America’s Got Talent winners: Where are they now?
SINCE premiering in 2006, NBC's America's Got Talent has introduced the world to some of today's biggest stars.
With the new season of AGT approaching, fans want to know what the past winners are up to now.
Where are the AGT winners now?
Season 1: Bianca Ryan
Bianca Ryan became known as the first winner of AGT and took home the title at just 11 years old.
After her AGT win, her career skyrocketed, and she even landed two Broadway show tunes.
She later made an emotional return to the AGT stage in 2019 for America’s Got Talent: The Champions after having a risky vocal cord surgery that could have cost her her voice.
At the time, she opened up about the surgery to ET Canada, saying that she didn't even know there was a problem for years.
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Ryan told the media outlet she noticed the problem after realizing her "voice just wasn’t working" during shows.
After seeing a doctor, she was told that one of her vocal cords was paralyzed and the only way to fix it was high-risk surgery.
“Any time you go in for vocal surgery, that’s such a fragile muscle,” Ryan explained.
“There’s always a really good chance that you’re not going to be able to sing again.”
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Luckily, this was not the case for Ryan, as her surgery was a success, and her voice actually gained range.
“I remember just feeling so incredibly happy, and so, so thankful, and so blessed. It was a crazy journey," she added.
In March 2022, Ryan released the popular song, I Wish That, which is available for download on Apple Music and Spotify.
Season 2: Terry Fator
Terry Fator debuted on AGT in 2007 and quickly impressed the judges as a ventriloquist and impressionist.
His acts were good enough to become the TV show's second winner, and he quickly continued his career with residencies across the country.
Now, Fator headlines the Who's the Dummy Now? show at the New York New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Season 3: Neal E. Boyd
After listening to the Three Tenors, Neal E. Boyd developed a love for opera music.
He later took his vocal cords to AGT and won the third season.
Shortly after, he released the album My American Dream and headlined a show at MGM's Grand Garden Arena.
Tragically, the star passed away in 2018 at the age of 42 due to heart failure, kidney failure, and liver problems.
Season 4: Kevin Skinner
Country singer Kevin Skinner quickly impressed the judges during season 4 after he sang a rendition of Garth Brooks' If Tomorrow Never Comes.
After that, he went on to win the season and released the album Long Ride in 2010.
However, the country star has since stayed out of the spotlight.
Season 5: Michael Grimm
Michael Grimm, an American singer/songwriter, won season 5 of AGT.
After winning the prize, he headlined the first-ever America's Got Talent Tour and released seven albums.
In 2019 and 2020, he also headlined the prestigious Myron's Cabaret at Smith Center in Las Vegas.
Season 6: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.
Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. won season 6 due to his powerful renditions of Frank Sinatra.
After winning AGT, he went on to release four albums and continues to tour around the world.
Season 7: Olate Dogs
Father and son trainers Richard and Nicholas Olate won the AGT judges over with their impressive dogs.
After winning season 7, they embarked on tours nationwide but now maintain a low profile.
Season 8: Kenichi Ebina
In 2013, Kenichi Ebina won season 8 of AGT with his impressive dance skills.
After his win, he went on to tour around the world but returned to the AGT stage in 2019 for AGT: Champions.
Season 9: Mat Franco
Mat Franco made AGT history during season 9 by becoming the first magician to win.
After his impressive victory, he went on to have a residency in Las Vegas and even starred in his own NBC special, Mat Franco’s Got Magic.
Season 10: Paul Zerdin
British comedian and ventriloquist Paul Zerdin won season 10 of AGT and made history as the first-ever Golden Buzzer Act to win.
After that, he embarked on a UK tour with dates scheduled through 2023.
He also returned to the AGT stage in 2019 for AGT: Champions.
Season 11: Grace VanderWaal
Popular singer, songwriter, and actress Grace VanderWaal impressed the judges with her audition, ultimately earning her the Golden Buzzer.
At just 12 years old, she became the second Golden Buzzer winner to go all the way.
After winning the television show, she released one album and three EPs.
She also made her acting debut in 2020 while starring in the Disney+ original movie, Stargirl.
Season 12: Darci Lynne
Ventriloquist and singer Darci Lynne has been credited with the revival of ventriloquism after her impressive AGT win.
After taking home the title during season 12, she started touring across the country and made her acting debut in the film, A Cowgirl's Song.
In 2024, Darci released her debut single called Push Our Luck.
Season 13: Shin Lim
Shin Lim won season 13 of AGT and later made history by becoming the first act to win twice after he took home the AGT: Champions crown.
The magician is known for his use of card manipulation and has since been seen as a guest on Ellen and The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon.
Season 14: Kodi Lee
Kodi Lee captured the hearts of Americans nationwide after his Golden Buzzer-worthy audition.
Lee is both blind and autistic, but that has not stopped him from expressing his love for music through playing the piano and singing.
After his AGT win, he went on to perform shows across the country and was even seen playing alongside the Plain White T's at the 2022 Yucaipa Music & Arts Festival.
He then competed on AGT: All-Stars and AGT: Fantasy League.
In 2024, Lee performed at a special one-night-only event called A Musical Evening with Kodi Lee.
The event was presented by Disability Rights & Resources and took place in Birmingham, Alabama.
Season 15: Brandon Leake
In 2020, Brandon Leake won season 15 of AGT with his unique spoken-word poems.
After his AGT win, he went on to release the poetry collection, Unraveling, and has been seen performing shows across the country.
Season 16: Dustin Tavella
Dustin Tavella won season 16 of AGT with his unique spin on magic.
After his win, he went on to headline AGT's Luxor residency.
Season 17: The Mayyas
The Mayyas won season 17 of AGT with their incredible performance.
The group beat out 55 contestants to secure their spot on top.
Who won AGT last season?
During the 18th season finale of America's Got Talent, Adrian Stoica and Hurricane were crowned winners.
Adrian is a dog trainer who performs alongside his dog, Hurricane.
Fans voted all season long for their favorite act to try and eventually, Adrian and Hurricane were deemed victorious.
The act also competed in America's Got Talent: Fantasy League in 2024 but was eliminated in the semi-finals.
How can I watch the America’s Got Talent 2024 premiere?
America's Got Talent is set to premiere its 19th season on May 28, 2024.
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The show will air its first audition episode at 8 pm ET on NBC.
Fans who miss the original premiere can watch episodes the day after they air on Peacock.