'AGT: Fantasy League': Simon Cowell calls out Mel B's 'ego' as Junior New System performs to Spice Girls in high heels
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Backflips are difficult to perform, but performing them in heels is much more difficult. Junior New System, an all-male dance company, mixed six-inch stilettos with acrobatics during their jaw-dropping performance on 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League' on January 15, prompting Simon Cowell to call out team mentor Mel B's ego.
The group competed against nine other acts on the third night of Qualifiers this season, dancing to "A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)" and "Spice Up Your Life," complete with gravity-defying antics and stadium seats inspired by The Spice Girls.
Judge Mel B screamed, "Oh My God!" after receiving a High Heel Golden Award mid-performance as the group paid tribute to their mentor.
Mel B then rubs it in Simon's face, stating, "That is how you mentor your team," before calling the squad "fantastic."
Simon recalls asking Mel B if she had anything to do with the group's music choices for the night, to which she had said yes. Hence, it was obvious to Simon that when Junior New System was their second track, he felt Mel B's "ego is out of control."
Simon goes on to laud the group, adding, that they are the only dance group in the world that does what they do, "which makes you stand out. And that's important."
Heidi Klum, who was struck dumbfounded by their backflips, had to inquire, "How can you land on those heels?" She describes the talent as "insane."
Howie Mandel says he wished the team's future was upto the judges, but it is upto the audience.
Did Junior New System qualify for 'AGT: Fantasy League' semifinal?
Even though their performance was praised by all the judges, Junior New System failed to impress the in-house audience. For the first time in 'AGT' history, fans have been granted voting rights from the outset.
As Junior New System went up against The Pack Drumline, the audience felt the latter's act was more deserving of the semi-final spot.
Where is 'AGT: Fantasy League's Junior New System from?
It hasn't been an easy road to success for this team. They are from the Manila slums and have seen difficulties most others can only dream about.
But their tenacity and commitment to their craft have carried them to heights they never would have imagined. They originally came to notice on 'Asia's Got Talent' in 2015, and they had been dancing together for 14 years.
As competitors on 'Asia's Got Talent', Junior New System gained notoriety, which helped them advance to the Grand Finals and provided them significant exposure in the Philippines and throughout Asia. After this success, they were incredibly popular and were invited to star in TV series, government-sponsored events, private parties, business functions, and events in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore, in addition to their native country.
As their reputation grew, they won important awards such as the People's Choice Award for Best Dance Performing Group in 2016 and the coveted Aliw Award for Best Dance Company in 2015. Junior New System's most notable accomplishment came in July 2016 when they won the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in California, USA.
In addition to winning gold medals in every category in which they competed, they also won the titles of Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World and Senior Dance Group Champion of the World.
When did Junior New System make its 'AGT' debut?
Their debut on 'AGT' in 2018 was nothing short of fantastic. This tenacious group stunned the judges with their extraordinary dance, which included jaw-dropping skills and an unexpected twist—dancing beautifully in six-inch heels—despite their modest beginnings as street children.
Midway through their performance to Jessie J's "Bang Bang," they changed from sneakers to stilettos, shocking the audience with a combination of acrobatics, stadium-style choreography, and gravity-defying flips. The judges, which included Mel B, Simon, and Heidi, were in complete wonder.
Simon, who praised not only their heels but also their enthusiasm and personality, predicted that their act would be the talk of the town. Mel B was inspired by their togetherness as well, and praised them for their journey from humble beginnings to current prosperity.
Every Monday at 8 pm ET on NBC, new episodes of 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League' will air
