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'AGT' Season 18 Finale: Fans in disbelief after crowd favorite Avantgardey gets robbed of Top 5 spot

Japanese all-female dance group Avantgardey failed to secure a place in the Top 5 even after their stellar performance during the 'AGT' finale act

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: The Border Collie Hurricane and his human Adrian Stoica are the victors of 'America's Got Talent' Season 18. While their performance won over audiences, several hearts were broken after Japanese dancing phenomenon Avantgardey failed to secure a spot in the Top 5. 

The results of the talent competition were revealed on Wednesday, September 27, with dance group Murmuration securing the second spot and magician Anna DeGuzman the third. The Ramadhani Brothers and Indonesian acrobat vocalist Putri Ariani were placed in the fourth and fifth spots, respectively.

Notably, Avantgardey encountered a unique obstacle on their way to the 'AGT' finals. The group had initially intended to perform a certain song, but they ran into licensing problems, making them rethink their plan.

Nothing short of astounding happened next as Avantgardey changed their choreography to a new song with unyielding tenacity, effortlessly fusing their dance routines with the new melody. The end product was a performance that astounded the judges and audience with its creativity and flexibility.

Avantgardey fans react to the 'AGT' Season 18 finale results

The results startled the viewers of the talent show as Avantgardey failed to secure a place among the Top 5, leading to people posting their opinions on X (formerly Twitter). 

One asked, "how the f**k did america not vote for avantgardey?"

Another stated, "Murmuration, Putri Ariani, and the Ramadhani brothers were easily the top 3 this season and Avantgardey should have been in the top 5… unbelievable."

"Wow. I don’t think they should have won, but Avantgardey not in the top five? That’s wild to me," gasped an 'AGT' viewer. 

One more sighed, "Let's be real. Ahren, Avantgardey, the Ramadhanis, Anna, Chibi Unity, Murmurations, F***** PUTRI lost to a dog. I'd honestly be embarrassed in the backroom."

On Reddit, fans noted, "Avantgardey doing all that in character, from the group shot to the stepping forward, is utterly grace and professionalism. I’m sorry ladies. America was not ready for your genius."

Another person added, "avantgardey was ROBBED," with one adding, "Avantgardey was robbed of a top-5 finish." 

A fan just prayed, "I really hope Avantgardey is on the new spin-off. They deserve better."

Where is 'AGT' Season 18 finalist Avantgardey from?

Akane, a well-known producer and choreographer, is the director of the 20-member all-female dance group Avantgardey, which hails from Japan. 

The gang, well-recognized for their coordinated dancing skills and amusing facial expressions, became well-known globally after joining legendary DJ Steve Aoki onstage during one of his gigs in January.

Who were the guest performers on 'AGT' Season 18 Finale?

In addition to the hopefuls, the Wednesday finale episode featured a number of noteworthy performers, including pop and R&B artist Jason Derulo, John Batiste, Leona Lewis, Iron Chef Cat Cora, renowned composer Diane Warren, the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, and 'AGT' season 17 winner The Mayyas.

On the 'AGT' stage, each participant had the opportunity to make one last performance with one of the guests.

Will there be 'AGT' Season 19?

As 'AGT' Season 18 wraps up, it appears that a new season has been ordered, and the auditions are already open. Potential competitors can sign up for a virtual or video audition on the official 'AGT' auditions website.

One of the most watched programs on American television, talent hunt shows have a long history of rewarding seasons and spin-offs that are well-liked by fans. Given its popularity, 'AGT' is definitely set to return, although the precise release date is yet unknown.

Viewers will have to wait to receive further information regarding the upcoming seasons from NBC.

Having said that, 'AGT' Season 19 is expected to debut somewhere in the middle of 2024, an estimate based on the premieres of the show in previous years. 

All episodes of 'America's Got Talent' Season 18 are available to watch on Hulu.