The judges had a brief clash after 'America's Got Talent' finalist Micah Palace's live performance on Sept. 23. Simon Cowell calls out Mel B to defend contestan

The judges had a brief clash after 'America's Got Talent' finalist Micah Palace's live performance on Sept. 23.

Simon Cowell calls out Mel B to defend contestant during live AGT finale: 'That was out of order'

The judges had a brief clash after 'America's Got Talent' finalist Micah Palace's live performance on Sept. 23.

By Mekishana Pierre

Mekishana Pierre

Mekishana Pierre is a news writer at **. She has been working at EW since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on *Entertainment Tonight* and Popsugar.

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September 24, 2025 3:39 p.m. ET

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Simon Cowell; Mel B. Credit:

Steve Granitz/FilmMagic; Amanda Edwards/Getty

Things got a little tense at the judges' table during the season 20 finale performances of *America's Got Talent*.

The awkward moment occurred between judges Simon Cowell and Mel B on Tuesday's episode after contestant Micah Palace's performance of "Spanglish" and "No Sabo." The singer, who previously earned Cowell's Golden Buzzer, performed a dance-heavy mix of the songs in his final bid for the *AGT* crown.

Micah Palace on 'America's Got Talent'.

Trae Patton/NBC

While giving Palace feedback on his performance, the Spice Girls singer gave the 23-year-old some praise, noting that "the party vibe was definitely there." But she quickly pivoted to offer him some advice that went beyond the *AGT *stage.

"I just wanna give you a few words of advice. You have to be nice to everybody, the crew, the people that dress you," she said. "Because if not, you're going to meet them on the way back down anyway."

Mel B's comment resulted in raised eyebrows on the panel as Cowell began questioning fellow judge Sofia Vegara on what was going on. As Howie Mandel began giving his feedback for Palace's performance, Cowell directed his attention to Mel B for clarification, asking her, "What do you mean?"

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When host Terry Crews took over once again, Cowell flagged his attention to defend Palace.

"I've just gotta butt in here," he said. "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," he added, referring to Mel B's comment.

While Mel B seemed nonplussed at Cowell's response, Palace also had the chance to speak, which he used to shout out his mother in the audience.

"I don't need good luck anymore cuz my mom's here, right with me. And she raised somebody to always treat people respectfully," he told the audience. "And my apologies out to anybody if there was ever anything. That wasn't my intention. It's all up to everybody."**

Howie Mandel, Mel B, Sofia Vergara, and Simon Cowell on 'America's Got Talent'.

Trae Patton/NBC

Mel B later claimed that her intention was merely to pass on advice that she received as a young performer, according to PEOPLE.

Palace was one of several finalists putting their acts to the test in a final effort to win the reality competition and take home the $1 million grand prize.**

The other performers included: singer Jessica Sanchez, singer Jourdan Blue, Leo High School Choir, LED dance group LightWire, rapper Mama Duke, variety act Sirca Marea, musician Steve Ray Ladson, dance group Team Recycled, and freestyle rapper Chris Turner, who reduced Cowell to a laughing fit during last week's episode.

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A winner will be declared at the season 20 finale on Wednesday night.

The episode will also feature a star-studded lineup of guest performers and *AGT* alumni, including Ciara, Leona Lewis, Aloe Blacc, musician Manuel Turizo, Journey rocker Neal Schon with *AGT* season 19 winner Richard Goodall, The Script frontman Danny O'Donoghue and *AGT* alum and choir Sainted.

Watch Micah Palace's performance from Tuesday's episode of *AGT *above.**

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