Lebanese dance troupe Mayyas have won America’s Got Talent season 17.
During the emotional two-hour finale show, in which the results from public voting were revealed, the 11 finalists performed for a final time on the America’s Got Talent stage. Mayyas took the stage alongside Sellars for a mesmerising performance to a backdrop of gold lighting and received a standing ovation from all four judges — Vergara, Cowell, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel. The dancers gifted Vergara a necklace with a symbol of the Lebanese cedar tree that she showed off in her interview with LBCI Lebanon after the episode aired.
Earlier this month, the group delivered a hypnotic dance in the semi-finals, performing a serpentine-esque routine to Arabesque melodies, wearing gold body suits and masks, while the lead dancer wore bedlah-style attire, with a gold skirt and green long-sleeved top.
The group have received popular backing from their Lebanese fans throughout the competition. In a show of support, the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International launched an advertising campaign in the US with the slogan “Kermalak Ya Lebnen” — which translates to ‘For You Lebanon’ — to promote and support Mayyas. Several celebrities including Lebanese singer Maya Diab wrote on her Instagram Stories that the performance “ raised the name of Lebanon just by showcasing art in this beautiful way that made the world talk about it. We love you and we are proud of you no matter what the result is.”
The group not only take home the $1 million prize, but also the opportunity to headline a Las Vegas show. Runners up include dancer Kristy Sellars with Drake Milligan, Metaphysic and Chapel Hart being in the top five.
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