When Jonathan Nosan stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage, no one expected the Ivy League-educated 47-year-old to completely redefine what it means to perform.
Jonathan, a proud graduate of UC Berkeley with a degree in Asian Studies and Japanese History, introduced himself with calm confidence and a warm sense of humor. “I’m from New York City,” he said, adding, “I’ve got a beagle at home — no wife, no kids.” But it wasn’t his charming introduction that would make millions of jaws drop.
The moment the music began and Jonathan revealed his act — a hypnotic, otherworldly contortion performance — the audience was captivated. Twisting, bending, and folding his body in ways most people can’t even imagine, he had everyone stunned, from the judges to the viewers at home.
Simon Cowell, known for his brutal honesty, said it best:
“I had no idea what you were doing or really what the act was… but I’m going to remember you, Jonathan.”
Even Heidi Klum chimed in, calling the act “fluid, kind of weird, but amazing.” Howie Mandel joked about Jewish men and flexibility, adding, “You’re wonderful.”
Contortion is usually a space dominated by young women in sparkling outfits, as Sofia Vergara pointed out. But Jonathan flipped the script — quite literally — by blending artistry, athleticism, and shock factor into a single mesmerizing performance.
What’s even more surprising? Jonathan only began training in contortion at the age of 24. Talk about rewriting the narrative on what’s possible in life.
By the end of the audition, Jonathan had secured four enthusiastic yeses from the judges and a spot in the next round — not to mention millions of views online.