Mayyas Win ‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 17, Drawing Polarized Reactions

America’s Got Talent Season 17 crowned its new winner, Mayyas, on Wednesday. The Lebanese all-female dance group beat out the other 10 finalists after weeks of competition, winning the $1 million prize and the chance to join America’s Got Talent Las Vegas Live at Luxor Hotel and Casino.

The name of the group, Mayyas, derives from an Arabic word, which means the proud walk of a lioness. They first caught the viewers’ attention during their show-stopping audition and prompted judge Sofia Vergara to press her Golden Buzzer to save them from being eliminated.

“From the moment I first saw the Mayyas, their act was spectacular and gave me goosebumps,” said Vergara. “Their coordinated choreography was the most beautiful, creative dancing I have ever seen… Their empowering performances have earned them the ultimate title and I’m so proud of them and can’t wait to see what they do next.”

While many fans reacted with praise for Mayyas’ win, others vented on social media that they were not happy with the result.