Everybody loves a talent show. That’s why this year marks the 13th season of America’s Got Talent. We just can’t get enough of people on stage blowing us away with their God-given gifts. There have been so many people over the years who have graced the stage to show the world what they’ve got and it just keeps getting better and better.
This past season just crowned magician Shin Lim for his extraordinary card manipulation and sleight of hand magic performances. The 27-year-old from Canada just scored the $1 million prize plus a headline show in Las Vegas.
There have been plenty of class acts over the years that have made it to where Shin is today, but where are they now that Shin has taken over the spotlight? Let’s take a look back at the 12 action-packed seasons and see where the previously victorious competitors are today.
Season 12 (2017): Darci Lynne Farmer
Just 12-years old at the time, Darci Lynne, the ventriloquist who chatted her way into our hearts and knocked the socks off the judges, has quite the busy schedule these days. After her headline show in Vegas, the teen hit the road on a national tour that was extended due to the high demand for tickets. But, this heart of gold gal still finds time to give back. In June, Darci and friends stopped by the Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital in Bethany, Oklahoma, to put on a show for patients and their families.
Season 11 (2012): Grace VanderWaal
Grace was the tiny girl who stepped on stage with a ukulele and an original song to work her way up and crush the competition in the finals. Grace is releasing music, with her new single, “Clearly” reaching over 10 million views. Plus, she’s got a unique collaboration with Fender, and she took home her first Teen Choice Award. All coming from a girl who once said she believed in miracles!
Season 10 (2015): Paul Zerdin
Another ventriloquist, Paul, took home first place with his puppet Sam. Now he’s jet-setting globally, entertaining international fans with his puppets. He was recently on Instagram expressing his frustration regarding lost luggage, razzing British Airways for misplacing his puppet gear for the third time, saying, “If [the luggage] doesn’t make it to Cadiz, then there’s going to be no show. Frankly, I despair. I need my luggage. Please British Airways, please get it to me tomorrow in Cadiz. Please, I beg you.” He got his bags just in time.
Season 9 (2014): Matt Franco
Magician Matt Franco has been enjoying his new found fame and decided to stick it out in Las Vegas at the Linq Hotel. He’s been putting in the time, performing four shows in four days as seen here, making a joke on his Instagram saying, “Death by cards.” He will be on a brief tour this winter through Atlantic City, New Jersey and Biloxi, Missouri.
Season 8 (2013): Kenichi Ebina
Remember this guy? His answer to “What’s your act?” was “Ummmmmmmmm….I dance…ish….” This self-taught solo performance artist, who is a human/robot from Tokyo, Japan, is doing what he loves: traveling and dancing, sharing his crazy combination of martial arts and dance with the world. He recently just performed in Okinawa to a sea of adoring fans.
Season 7 (2012): Olate Dogs
This father and son duo, Richard and Nicholas Olate, outperformed their competitors in the final round with a jazzy spectacle of fabulously well-trained pups. It was a riveting show that came together flawlessly, positioning them as some seriously skilled dog owner performers. The dogs continue to tour and they are available for bookings, mostly in California.
Season 6 (2011): Landau Eugene Murphy Jr
As self-described “normal guy, living in West Virginia washing cars….” Landau’s life changed when he took home the winning title. After the show, he was arrested following a domestic dispute involving a golf club attack. He claimed it was self-defense. He and the mother of his child were arguing when things escalated. The alleged victim claimed she was struck with a golf club by the singer. Reportedly, the charges were dropped.
Since then, Landau continues to tour and release music, with his newest album, “That’s Life,” a compilation of Frank Sinatra covers, available for purchase. He’s also got a few cities he’ll be touring, including Las Vegas, Nevada; Monticello, New York; Enola, Pennsylvania; and Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Season 5 (2010): Michael Grimm
Once on welfare and with barely two pennies to rub together, Michael was playing at any little bar or music venue that would take him. Since winning this season singing, “When A Man Loves A Woman,” he continues to live out his dream performing shows in Las Vegas, Nevada; Texas; and Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Season 4 (2009): Kevin Skinner
This country boy and an ex-chicken catcher who caught 60,000 chickens sang Garth Brooks’, “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” winning over the judges and audiences immediately. He sang his way to the top, nabbing the winning title, but after his headline show, Kevin struggled for a bit. He divorced his wife after the show and had some mental health issues. Since then, he keeps a low profile and doesn’t keep up much with social media.
Season 3 (2008): Neal E. Boyd
The pop opera singer was a fan favorite. Judges loved his powerful voice, determination and his potential to be a bright and shining star. The singer released an album titled, “My American Dream” and was in the process of crowdsourcing his next album. Neal also tried to run for a seat in the Missouri House of Representatives but unfortunately, lost twice.
Furthermore, according to a Facebook post, the young man was also recovering from a car accident that nearly took his life in 2017. Sadly, Neal was found dead June 10, 2018, in his mother’s home in Sikeston, Missouri. Neal had a history of poor health and had heart failure, kidney failure, and liver issues.
Season 2 (2007): Terry Fator
From the moment Terry walks out on stage for his audition, judge David Hasselhoff immediately says, “Oh nooooo….a ventriloquist!” Who knew this guy would rise to the top! And he’s still doing it. He’s managed to brand himself well while touring the country and will be hosting a one-month Christmas special at the Mirage in Las Vegas.
Season 1 (2006): Bianca Ryan
This little girl of 11 years old wowed everyone on the very first season of the show with her larger than life voice, taking on Jennifer Holliday’s, “And I’m Telling You.” After winning the show, Bianca released her first album that included a recording of this song. It was in 2016 when the singer found out she was a high-risk candidate for esophageal cancer so she had surgery as a preventative measure.
In 2017, she was working on another album and said she would like to try more acting (she had some small roles previously). She released a single and music video called “Remember” in May 2018.
Can you believe it’s been 13 years? Know any more memorable acts? Share your favorite!
