On Wednesday, Simon Cowell made the final decision to send teenage opera singer Emanne Beasha to the America’s Got Talent final. After the one-hour season 14 results broadcast on NBC, the 59-year-old judge was forced to pick between Emanne, 10, and blacklight painter Alex Dowis. New judges Julianne Hough, 31, and Gabrielle Union, 46, previously supported Emanne, while Howie Mandel, 63, voted for Alex.

Simon, the show’s creator and executive producer, stated that he could justify placing both of them in the finals. He commended Alex for his graphic homage to 9/11 emergency personnel at Tuesday’s live program and told Emanne, who performed an Italian rendition of Bryan Adams’ (Everything I Do) I Do It for You, that she had a ‘special’ voice.

‘We’ve planned a spectacular ending. Emanne, you’re going to be in that finale,” Simon said to Emanne, who was the Golden Buzzer selection of guest judge Jay Leno, 69, during week four of Judge Cuts. During the live Dunkin’ Save, people voted for Emanne and Alex, as well as comic Ryan Niemiller.

The stand-up comedian, who makes jokes about his deformity in both arms, was spared by spectators, forcing the judges to choose between Emanne and Alex. Gabrielle praised Emanne’s voice as ‘excellent’ but also praised her ‘intangibles,’ such as her connections with other competitors and the staff.

“You’re a true pro and a really great girl,” Gabrielle stated as she voted for the girl with a ‘voice of an angel.’