They didn’t just walk onto the stage—they prowled like lionesses, exuding power and grace. The Mayyas, an all-female Lebanese dance troupe whose name means “proud walk of a lioness” in Arabic, took America’s Got Talent by storm, leaving both the judges and audience utterly spellbound.

From the moment they began, it was clear this was more than just another dance routine—it was a statement. Moving in perfect synchronization, the Mayyas transformed their bodies into mesmerizing formations, including a breathtaking moment where they appeared to create a pair of piercing eyes. The performance was so otherworldly that even the notoriously hard-to-please Simon Cowell declared it the best dance act the show had ever seen. Within seconds, they had earned the coveted golden buzzer, courtesy of an awestruck Sofia Vergara.

But their journey to this moment was anything but easy. The Mayyas aren’t strangers to competition—they previously won Arab’s Got Talent and battled it out on Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions in 2019. Yet, beyond their accolades, their mission is what truly sets them apart.

“Lebanon is a beautiful country, but we face daily struggles,” one dancer shared before their audition. Another added, “As female Arab dancers, we’re not fully supported—yet.” Their choreographer, Nadim Cherfan, echoed the sentiment, explaining that Lebanon isn’t seen as a place where dance can be a viable career, especially for women.

Despite the odds, they found inspiration in the late AGT star Nightbirde, who, before passing away in 2021, famously said, “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.” The Mayyas took those words to heart, turning their audition into something far greater than a performance—it was a declaration of resilience, artistry, and the boundless potential of Arab women.

Their electrifying act left the AGT judges in stunned silence before erupting into praise. “You said you were going to hypnotize us, and you did,” Howie Mandel marveled. Vergara, still in awe, told them, “It was the most beautiful, creative dancing I’ve ever seen.”