The Slovenian pair Forest of Haunts had a spine-tingling performance that left the judges and the crowd on edge during the 2024 season of America’s Got Talent (AGT).
Known for their magic acts with a horror theme, Forest of Haunts made a dramatic entrance at the outset of their audition, which instantly created a tense environment. Simon Cowell and Sofia Vergara, the judges, were invited to do a thrilling balloon-popping dance on stage. Simon had to choose which balloons to pop over Sofia’s head; three of them held innocuous golden confetti, and one held live maggots. Thankfully, Sofia was spared the nasty surprise by Simon’s decisions, but the judges and audience both had significant responses when the balloon filled with maggots was finally revealed.
Reviews of the performance were mixed: Simon Cowell called it “repulsive but brilliant,” while Heidi Klum buzzed the act, indicating her distaste. Notwithstanding the differing views, Forest of Haunts was able to move on to the next round by receiving three “yes” votes from Simon, Sofia, and Howie Mandel.
Gozd Strahov, also known as Forest of Haunts, competed in Slovenia’s Got Talent in 2023 and advanced to the semifinals before AGT.
They were a noteworthy act of the season because of their AGT audition, which demonstrated not just their distinctive fusion of magic and horror but also their capacity to elicit powerful emotional reactions.
