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Arab's Got Talent winners Mayyas are staking their claim for international stardom with Simon Cowell hailing them as "genius".
The English television mogul and notorious television personality made those comments after the Beirut all-girl dance troupe performed in Britain's Got Talent: The Champions.
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A spin-off of the British talent show, the series features a variety of former international winners, finalists and participants facing off with one winner declared the champion at the end .
Mayyas were one 45 acts who competed in a pool that featured talent hailing from the UK, India, Philippines, South Africa, Spain, Singapore and others.
Each act had to perform a preliminary round, with the UK television audience deciding who goes through to the final episode, which is yet to be aired.
While Mayyas were eliminated when they appeared on the Saturday, September 14 episode, they went off with style and a standing ovation by the judging panel.
For their showcase, Mayyas performed a routine inspired by the Arab world.
Performing in front of a pyramid backdrop, they engaged in a fluid routine (lots of hand flutters and armography) that created an enchanting vibe. While it was only two minutes long, it was enough for the crowd and judging panel to be impressed.
"It was one of the most beautiful things I ever seen," said the English comedian David Walliams. "This is one of those acts where it only works if every one of you is doing their piece perfectly and every one of you did.”
Fellow panellist Amanda Holden shared similar sentiments.
"The choreography was so intricate and every move you made was so precise and so disciplined," she said. "You are a fantastic representation of Arabs Got Talent."
Speaking to The National from Mayass's Beirut studio, group leader and choreographer Nadim Cherfan said he was satisfied with the experience. "We wanted to go there and show what we can do because that was important to us," he said. "The best part of it all was that we were invited to alongside winners from around the world. To be included in that is special."
Cherfan hopes the international profile results in more touring opportunities. He confirms that the group will come to the Dubai later in the year for a lavish corporate gig. “If a public show happens then we are ready,” he said.
For Mazen Hayek, the spokesman for the Dubai based broadcaster MBC, said that Mayyas’s success is an inspiration for the whole region.
"They are symbol of resilience," he said. "By them reaching Britain's Got Talent: The Champions 2019 is another example of token of that resilience and example of that there is nothing impossible when there is talent and determination. They are the perfect embodiment of Arab youth for whom the sky is the limit."