Since its debut in 2006, “America’s Got Talent” has entertained audiences with its diverse array of performers, from singers and dancers to comedians and magicians; the show has featured a wide spectrum of talented acts from all over the U.S. Winner “America’s Got Talent”
The gist of the show is simple: performers compete with each other for a panel of celebrity judges and the public’s votes. The “America’s Got Talent” winners get a cash prize and a moment in the spotlight. In the third season, the prize also included a spot at a Las Vegas club. The family-friendly show is full of surprises as some of the acts showcase unique talents that viewers may have never seen on television, which is part of the excitement of the show.
As the show gears up for its nineteenth season in May 2024, it’s the perfect time to catch up on the past “America’s Got Talent” winners. Read on to discover what these talented individuals are up to now. (If you love reality TV, then check out Every Winner of “The Bachelor” and What They Are Doing Now.)
1. Season 1: Bianca Ryan
The first season of the show turned it into an overnight success. The first “America’s Got Talent” winner was singer Bianca Ryan. Ryan, who was only 11 when she won for her rendition of “I am Changing” from the film “Dreamgirls.” Since her win, Ryan has released three albums. Unfortunately, the young songstress had to put her career on hold to recover from vocal paralysis. As of 2020, she was back performing and is expected to release new music soon.
2. Season 2: Terry Fator
The second winner of the show, Terry Fator, won for his unique talent as a ventriloquist/singing impressionist. Fator beat out the competition and went on to a successful career performing at The Mirage in Las Vegas. Fator regularly returns to AGT and even appeared on “AGT: All-Stars” in 2023.
3. Season 3: Neal E. Boyd
In season 3, opera singer Neal E. Boyd won with his rendition of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma.” After winning, Boyd released an album and performed in Las Vegas. He remained in the spotlight for several years and even tried his hand at politics. Unfortunately, the talented singer with a big voice passed away from health issues in 2018.
4. Season 4: Kevin Skinner
The show’s fourth season went a little bit country, with country singer Kevin Skinner captivating audiences with his version of Garth Brooks’ song “If Tomorrow Never Comes.” But his country style turned a little bit rock and roll with his rendition of “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” by rock legends Aerosmith. Skinner released an album a year after his win but hasn’t made many public appearances since then.
5. Season 5: Michael Grimm
Bluegrass guitarist and singer Michael Grimm won season 5 with his original songs and guitar style. Since his win, Grimm has released new music and headlined the first AGT tour. Over the following season, he returned to the AGT stage as a guest performer and participated in “AGT: The Champions” in season two. He still regularly tours and continues to make music.
6. Season 6: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.
Singing sensation Landau Eugen Murphy Jr. won season 6 with his smooth voice and confident style. After winning, he released his first album and continues to make music and tour all over the world.
7. Season 7: Olate Dogs
This season stands out in the “America’s Got Talent” world because it was the first act to feature four-legged furry friends as the winners. Of course, the dogs didn’t act alone; instead, they were part of a team, including the father-son duo Richard and Nicholas Olate. The doggies delighted the audience with their choreographed tricks and won the big prize. After their win, they continued with their act and even joined the Humane Society for some charitable work. However, the Olate Dogs have kept a low profile since 2018.
8. Season 8: Kenichi Ebina
From dogs to dancing, season 8 was full of surprises. The winner that year was Kenichi Ebina, who had choreographed moves and a Matrix-inspired dance that set him apart from his competitors. After his win, Ebin went on a tour, and he continued to mix the beauty of dance with the precision of martial arts, defining his unique style of dance that still inspires his audiences across the globe.
9. Season 9: Mat Franco
“America’s Got Talent” Season 9 was magical, and the winner was, you guessed it, a magician. Magician Mat Franco impressed the judges with his magic tricks and went above and beyond your basic card tricks. Franco went on to do a residency in Vegas and continued to perform. He regularly returns to the AGT stage, where all eyes are on him as he makes magic.
10. Season 10: Paul Zerdin
Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin took home the award for season 10 with his comedic act. Zerdin had the audience in stitches with his funny one-liners and silly banter with his puppet. After winning, Zerdin continued to perform with his popular puppet.
11. Season 11: Grace VanderWaal
At just twelve years old, Grace VanderWaal won season eleven of AGT. The young lady sang and played the ukulele and impressed the judges and audience members alike with her skills. Because of her impressive win, she has gone on to release more music and star in films. Her talent is massive, and she is just getting started; we suggest you keep an eye out for this rising young star.
12. Season 12: Darci Lynne Farmer
In season 12, another talented young twelve-year-old took to the stage with her singing and ventriloquism. The once-shy Darci Lynne Farmer stole the show and won the competition. She is the first female ventriloquist to win the coveted prize. Since her win, she has been taking her act on the road and has even done some acting.
13. Season 13: Shin Lim
In season 13, magician Shin Lim won with his impressive card tricks. Lim beat out the competition, including singers, dancers, comedians, and other talented acts, to be the second magician to win the big prize. The following year, he also won “AFT: The Champions.” Since his wins, Lim has continued to wow audience members with his sleight-of-hand magic tricks at his Las Vegas residency.
14. Season 14: Kodi Lee
Kodi Lee, a singer and pianist, captivated the crowd with his music and style. The young man has an impressive range of talent, which is even more impressive because he is blind and autistic. He dominated season 14 and went on to take the top spot and the big prize. Following his win, Lee performs regularly in Vegas at The Luxor on the AGT live show. You can also find him appearing on the AGT stage as a guest performer.
15. Season 15: Brandon Leake
In season 15, the “America’s Got Talent” winner veers from the singers, dancers, magicians, ventriloquists, and talented dogs. Instead, the spoken word poet Brandon Leake was the winner. Spoken word poetry is like a cross between a one-person show, stand-up comedy, and poetry. Leake was able to captivate the audience with his words and demeanor, creating an incredibly emotionally honest performance. He continues to share his words with audiences at AGT’s live residency show in Vegas. And he released a collection of poems, “Unraveling.”
16. Season 16: Dustin Tavella
Magic and storytelling come to life with the winning performance by Dustin Tavella. The gifted performer has been performing at AGT’s residency in Las Vegas at the Luxor.
17. Season 17: The Mayyas
In this season, the Lebanese female dancer group, The Mayyas, stole the show. They performed beautifully choreographed dances that stunned audience members and delighted judges. It is safe to say that no one was surprised that they won a prize this season. After their win, the group continued to perform in Las Vegas and even recently performed with Beyoncé in a private concert in Dubai.
18. Season 18: Adrian Stoica and his dog Hurricane
Another performance with a fluffy dog earned the top spot in season eighteen of the show. Adrian Stoica and his border collie, Hurricane, impressed the audience with their performance. Since their win, the dynamic duo has performed in Las Vegas residency.