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You have no clue what fun is if you have not watched the biggest show in history, America’s Got Talent. This is a unique show because it’s not limited to singing; it showcases various talents.
Since 2006, every winner of America’s Got Talent has been awarded a million dollars. The best part is the show has no age limit meaning both kids and adults can participate.
So far, one dog trick act, three ventriloquists, three children, two magicians, and a number of singers have all been victorious.
America’s Got Talent Winners: Where Are They Now?
What happened to all the America’s Got Talent winners? Please keep reading to find out and to know where they are now.
Bianca Ryan – Season 1, 2006
The first season of America’s Got Talent was aired in 2006. It saw Bianca Ryan, a young girl of 11 years, take home a whopping one million dollars.
After her triumph, Bianca dropped an album of covers which include her audition song, And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going. She went on to release more singles plus Christmas EPs.
Sometimes in 2016, a virus paralyzed Bianca’s vocal cords, prompting surgery. The good news is she has since recovered and back to making music.
Terry Fator – Season 2, 2007
Didn’t I tell you this show was not limited to just music? Hope you believe me now because the 2nd season saw a ventriloquist take the number one position.
Terry Fator is the first out of the three ventriloquists to win in America’s Got Talent show. Terry made his turtle doll sing a breakup song, and that is how he ended up being crowned the winner.
He has made tremendous success since he won, having made headlines in many casinos in the world. Apart from that, Terry authored a book in addition to dropping numerous DVDs that showcase performances.
In 2018, Forbes’ recognized Terry as one of the highest-paid comedians, earning around $18 million.
Neal E. Boyd – Season 3, 2008
The third season saw an opera singer take a million dollars home. Neal E. Boyd was at the time 32, won mainly because of his exceptional operatic voice.
He went on to release an album which he titled My American Dream; that was in 2019. The album had most of the songs he had sung while on the show.
In 2012, Neal put his music career aside and joined politics. He vied for the Missouri House of Representatives as a Republican, but it was Democrat Steve Hodges who won.
Unfortunately, in June 2018, Neal passed on as a result of heart and kidney failure plus liver disease.
Kevin Skinner – Season 4, 2009
It was Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing” incredible performance that made talented singer Kevin win in the 4th season. A year later, he dropped an album named Long Ride, which had the hit the single Like It’s The Last Goodbye.
Surprisingly, Kevin Skinner vanished from the limelight. It was so serious that in 2014 his family filed a missing report of Kevin.
The police found him later on in good condition.
Michael Grimm – Season 5, 2010
Michael Grimm emerged as the winner of the 2010 edition. It was the song won When a Man Loves a Woman by Percy Sledge that made him triumph.
In 2010, Michael dropped his first album. It carried covers of songs like Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Fallin’ by Alicia Keys, among others.
Michael’s music career has been blossoming after adding two more albums, one in 2012 and another in 2015. Currently, he spends time on tours around the country.
Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. – Season 6, 2011
Season 6 of America’s Got Talent saw a jazz singer take the crown. Landau Eugene was the winner who went on to release an album the same year.
Landau’s first album titled That’s Life, was highly successful, making it to No. 1 on the Billboard jazz album chart. He didn’t stop there, for, in 2013, he dropped a holiday album called Christmas Made for Two.
This singer has numerous albums to his name so far. Landau also makes performances in different venues.
Olate Dogs – Season 7, 2012
The famous Olate dogs made Nicholas and Richard Olate emerge as the winner in season 7. The 2012 victory was achieved after the dogs performed one of the most ever-complex routines.
Without a doubt, dog trainers Richard and Nicholas Olate have been giving their dogs state-of-the-art training. After the victory, these team of father and son made numerous performances with their dogs on TV series as well as in the NBA.
The Olate Dogs show has been making headlines over the years. They have since created a website that you can use to book them for all kinds of events.
Kenichi Ebina – Season 8, 2013
Season eight of America’s Got Talent show was won by incredible Japanese dancer Kenichi Ebina. Aged 38 at the time, Kenichi won over stand-up comedian Taylor Williamson.
Since taking home the crown, Kenichi has been touring worldwide. He has also been making special performances, such as performing at a private party for Madonna.
Mat Franco – Season 9, 2014
It was a magician who stole the show in the 9th season of America’s Got Talent show. Mat Franco, the first magician on the show, won, taking down singer Emily West.
Mat has since become an enormous success with his magician trick performances. He has a session at the Linq Theater where he performs at night; the theater has since been changed to Mat Franco Theater.
This magician is quite famous in Las Vegas, that he has a day made for him. July 10th was named Mat Franco Day in honor of this outstanding magician.
Paul Zerdin – Season 10, 2015
After the first ventriloquist won in season 2, season 10 welcomed the 2nd ventriloquist. Paul Zerdin, aged 42, emerged as the winner leaving behind stand-up comedian Drew Lynch.
After winning, Paul has been headlining in Las Vegas at the famous Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Other times, Paul is usually busy touring the entire world.
Zerdin is not only a ventriloquist but also a comedian. He has also performed in several huge big shows, mainly at the London Palladium.
Grace VanderWaal – Season 11, 2016
After an 11-year-old won in season one, it was time for a 12-year-old to win in the 11th season. Grace VanderWaal, singer and songwriter, took the number one position in season 11.
Now: She won Choice Next Big Thing at the
In December 2017, Grace released her EP “Perfectly Imperfect,” which got to No. 9 on the Billboard album charts. Earlier the same year, she received the Teen Choice Award for Choice Next Big Thing.
Grace also dropped an album which she titled Just The Beginning besides engaging in tours. She has since joined Disney as an actress playing the lead role in the movie Stargirl.
Darci Lynne Farmer – Season 12, 2017
Season 12 saw the third ventriloquist, Darci Lynne Farmer, take home the crown. It was a stiff competition between a 12-year-old ventriloquist and a 10-year-old singer.
Together with her puppet friends, Darci is constantly on tour whenever she is not in school. Darci’s act usually consists of her two ventriloquist dolls.
Without a doubt, Darci has had a successful career ever since she became the winner.
Shin Lim – Season 13, 2018
Magician Shin Lim was the winner of the 13th season of America’s Got Talent show. Shin Lim, a close-up magician, took the victory over acrobatic Zurcaroh.
What made Lim stand out during that season was his signature close-up card tricks. Right after his win, Lim joined AGT: The Champions, taking home the title.
Lim has been touring with his show and also performs in Las Vegas at The Mirage.
Kodi Lee – Season 14, 2019
Kodi Lee is a pianist and singer who came into the world not just blind but also autistic. It was incredible that after he joined America’s Got Talent show, he ended up winning in season 14.
Kodi’s beautiful voice and outstanding piano skills made him win, taking down Detroit Youth Choir’s chorale group.
He has since had a performance headlining show in Las Vegas at the Paris Theater. In 2020, he had some virtual performances in addition to having his first-ever virtual performance.
Conclusion
Most of America’s Got Talent winners have since become highly successful. They have continued to perfect their acts, making them sought after for performances.
However, some of the winners have gone out of the radar after winning. At least you now have a clue of what all the winners have been up to.
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