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'AGT: Fantasy League': Viewers criticize autistic British magician Cillian O'Connor's act as 'snooze fest' and label it 'fake'

During the episode on January 22, Cillian engages in a card trick that incorporates a positive narrative centered around his life

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Simon Cowell told his son Eric that he would choose Cillian O'Connor, who came third on 'Britain's Got Talent' earlier this year.

However, after his performance on Monday's 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League,' fans wished Simon had promised anything other than put his money on the 'fake' act.

The Irish magician was diagnosed with autism, according to his mother. But magic helped him gain confidence and social skills.

After the competition, he initiated an extensive publicity tour. Simon recommended that he "narrate a story and incorporate excellent music."

During the episode on January 22, Cillian engages in a card trick that incorporates a positive narrative centered around his life. 

"Autism isn’t a disability," the apparently random cards stated. He also moves the cards around the stage and can select another random card that matches the phrases Simon and Howie Mandel wrote down.

The scene concludes as Cillian fully slips into a box, remarking, "I used to be on the outside looking in, now I'm on the inside looking out."

Howie characterizes Cillian as both a genuinely wonderful magician and a great person. Heidi Klum praises his achievements, referring to them as a "real show" rather than a "little act."

Simon believes the 14-year-old has something "really special."

On X, fans differed with the judges as they wrote, "Best magician? Debatable. Good enough to go through? Also debatable. Didn't think it was bad tho."

While another user chimed in, "Where ppl with REAL TALENT should be on #AGT their spots are being taken by these fake magician acts. It's comical #AGTFantasyLeague Go back to Britain kid."

One user also tweeted, "God #Agt is soooooo damn fake." Another fan claimed, "I've seen smoother magic transactions in my day." 

One user quipped, "Didn't need to watch that super closely to see what was happening. It was pretty blatant."

"Boy is this a snooze fest," added another.

What did Cillian O'Connor do on 'Britain's Got Talent'?

Cillian, a 14-year-old magician from County Meath, finished third in this year's 'BGT' competition after impressing the judges and the crowd with his magic show.

The final followed a week of five live semi-finals, with five acts advancing based on audience voting and another five being voted through by judges.

In the final round of the competition, Cillian incorporated a routine where he made co-host Anthony McPartlin vanish. After the performance, the judges honored Cillian with a standing ovation.

Is 'AGT: Fantasy League' magician Cillian O'Connor on the Magic Tour 2023?

In 2024, Cillian will tour the United Kingdom and Ireland with his first live stage performance. Cillian actually exploded into an unsuspecting globe during 'BGT' in 2023, capturing the hearts of the whole nation and finishing in the top three in the final.

His online performances have garnered unprecedented attention for the entire series, amassing over 500 million views in just a few weeks.

While Cillian has showcased his talents in Monte Carlo and the United States, this marks his inaugural live performance.

His special guest on the broadcast is Ryland Petty from 'AGT.' Cillian's goal is to captivate and astonish audiences throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland with a family-friendly performance.

(Tickets - £22.25) Booking fees apply

Cillian O'Connor 'was absolutely thrilled to get the call' from 'AGT: Fantasy League' judge Simon Cowell

Cillian and his family came to Hollywood in November to film his performance as a finalist, and with the top prize of $250,000 on the line, the little conjurer stands to gain cash and fame!

"He was absolutely thrilled to get the call, and despite what people say about Simon Cowell, he gets on really well with Cillian, and invited us back to his trailer after his performance to give him advice," Richie, Cillian's father, told independent.

Every Monday at 8/7c, NBC and NBC.com will telecast two-hour episodes of 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League.' New episodes will be available for streaming on Peacock the following day.