If breakdancing were still in the 2028 Olympics, Rhythm might be giving top human dancers a run for their money. On Tuesday, August 13, Roni Sagi and her dance partner, a two-year-old dog named Rhythm, delivered a show-stopping performance on America’s Got Talent (AGT) that left the judges and audience in awe.
Set to a remix of Queen’s iconic hits “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Don’t Stop Me Now,” Roni and Rhythm’s high-energy routine had the crowd on their feet. The duo executed an intricate series of jumps, twists, and flips, perfectly synchronized to the beat, making it hard to believe Rhythm was actually a dog and not a seasoned human dancer. Even Simon Cowell, known for his tough critiques, couldn’t help but marvel, jokingly asking, “How do we know that the dog is a real dog?”
The pair has been a fan favorite since their audition, consistently impressing the judges with their chemistry and precision. Judge Heidi Klum, who compared Rhythm’s dance skills to those of human performers, was particularly blown away. “He dances better than humans,” she exclaimed. Reflecting on her own recent attempts at dancing with her husband, Klum added humorously, “I just started dancing with my husband, it’s not going too well.”
Howie Mandel chimed in with some playful advice, telling Klum, “You’ve got to give your husband treats,” a nod to the bond between Roni and Rhythm that’s clearly built on love, trust, and a few well-earned rewards.
The judges aren’t the only ones captivated by Roni and Rhythm’s performances. AGT fans across the globe have embraced the duo, with Mandel revealing that their acts have already garnered over 2 billion clicks on social media. “My dog watched this and was so impressed,” one fan commented, echoing the widespread admiration for the talented team.
Though they’re newcomers to the AGT stage, Roni and Rhythm have been honing their act for nearly two years. Roni shared that she recognized Rhythm’s potential early on, recalling how, at just six weeks old, he would tap his feet on the bed. “I knew it then,” she said of discovering his natural rhythm and talent.
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Roni’s journey with Rhythm is a testament to her deep love for animals, which began in her childhood when she would bring stray dogs into her family’s home. Initially pursuing dog therapy training, Roni’s path took a new direction in February 2022 when she adopted Rhythm. Describing him as a “tornado storm” who “makes [her] dreams come true,” Roni found in Rhythm not just a pet, but a dedicated dance partner eager to perform.
“It’s so much fun to have a partner that wants [to perform] as much as you,” Roni said, reflecting on their unique bond. “He wants to do it all, and he wants to do it now, and he wants to do it as good as he can.”
The duo’s chemistry and dedication are undeniable, and their performances have created what Howie Mandel described as a “gorgeous memory” that will “live on forever.”
Roni and Rhythm are set to take the AGT stage once again for the semi-finals on Tuesday, August 20. Fans can catch their performance on NBC at 8 p.m. ET, with streaming available the following day on Peacock. As the competition heats up, there’s no doubt that Roni and Rhythm will continue to captivate audiences with their extraordinary talent and heartwarming connection.
