Viewers insist 'better acts' deserved 'AGT: Fantasy League' finale over Shadow Ace's 'high school' puppetry
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League' kicked off its two-week finale on February 12, bringing back the ten finalists for one last chance to win the audience's votes. However, Shadow Ace's performance infuriated many viewers at home, as seen in social media reactions, with some feeling it didn't deserve a spot in the finale. Heidi Klum featured in Shadow Ace's finale act, following Simon Cowell's guest appearance in the last act. Shadow Ace, a shadow artist and puppeteer, uses comedy to convey a story.
Shadow Ace brought his best illusions to the finals! 🔦 👏 #AGT pic.twitter.com/1O4YbuUuWo
— America’s Got Talent (@AGT) February 13, 2024
The audience propelled him into the competition, making him one of only two acts chosen by the viewers for the final. He is part of Howie Mandel's squad. During his performance, Shadow Ace used his hands to simulate a dancer in front of Heidi, showcasing Kelis' 'Milkshake.' The "dancer" appeared to be romancing Heidi to Foreigner's 'll Make Love to You.'
The audience responded with laughter and a standing ovation for the performance. "I am so proud; you really stepped it up tonight," Howie complimented Shadow Ace. "I love you because I think you are so clever, and you always come up with something new," Heidi said to Shadow Ace for her role in the act. "You're just fun," stated Mel B.
Even though there were chuckles at the mentors' table, viewers at home didn't share the same sentiment. One user on X expressed, "Shadow Ace is a great act. Although it's still amusing, I find myself liking it a little less with each passing week though."
Shadow Ace is a great act. Although it's still amusing, I find myself liking it a little less with each passing week though. #AGT
— 𝔄𝔫𝔡𝔯𝔢𝔴 ℭ𝔬𝔩𝔩𝔢𝔱 🇺🇸 (@AndrewCollet) February 13, 2024
On Facebook, fans commented, "He shouldn’t of made it past last week’s semi finals, was way better acts that deserved this spot in the finals." Another user noted, "I would find it entertaining for about 3 minutes then lose interest. I didn't even finish watching this video clip."
One user also wrote, "It’s the same thing as always BORING." Some felt, "It seems like these were the characters he’s done a few times. Heidi made it funny this time, but kind of redundant."
One user suggested, "He has a talent, but he does the same shadow puppets every time, gotta mix it up." It’s a high school act at best," wrote another.
What happened to Shadow Ace in 'AGT'?
Shadow Ace has previously competed in 'Pilipinas Got Talent' Season 5 in 2016 and 'Asia's Got Talent' Season 3 in 2019. The Philippines native made his 'America's Got Talent' debut during Season 18 in 2023, impressing viewers with his shadow puppet skills before being eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Returning to Fantasy League after being drafted by Howie, Shadow Ace, whose true name is Philip Jose Galit, continued to deliver innovative, lively, and original performances. With aid from Simon's head shadow, he wowed the audience during the semifinal round, securing his place in the finale. "You stepped it up. I think that was your funniest, best routine yet," praised Howie following his performance.
Who is 'AGT's Shadow Ace?
The Season 18 Semi-Finalist—and Beyonce superfan—has elevated the art of shadow puppetry to new heights. Growing up in the Philippines, his household lacked power, so the 24-year-old turned to shadow play to pass the time, utilizing candlelight reflections to create characters on the wall.
Word of his extraordinary skills spread across his village, and he went on to win several local prizes and contests, but he had higher goals. According to his official 'AGT' profile, he intended to compete on the show's stage to "fulfill his two goals in life: to revive a lost art and to meet Beyonce." Despite finishing third on 'AGT', he was "the most viral act of last season, with a quarter of a billion views," according to Howie. He definitely achieved one aim (no word yet on meeting Beyonce).
Did Shadow Ace get the Golden Buzzer?
Shadow Ace and the 82nd Airborne Chorus are the only two non-Golden Buzzer artists who performed last on a Semifinal night in Season 18. Additionally, Shadow Ace and The Pack Drumline are the only acts to make it to the final of 'AGT: Fantasy League' without receiving the Golden Buzzer.
The 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League' results episode will air on Monday, February 19, at 8 pm ET/PT on NBC.