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Why the Crowd Booed Simon During MOS' "Unique" AGT Audition

A group of women brought "girl power" from Japan to the U.S. with their audition for America's Got Talent.

By Caitlin Schunn

It takes a lot to shock Simon Cowell after 18 seasons of America’s Got Talent, but one group of women did just that with their audition.

How to Watch

Watch the Season 19 premiere of America’s Got Talent Tuesday, May 28 at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock

“You know what I like about this year?” the Judge said. “We are seeing and hearing things we have never, ever seen or heard before.”

Who is MOS?

MOS is comprised of four women from Japan, who play musical instruments: There is a trumpet player, a trombone player, and two saxophone players. They’re already making waves in their home country, where they’ve covered other songs like “Dance Monkey” by the Tones and I.

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With 97,000 subscribers to their YouTube page, they decided to come try out for America’s Got Talent.

“We want to introduce the wonderful brass instrument culture in Japan to the world,” the group’s translator told Host Terry Crews. And so far, the group is doing just that.

“It was magical to see you guys transforming into these crazy musicians with this instrument,” Judge Sofia Vergara said. “It was fantastic. I think you guys are great.”

MOS on the America's Got Talent stage

What song did MOS play?

MOS chose to perform the pop hit “Bang Bang” by Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and Jessie J. The song had Crews dancing in the wings of the stage, and just when it seemed like the group was finished, they did an encore.

“Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine a girl group to come on and play THAT song with THOSE instruments,” Cowell said. “It’s just so unique.”

Why did the crowd boo Simon?

Cowell wasn’t all sunshine and roses when talking about MOS’ performance, however.

“I mean, I don’t think it sounded great the whole time,” Cowell said to boos from the audience. “However, when it did sound great, it was amazing. The four of you are just so cool — I loved it.”

MOS Delivers a Brass Performance Unlike Anything You've Seen! | Auditions | AGT 2023

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Judge Howie Mandel also praised the unique choice of performing with instruments.

“I love the sound of brass instruments and you did it in such an original way,” Mandel said. “I like your costuming, your choreography, your choice of music. It is surprising. I liked it.”

Judge Heidi Klum also disagreed with Cowell’s criticism and thought it was a “great audition.”

“I liked it too,” Klum said. “It’s fun to see an all-girl group playing instruments normally you don’t see most girls play.”

MOS received four Yes votes from the Judges and got to move on in the competition.

Watch America’s Got Talent on Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC and the next day on PeacockFollowing AGT, you can watch Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge Tuesdays at 10/9c on NBC and next day on Peacock.