From Addis to America's Got Talent: The Untold Story of How the TT Boys Took the World by Storm

By Dagmawit Zerihun
Published on 10/08/25

The global stage has found its new, gravity-defying conquerors, and they hail not from the dance capitals of the world, but from the bustling, resilient streets of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Meet the TT Boys, an extraordinary acrobatic duo who transformed their passion for movement into a cultural phenomenon, launching from obscurity to the glittering spotlights of America's Got Talent. Their story is more than just flawless choreography; it’s a powerful, untold narrative of brotherhood, relentless grit, and how the universal language of incredible Icarian Games artistry bridged the gap between an African dream and the world's most competitive reality stage.

A Foundation Built on Brotherhood

​Before the standing ovations and Hollywood lights, there was just Addis. The duo, composed of Tamrat Ayalew and Tomas Alemu, had a bond forged since childhood, working together since they were three years old. Their act, the Icarian Games, is a specialized acrobatic circus discipline where one person (the "flyer") is tossed, spun, and balanced by the feet of the other (the "base"). They honed this dangerous and precise craft not in fancy studios, but through self-teaching and tireless practice on the tough streets and rooftops of their city, developing a unique style that infused their incredible strength with the spirit of their homeland.

The Audition That Shocked Hollywood

​Their decision to audition for America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 20 was a high-stakes gamble. The application process was a logistical challenge, but once they took the stage, their explosive energy and flawless synchronization were undeniable. Their audition performance—a blur of flips, tumbles, and jaw-dropping human manipulation—earned a thunderous ovation and left the judges speechless. Judge Sofía Vergara was seen making the sign of the cross in fear and awe, while Simon Cowell called their performance "f**king awesome," immediately cementing their status as top-tier contenders.

Capturing the Global Imagination

​Week after week, the TT Boys didn't just compete; they elevated the competition. They brought the vibrant spirit of Ethiopia to a global audience, showcasing a level of professional artistry developed purely through dedication. In the Quarterfinals, they stepped up the danger, performing their Icarian Games act while one member was blindfolded and the platform raised them high into the air. Judge Mel B admitted, "I actually feel sick, and I feel exhausted," by way of compliment. The audience was so impressed that they loudly demanded a Golden Buzzer for the duo. Though they advanced via the public's vote into the semi-finals, their journey became a powerful symbol of hope and the idea that talent, regardless of origin, will find its stage. The TT Boys didn't just win a place in the competition; they won the hearts of millions, proving that their path from Addis was not an anomaly, but a blueprint for dreams realized.

​The TT Boys Redefine What's Possible With Their Most DARING Act Yet! | AGT 2025 provides an up-close look at the incredible skill and intensity of their performances on the show.