Ethiopian acrobats make ‘AGT’ judges ‘sick’ with fiery blindfolded act that was thrilling and terrifying

TT Boys' death-defying performance on 'AGT' was the perfect blend of thrill and entertainment
PUBLISHED SEP 16, 2025
Screenshots of (L) Mel B and (R) TT Boys from 'America's Got Talent' (Cover Image Source: YouTube | America's Got Talent)
Screenshots of (L) Mel B and (R) TT Boys from 'America's Got Talent' (Cover Image Source: YouTube | America's Got Talent)

In its 20-season legacy, 'America's Got Talent' has witnessed its fair share of jaw-dropping performances. The latest season, too, has been no different, with acrobatic duo TT Boys grabbing headlines for their death-defying stunts. Appearing on Night 4 of the AGT quarterfinals, the acrobatic duo did not let fans down, performing an act that perfectly blended thrill and entertainment.

Howie Mandel, Mel B, Terry Crews, Sofia Vergara, and Simon Cowell 'AGT' 2025. (Cover Image Source: Instagram| @agt)
(L-R) Howie Mandel, Mel B, Terry Crews, Sofia Vergara, and Simon Cowell 'AGT' 2025 (Image Source: Instagram | @agt)

For their quarterfinal act, the TT Boys performed 'Icarian Games', an act where one partner lies on their back and tosses the other in the air with their feet, showcasing a perfect amalgamation of strength and agility. With music, fire, and a platform rising to the ceiling, the duo flipped, spun, and balanced, and despite wearing blindfolds, they gave a dazzling show. Among the judges, Mel B was left speechless. "I actually feel sick, and I feel exhausted," she said, clearly impressed by their performance, as per NBC.

Judge Sofía Vergara praised the acrobat duo, calling their performance "exciting, dramatic, and dangerous. "You stepped it up more than the auditions; that was a perfect act," she said. Behind the judges' table, the audience mimicked Howie Mandel pressing his remaining Golden Buzzer, and Simon Cowell added, "I mean, I'm just, I want to say what everyone else is saying behind me. An act like that just creates so much excitement within you. Seeing it so close, it was hard the first time. You are…I mean, seriously, brave, respectful, and brilliant." Mandel admitted he was "totally impressed" but refrained from hitting the Golden Buzzer. He, however, made it clear he wanted to see the TT Boys continue in the competition.

"That was amazing, that was wow, that was terrifying, that was a step up, that was… I don't know what to do! I can't [press the Golden Buzzer] yet! America, vote them through!" Mandel exclaimed. Thankfully, the nation did, and TT Boys advanced to the semifinals. For the unversed, the TT Boys are a highly skilled acrobatic duo from Ethiopia, consisting of Tomas Teka Alemu and Tamrat Yemance Ayalew. Both began performing acrobatics at the incredibly young age of three, dedicating their childhoods to mastering their craft, as per the America's Got Talent wiki.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by America's Got Talent Auditions (@agtauditions)


 

Over the past 20 years, they honed their skills, strength, and precision, performing complex routines that combine gymnastics, circus stunts, and daring feats. Their lifelong dedication has made them one of the most impressive and seasoned acrobatic acts in the world. Coming back to 'AGT,' the latest episode saw seven acts being eliminated. The contestants sent home included The Boykinz, Chuck Adams, Cole Swensen & Judy, Crash Adams, The Funkateer Dancers, Gendai, and Mike Munz, as per Yahoo! Entertainment.

Out of the 11 performers who competed, four acts successfully made it to the next 'AGT' rounds. They include Birmingham Youth Fellowship Choir, TT Boys, and Zak Mirz and Team Recycled, who received Mandel's Live Golden Buzzer. The semifinalists will join other acts across three weeks, including LightWire, Jourdan Blue, Sirca Marea, Leo High School Choir, Bay Melnick Virgolino, Unreal Crew, Jessica Sanchez, and Chris Turner, while Team Recycled will compete alongside Steve Ray Ladsen, Mama Duke, and Micah Palace in the finale. The 'AGT' semifinal is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The previous seasons had the judges determining the ultimate fate of the contestants, but 'American Idol' Season 24 seeks to change that.
10 hours ago
'The Masked Singer' season 14 began with eighteen contestants, out of which only seven remain in the competition now.
12 hours ago
Windey was seen in Season 26 of 'The Bachelor' and returned to lead Season 19 of 'The Bachelorette' with Rachel Recchia
14 hours ago
Two former contestants return to ‘American Idol’, lighting up the stage again as they showcase how far they’ve come
18 hours ago
The Battle Rounds kicked off with Team Kelly’s youngest contestants, and their performance added a twist to the show
20 hours ago
The Top 20 performances are being stretched across two nights, with the first batch of 10 taking the stage during the March 16 episode
21 hours ago
The clues for High Voltage's true identity left the panelists guessing till the last moment, with some betting he was either Travis Kelce or Jason Sudeikis.
1 day ago
‘Love Island USA’ scores massive streaming numbers, and now Season 8 is on the way, along with a new docuseries about life after the villa.
3 days ago
As 'America’s Got Talent' celebrates its 20-year run, NBC has revealed the Season 21 premiere date, returning judges, and more
4 days ago
'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' stars Jessi and Jordan have been through numerous lows in their relationship, to the point of seeking couples therapy.
5 days ago