prove to the world what Arab women can do, the art that we can create, the fights we fight.”
They added, “We want to show the world that we are able to stand on our own feet as really strong and powerful women.”
The Mayyas (which means "the proud walk of a lioness" in Arabic) proceeded to wow the fans and Judges, with Simon Cowell awarding the group with extremely high praise.
“This really, really will make a difference, full stop, in so many positive ways," he said. "That’s one part. And then it was arguably the best dance Act, likely, that I’ve ever seen. We’re honored to have you here.”
For Sofia Vergara, The Mayyas' performance was enough for her to award them her Golden Buzzer.
“There are no words to explain to you how we were feeling over here. It was the most beautiful creative dancing I’ve ever seen," she said. "I would be so honored to empower you even more in this journey because you deserve it, and I want to be a part of this.”
America's Got Talent Season 17 airs every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
