America’s Got Talent has featured many scary performances over the years that made judges scream, jump from their seats, and react in fear. From dangerous stunt acts to dark theatrical performances, the show has always included acts designed to shock both the judges and the audience. During the 2025 auditions, the performance group Phobias delivered one of the most disturbing and unforgettable acts of the season.
The act began with one performer slowly entering the stage in a creepy clown costume while carrying colorful balloons. The judges attempted to ask for his name, but he remained completely silent, staring forward and behaving in a strange, lifeless manner. The uncomfortable silence immediately changed the atmosphere inside the theater, replacing excitement with tension and fear.
Moments later, the rest of the group suddenly appeared, and the performance quickly escalated into a full horror illusion act. Using smoke effects, flashing lights, blackout transitions, and carefully timed movement, the performers created the illusion of appearing and disappearing across the stage. The unpredictable pacing and sudden visual changes made it impossible for both the audience and judges to anticipate what would happen next.
One of the most intense aspects of the performance was the direct interaction with the judges, especially Simon Cowell. Because Simon is known for his fear of clowns, also called coulrophobia, the performers repeatedly approached the judges’ table and used sudden jump scares to increase the tension. Several moments showed the clowns standing only inches away from Simon, creating visible discomfort and nervous reactions from the panel.
The routine also featured contortion-based choreography and synchronized movement sequences under constantly changing lights. The unnatural body movements, combined with silence and distorted sound effects, added to the disturbing atmosphere and made the performance feel more like a psychological horror film than a traditional magic act.
Phobias is an Italian horror performance group specializing in theatrical illusion, horror staging, and psychological fear-based entertainment. Unlike traditional magicians who focus on humor or mystery, the group creates performances designed to build discomfort, suspense, and shock.
The act combines stage illusion techniques with horror-inspired visuals, silent acting, and physical theatre to create an immersive experience for live audiences.
Davide Spada
Davide Spada is an Italian illusionist and stage magician, and one of the creators and performers of Phobias. He is in his 40s and works in theatrical illusion and psychological horror acts. He has appeared in international talent shows, including America’s Got Talent.
Peppe Salomon (Giuseppe Salomone)
Peppe Salomon is an Italian magician and illusion performer, and a member of Phobias. He is in his 40s and focuses on visual illusion, suspense, and horror-style stage acts. He performs in live shows and television talent shows.
Vanessa Speccia (Specchia)
Vanessa Speccia is an Italian stage performer and illusion artist, and a member of Phobias. She is in her 40s and focuses on theatrical horror performance, acting, and visual illusion. She performs in live stage shows with the group.
Judges’ Reactions and Viral Attention
In the final moments of the performance, rapid lighting changes, smoke bursts, and blackout effects brought the act to an abrupt ending. Judge Howie Mandel appeared visibly shaken and briefly struggled to speak after the performance ended, while the rest of the judges paused before giving feedback.
Despite the intense reactions during the act, all four judges ultimately voted “yes,” allowing Phobias to continue in the competition. Simon Cowell later described the performance as “horrific but brilliant,” reflecting both his discomfort and admiration for the execution of the act.
After the episode aired, clips of the audition quickly spread across social media and gained millions of views. Many viewers discussed the horror theme, illusion effects, and judges’ reactions, leading to strong reactions online. Some fans praised the originality and theatrical creativity of the performance, while others felt it was too disturbing for a family television program.
Love it or hate it, the Phobias audition became one of the most widely discussed moments of AGT 2025 and established the group as one of the season’s most memorable and impactful acts.