'America's Got Talent' Season 17 Winner Divides NBC Viewers

The winner of America's Got Talent season 17 was crowned during the NBC show's grand finale Wednesday, but not all fans are happy with the vote.

After weeks of auditions and live shows, the 11 finalists took to the stage for one last chance at impressing the judges, Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel, and winning the grand prize of $1 million.

The episode also saw performances from country singers Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi, rap group Black Eyed Peas, former America's Got Talent winner and magician Shin Lim, and ex-finalists from the show, dancers Silhouettes.

The final two acts left in the competition were pole dancer Kristy Sellars and Lebanese dance troupe Mayyas, who both competed in week 5 of the semifinals, with host Terry Crews announcing the latter as the winners of America's Got Talent 2022.

Following Mayyas' triumph, many fans were full of praise for the winning act, who also triumphed in Arabs Got Talent.

One AGT fan Edward Tobin tweeted: "I called it from their audition, congratulations Mayas you rocked."

"Knowing that we still have people like the #mayyas representing my country #Lebanon with great spirit and endless creativity is another reason that keeps giving me hope in Lebanon Congratulations #mayyasofficial #AGT @mayyasofficial @AGT @SofiaVergara," wrote Dr. Amal A. Nasser.

"Worthy winners, proud moment," tweeted third happy fan Ali Colisee, alongside a series of Lebanese flag emojis.

America's Got Talent viewers appeared to be divided, however, as other fans wrote on social media that they weren't happy that Mayyas were the winners.

One Twitter user Clode wrote: "These ladies are of course very talented, but honestly there were acts that I would have rather preferred to see win over them. #AmericasGotTalent #Mayas."

"Not the best talent by far, in my opinion. And they need to change the name of the show!" tweeted Catherine, as a disgruntled fan simply posted: "Ugh! Not impressed."

As well as the cash prize, Mayyas have won the chance to headline America's Got Talent Las Vegas Live.

Modern Family actress and AGT judge Vergara, 50, also took to Twitter after the finale. She tweeted about her pride in Mayyas, for whom she pressed her Golden Buzzer during their first audition, sending them straight to the semi-finals.

She wrote: "IM SO PROUD @mayyasofficial YOU DESERVE THIS!!!! #AGT."

After their final performance, that aired on part one of the America's Got Talent finale on Tuesday, Mayyas received a standing ovation from all four judges.

Cowell, 62, told them that their last show was "astonishing," adding: "Something has happened with you where I'm beginning to feel a buzz beyond the show. This has landed. It's global. It's huge. I don't think you can top that."

Mandel, 66, praised their last dance, put together by their choreographer and founder Nadim Cherfan, and said: "This is my favorite act ever on AGT. That's so great for you. It's great for women, female empowerment, your culture."