In a first for Italian TV, a gay acrobat got engaged to his boyfriend live on air.

The proposal took place Thursday (7 May) night on Italia’s Got Talent after acrobatic troupe Les Farfadais performed a routine to The Power of Love.

During the judge’s critique, one of the dancers turned to his boyfriend and said in English: ‘So we have performed tonight in a ring.

‘And this ring has brought us together in our work, in our passion, in what we love. And I would love to know…’

He then got down on one knee and produced an engagement ring. His tearful boyfriend said ‘yes’ and the audience and judges erupted into applause.

‘I swear to you. We didn’t know a thing,’ said the show’s host. ‘How beautiful!’

Gay marriage is illegal in Italy but recently steps have been made toward recognizing same-sex unions.

In February, Italy’s highest appeals court ruled that gay marriage is not a constitutional right but same-sex couples are entitled to certain protections.

Watch the proposal below:

Ecco la proposta di matrimonio avvenuta in diretta pochi minuti fa! #IGTPowerOfLove Posted by Italia’s Got Talent Official on Thursday, 7 May 2015

h/t: Towleroad