Tensions were unexpectedly high during America’s Got Talent’s season 20 finale performances on Tuesday, September 23, as a heated exchange between judges Simon Cowell and Mel B unfolded on live television — and it all stemmed from a comment directed at finalist Micah Palace.
Palace, a rising singer who earned Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer earlier in the season, took the stage with an energetic performance of two original tracks, Spanglish and No Sabo. The performance was met with enthusiastic applause, but the real drama came after the music ended.
As judges began offering their critiques, Mel B offered what she called a piece of career advice to the young artist — one that quickly raised eyebrows.
“I just wanna give you a few words of advice: you’ve got to be nice to everybody, the crew, the people that dress you,” Mel said. “Cause if not, you’re gonna meet them on the way back down, anyway.”
Her words, which came without any prior context, seemed to suggest that Palace may not have been treating people respectfully behind the scenes. The comment visibly caught Simon off guard.
“What do you mean?” Simon asked, confused. But before Mel could elaborate, fellow judge Howie Mandel stepped in to give his thoughts on the performance, temporarily diffusing the tension.
Still, Simon wasn’t done.
“I’ve just gotta butt in here,” Cowell said after Howie wrapped up. “I’ve seen you, Micah, backstage — this is my own perspective — you’ve been really polite and sweet to everybody. So that was out of order.”
The audience responded with cheers and applause, showing clear support for Simon and Micah. Palace, maintaining his composure, used the moment to highlight his values and address the situation head-on.
He thanked his mother, saying she taught him to always treat people with respect. He added, “If I made anyone feel disrespected, I sincerely apologize. That was never my intention.”
While the moment stirred immediate buzz among fans and viewers, a source later told PEOPLE that Mel B’s comments were not meant to call Palace out personally. Instead, they were meant to echo advice she had once received as a young performer — about treating everyone with kindness and professionalism in the entertainment industry.
PEOPLE also reported that representatives for both Mel B and America’s Got Talent have not yet made official statements regarding the exchange.
Despite the awkward moment, the show moved forward with high-energy performances from the remaining top finalists, each vying for the coveted $1 million prize and a chance to headline a Las Vegas show.
In addition to Micah Palace, the lineup included rapper Chris Turner, vocalists Jessica Sanchez and Jourdan Blue, the Leo High School Choir, LED dance group LightWire, rapper Mama Duke, variety act Sirca Marea, musician Steve Ray Ladson, and the precision dance crew Team Recycled.
The season finale will conclude on Wednesday, Sept. 24, when the winner of America’s Got Talent season 20 will be revealed during a special live results show.
That episode will also feature a packed lineup of special guest performers and AGT alumni, including Ciara, Leona Lewis, Aloe Blacc, Latin hitmaker Manuel Turizo, Journey guitarist Neal Schon teaming up with season 19 winner Richard Goodall, The Script’s Danny O’Donoghue, and returning choir Sainted.
America’s Got Talent airs on NBC, with the finale results show scheduled for Wednesday at 9 pm ET/PT.