When Tao Porchon-Lynch walked onto the America’s Got Talent stage with her young partner Vard, the judges thought they were about to see a sweet, gentle routine from a cute grandmother. Then Tao casually mentioned her age — 96 years old — and the whole room gasped. A former model, actress and world-famous yoga teacher, she was there to prove one thing: age is just a number.
The music started and the surprise began. Instead of slow steps, Tao and Vard launched into a lively ballroom routine packed with spins, dips and precise footwork. Vard led, but Tao owned every move — light on her feet, smiling the whole time, with the posture of someone half her age. You could see the judges’ jaws literally drop as this “little old lady” turned into a full-on dance queen in front of their eyes.
By the end of the performance, the theatre was on its feet. The panel praised her incredible energy, grace and fearlessness, calling her an inspiration and living proof that it’s never too late to chase a dream or step onto a big stage. Tao didn’t just dance; she rewrote what people think 96 looks like — and became one of the most unforgettable contestants to ever hit the AGT floor.
