Former Winners of ‘America’s Got Talent’: Where Are They Now?

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Editor’s Note: This post was updated on June 13, 2014.

There have been eight performers–from a ventriloquist to a pint-size singer, that have been named the winner of America’s Got Talent since the show premiered in 2006. Some have gone on to great fame and fortune, while others have struggled to maintain their career.

Want to know more about what these winners have to say about their time on “AGT”? Get more in-depth updates on these winners,  in addition to other ‘America’s Got Talent’ favorites such as Jackie Evancho, Prince Poppycock and Nuttin’ But Stringz in the new book Inside AGT: The Untold Stories of America’s Got Talent, which features interview with nearly all of the show’s former winners, as well as over 60 other former contestants and judges!

Find out the true stories of what goes on behind the scenes of the show— from backstage conditions to the horror stories the contestants tell of the management company the winners are forced to sign with!

The book is available on Amazon and Kindle, and will be available on iBooks very soon. Click here to purchase the book!

Whatever became of the former winners of ‘America’s Got Talent?’ The Ashley investigates!

america's got talent first winner

SEASON ONE WINNER:  11-Year-Old Singer Bianca Ryan

Then: She was the tiny girl with the big voice that blew everyone away during the first season of ‘AGT.’ She took home the million dollar prize when she was crowned the show’s very first winner.

Now: Now 19 years old, Bianca is currently in college and will star in an upcoming independent movie called “We Be Kings.” In March 2014, she performed at Madison Square Garden during a March Madness game.

800px-Comedian_Terry_Fator_on_stageSEASON TWO WINNER:   Ventriloquist Terry Fator

Then: Terry, a showbiz veteran who had been trying to catch his big break for years before auditioning for “AGT,” beat out reggae singer Cas Haley to take the season two crown. Audiences loved his singing puppet act.

Now: Terry is now the most financially successful “AGT” winner to date. He currently headlines a show at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas– a gig that netted him a reported $100 million. (In May 2013 he celebrated his 1,000th show at the Mirage.) He recently released a new concert DVD in which he sings popular rock ‘n’ roll songs. He is currently touring the country promoting that DVD.

Neal E Boyd SEASON THREE WINNER:  Opera Singer Neal E. Boyd

Then: Baby-faced opera singer Neal E. Boyd amazed “AGT” fans with his renditions of “Nessun Dorma” and “All by Myself.”

Now: Now 75 lbs. lighter since his “AGT” days, Neal continues to focus on his weight loss goals, while working on a new album. In 2012 he entered politics, running for a seat in the Missouri House of Representatives, but lost. He is currently in the running to become the Missouri state representative for District 149.

558px-Kevin_SkinnerSEASON FOUR WINNER:   Country Singer Kevin Skinner

Then: The chicken catcher from Kentucky surprised everyone during the fourth season. Hillbilly Kevin wowed audiences with his beautiful voice and renditions of songs such as Garth Brooks’ “If Tomorrow Never Comes.”

Now: After releasing his debut CD in 2010 and a live album in 2011, work has been slow for Kevin, who had been playing gigs at casinos and clubs. Last year he became a grandfather for the first time.

Michael Grimm-5SEASON FIVE WINNER: 

Then: “AGT” fans were shocked when Las Vegas lounge singer Michael Grimm defeated tiny opera prodigy and fan favorite Jackie Evancho on finale night.

Now: After dealing with a terrible management company assigned to him by “AGT” producers, Michael has finally stepped out on his own. He released a critically praised solo CD and is currently touring the country. He will open for the band Heart during a concert in July 2014.

agtSEASON SIX WINNER:  Jazz Singer Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.

Then: Landau impressed the show’s judges and fans with his smooth, Sinatra-like vocals. The former car wash worker from West Virginia beat shadow dancers The Silhouettes to take the season six crown.

Now: Since winning, Landau has performed to sellout audiences all over the country. In November 2011, he released his first CD, “That’s Life,” which peaked at No. 34 on the U.S. charts.

In November 2013, he released his autobiographical book, Landau: From Washing Cars to Hollywood Star. That same month, Landau released his Christmas album, “Christmas Made for Two” on his own label. He continues to tour the country.

agt SEASON SEVEN WINNER:   The Olate Dogs

Then: Judge Sharon Osborne— and much of America–went wild for Richard and Nick Olate’s dancing dog act. The performing pooches took the crown over comedian Tom Cotter on finale night.

Now: Since winning the million dollar prize, the Olate Dogs have continued to perform all over the country at numerous gigs and state fairs. According to Nick, the dogs received a new travel trailer and numerous luxury upgrades after their win! All of the dogs from the show continue to perform and live with the Olates. The group’s most recent gigs include doing halftime shows at pro basketball games. They will tour the United States and Canada throughout 2014.

kenichi agtSEASON EIGHT WINNER:   Kenichi Ebina

Then: The martial artist/dancer wowed America with his elaborate routines. In September 2013, he became the first dance act to win ‘AGT’.

Now: Kenichi now splits his time between the United States and his native Japan, and is often flown around the world to perform at corporate and private events. Since his ‘AGT’ win, he has appeared on variety of international television shows and in March 2014, he did a college tour. In the beginning of 2014, he announced plans to release a book about “about my thoughts, strategy, philosophy, etc through my career.” No release date has been given.

Want to read The Ashley’s other “Reality Stars: Where Are They Now?” posts? Click here.

 

 

11 Comments

  1. Kind of funny that the 2nd most successful contestant from AGT is Lindsey Stirling who was just named by Forbes as #4 richest YouTube star. She didn’t even make it past the quarter finals in Season 5.


  2. Very interesting reading, Im glad the money is paid into an annuity .. and its interesting to see those that tried or continued with a career of their act, and those who continued with the more normal life, while including their act.

    Disappointing to hear they dont get a choice of management.


  3. I am wondering if the producers of AMG have ever considered having separate categories, such as for children (under age 18) and adults.


  4. I went to see illuminate from maybe 2 seasons ago on agt at their off-Broadway performance. if anyone happens to be in manhattan, it’s well worth the cost of the ticket to see them do their thing in person. their’s a tkts booth near 45th street and offered 1/2 price tickets the day I was there {9/21/13}. they look a little like robots and their outfits light up and sort of break dance, float in the air and have their heads fall down on the ground. best show I ever saw, bye


  5. I was rather shocked that Forte didn’t win this competition this year. They were clearly phenomenal, but I think Howard Stern is doing his best to sabotage the singers in the competition from claiming too many season wins. The judges should NOT be trying to influence American voters, and they should not be making predictions about who deserves to win each season. They should maintain a posture of impartiality, and it is disrespectful to the performers who are all trying so hard for a fair chance at winning.

    I am also very disappointed that Jimmy Rose did not take at least second place. He is the quintessential all-American down home country boy and military veteran-so humble and sincere, and so talented. And after all the show is called AMERICA’S Got Talent.

    That comedian is pathetic. He never made laugh even once. The female comedian/impersonator, Angela Hoover, who lost earlier was light years better than this nerdy goon Taylor Williamson.


    1. Howard doesn’t comment on singers who write their own songs. You know why there are so many singers, because you are simply born with a good voice or you aren’t. There’s no work in most of it, otherwise you wouldn’t have 8 year olds in the competition.


  6. Congratulations to all final 6 and to Kinichi who won the competition. I wish all the best for the future. I am sure all your lives will change after this AGT experience.

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