Chinese Dancer and Robot Squad Leave 'AGT' Judges Speechless with Backflipping Routine

The Season 21 premiere of America's Got Talent delivered one of the most futuristic auditions in the show's history Tuesday night, as a 26-year-old dancer from China took the stage alongside eight humanoid robots.

Wu Yufei, a native of Sichuan Province, partnered with robots manufactured by Unitree, a Chinese robotics company, to perform a synchronized dance routine to a classic Lady Gaga track.

As the music swelled, Wu and the eight machines moved in perfect sync. The moment that stunned both the audience and the judges came mid-routine, when all eight robots flipped backward in almost perfect unison.

Simon Cowell, known for his critical eye, struggled to contain his surprise. "They don't look human, but they're all staring at me right now," he said. "That was… nuts, but brilliant. Brilliant."

Sofia Vergara compared the performance to a sci-fi movie come to life. "I've never seen anything like this, because usually those robots are very weird. These ones have rhythm," Vergara said. "It was like watching people dance."

Following the robotic dance, Wu showcased the machines' dexterity further by having them perform Chinese kungfu moves on stage. The display drew such admiration that judge Howie Mandel reportedly attempted to take one of the robots off the stage, only to be playfully turned down by the machine itself.

The audience gave the group a standing ovation before the judges rendered their verdict: a clean sweep of four "Yes" votes, sending Wu and his robotic ensemble to the next round.

America's Got Talent is an NBC reality television series that premiered on June 21, 2006. The show features a wide range of performers, from singers to comedians, competing for a grand prize of US$1 million.