Simon Cowell Calls Out Mel B for ‘Out of Order’ Comment to Finalist

Things got tense during the America’s Got Talent season 20 finale performances.

During the Tuesday, Sept. 23 episode of the NBC hit series, singer Micah Palace — who previously earned judge Simon Cowell‘s Golden Buzzer — hit the stage to perform songs “Spanglish” and “No Sabo” in his final bid for the AGT crown.

After his performance, the judges gave their feedback, which got mixed reviews. But it was the exchange between Simon and fellow judge Mel B that really raised eyebrows.

While providing her feedback on Micah’s performance, the Spice Girls singer, 50, noted “the party vibe was definitely there,” but then quickly pivoted to offer him some advice about working in the industry.

“I just wanna give you a few words of advice: you’ve got to be nice to everybody, the crew, the people that dress you,” she said. “‘Cause if not, you’re gonna meet them on the way back down, anyway.”

Simon appeared to be surprised by Mel’s comment, asking her, “What do you mean?” But he didn’t get any immediate clarity as Howie Mandel stepped in to offer his feedback about Micah’s performance.

Once he was done, Simon flagged host Terry Crews to let him know he had something to say.

“I’ve just gotta butt in here,” Simon, 65, declared. “I’ve seen you, Micah, backstage — this is my own perspective — you’ve been really polite and sweet to everybody.

“So that was out of order,” he added, referencing Mel B’s comment.

As the crowd burst into a round of applause in support of Simon’s comment, Micah smiled before receiving his own chance to speak.

He took the opportunity to shout out his mother and say how she always taught him to treat others with respect. He then issued an apology to anyone who may have felt disrespected by his actions and explained that it was never his intention.

PEOPLE has since learned that Mel B’s intentions were to simply pass on the best piece of advice she received as a young performer to another rising star.

PEOPLE has reached out to reps for America’s Got Talent and Mel B.

Aside from the exchange between judges, the night was filled with entertaining acts – all of whom were making a final effort to show America why they deserved to win the competition and take home the $1 million grand prize.

The other performers included: freestyle rapper Chris Turner, singer Jessica Sanchez, singer Jourdan Blue, Leo High School Choir, LED dance group LightWire, rapper Mama Duke, variety act Sirca Marea, musician Steve Ray Ladson and dance group Team Recycled.

A winner will be declared at the season 20 finale on Sept. 24. The episode will also feature a star-studded lineup of guest performers and AGT alumni, including Ciara, Leona Lewis, Aloe Blacc, musician Manuel Turizo, Journey rocker Neal Schon with AGT season 19 winner Richard Goodall, The Script frontman Danny O’Donoghue and AGT alum and choir Sainted.

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America’s Got Talent’s season 20 finale airs Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.