José & Carrie The Dancing Dog WOW Simon Cowell

Merengue Magic: How José & Carrie The Dancing Dog Danced Their Way into Simon Cowell’s Heart 🐕💖

The stage of America’s Got Talent has seen countless canines perform dazzling tricks, but few dog acts have dared to step into the complex world of professional ballroom dancing. That’s precisely what made the audition of José and Carrie in Season 11 (2016) so unforgettable. This wasn’t just fetch or agility; this was a sophisticated dance duo performing the energetic, rhythmic steps of the Merengue. It was an unexpected, charming spectacle that succeeded in achieving the ultimate goal: a genuine “WOW” from the notoriously demanding judge, Simon Cowell.

A Pair with Unexpected Moves ✨

José, 58 years old at the time, and his partner, Carrie, a devoted 12-year-old canine, introduced themselves as lovers of dance. Their choice of music immediately signaled they were not here for the usual tricks: they performed a lively Merengue number to the classic Caribbean party anthem, “Jump In The Line” by Harry Belafonte.

The Merengue is a Dominican dance known for its intricate hip movements, quick steps, and close partner work. To execute this with a human partner is challenging; to perform it seamlessly with a dog requires an almost unbelievable level of training, trust, and connection. From the outset, Carrie demonstrated not just obedience, but genuine performance. She moved with rhythmic precision, transitioning effortlessly from José’s side to performing rotations, quick steps, and even a dramatic backbend that stunned the audience. The routine flowed with an infectious, joyful energy that felt less like a trainer commanding a dog and more like two friends having the time of their lives on the dance floor. 💃🐾

The Moment that Made Simon Smile 😊

The highlight of the routine—and the moment that earned the loudest laughs—was a sequence where Carrie performed a series of rhythmic, low-to-the-ground movements that the judges, and the audience, hilariously interpreted as a “twerking” dog. The unexpected, yet perfectly timed, nature of the move had the entire panel, including Mel B and Howie Mandel, in giggles.

While some judges might struggle to take a comedic dog dance seriously, Simon Cowell, the franchise creator and lifelong dog lover, was completely won over. Simon has always been the champion of dog acts, understanding the immense dedication and unique skill required to train animals to perform at that level. He saw past the humor and recognized the technical brilliance.

Following the performance, the applause was massive. The judges were quick to praise the difficulty of the act:

• Simon Cowell was effusive, finding the audition “INCREDIBLE” and praising the high level of control and unique choreography. His seal of approval was the most crucial endorsement the duo could receive.

• Howie Mandel and Mel B also gave enthusiastic “Yes” votes, commending the entertainment factor and the sheer difficulty of the routine.

The Dissent and the Journey Forward 🛣️

The moment of tension came when Heidi Klum delivered her verdict. Despite the audience’s obvious adoration, Heidi voted “No”. While the act was fun, she felt it didn’t quite reach the level of the show’s highly competitive variety acts. This split decision meant the duo had to rely on the overwhelming positive support from the other three judges to move forward. With three “Yes” votes, José and Carrie successfully advanced to the Judge Cuts round.

Their journey continued through the intense Judge Cuts, where they performed another challenging Merengue routine to “Feeling Hot Hot Hot”. Unfortunately, while they continued to showcase impressive connection and skill, their second performance was not deemed strong enough to send them to the Quarterfinals, and they were eliminated.

Regardless of their final placement, José and Carrie left an indelible mark on America’s Got Talent Season 11. They proved that a dancing dog is capable of much more than a simple waltz; they brought the house down with Latin rhythm, reminding everyone that love, dedication, and a great beat can make any dream, no matter how furry, come true. Their audition remains a favorite highlight for demonstrating the spectacular bond between human and animal, and for securing one of Simon Cowell’s most enthusiastic reactions. 💖