Rhythm’s performance is far more than a gimmick, despite the fact that he’s a dog. In the finals of America’s Got Talent, he and his trainer Roni Sagi delivered a captivating routine to Alessia Cara’s “Scars to Your Beautiful,” leaving a lasting impression on the judges. Their stunning performance earned them second place in Season 19.
The duo’s inspiring performance had the audience on their feet, applauding their extraordinary chemistry. Judge Simon Cowell praised the act, saying, “In my opinion, that was perfection. After all these years, I’ve never seen anything like this. From now on, if a dog appears on this stage, we’re going to leave because they won’t be as good as this. How do you top that? It’s beyond belief.”
Heidi Klum, visibly moved, gushed, “He is so adorable, and his little paw steps make my heart melt every time. Such a cute little thing.” Meanwhile, Sofía Vergara jokingly offered Roni a million dollars for Rhythm, exclaiming, “Just give him to me, and I’ll give you a million dollars immediately. You’re welcome to come too—just hand him over!”
Howie Mandel added a special note, pointing out, “That dog is actually dancing. There’s no clicker.”
The most significant gift Rhythm gave to Roni was the profound bond they shared. After their performance, Roni spoke with Terry Crews about the deeper meaning behind their choice of music, which revolves around self-acceptance and optimism. “When we look in the mirror, a lot of people feel like they’re missing something,” she said. “When I first became aware of dogs, I fell in love with myself.” She became emotional, as did many who witnessed their heartfelt performance.
Roni had previously shared with America’s Got Talent producers that growing up, her family often took in stray dogs. “We would take care of them for a couple of months, then find them new homes,” she explained. When she adopted Rhythm in February 2022, she discovered his boundless energy. “He wants to do everything, and he wants to do it now, and he wants to do it perfectly,” she said.
Their dance to “Scars to Your Beautiful” powerfully conveyed its message, moving viewers to tears. One fan wrote on YouTube, “I’m so proud of them.” Another commented, “This made me cry happy tears. It was so much fun to watch. They’ve already won.”
A third person reflected, “It’s not just a dog that’s been well-trained. The performance sends a message of love and comfort.”