“America’s Got Talent” Recap: A Ventriloquist Wins $1 Million Top Prize
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Isabella Vosmikova/NBC(NEW YORK) — Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin was crowned the winner of the 10th season of NBC’s America’s Got Talent during the live finale at Radio City Music Hall in New York City Wednesday night. Judges Heidi Klum, Mel B,Howard Stern and Howie Mandel were on hand as host Nick Cannon announced the results.
Zerdin walked away with the $1 million grand prize and a headlining spot at the “America’s Got Talent Live” show at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on October 22, 23 and 24. He’ll be joined by the other finalists.
Zerdin beat out stuttering stand-up comedian Drew Lynch, based on America’s votes.
Coming in third was mentalist Oz Pearlman, followed by The Professional Regurgitator. R&B duo The CraigLewis Band came in fifth.
During the show, Stern announced he was leaving the show after four seasons.
Other highlights:
The CraigLewis Band was joined by gospel singer Yolanda Adams for the Foreigner hit “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
Next was an encore performance from the show’s three magic acts. Oz Pearlman and magician Derek Hughes traded places, with Pearlman doing a magic trick and Hughes trying his hand at reading minds, along with last season’s winner Matt Franco. Piff the Magic Dragon was next, with his guest assistantsPenn & Teller.
Freestanding ladder acrobat Uzeyer Novruzov, unable to perform by himself due to the injuries he suffered during the semifinals round, was joined by dance troupe Freelusion, who were eliminated during the semifinals. They incorporated Uzeyer in their routine, which featured them dancing in front of ladders projected on a screen behind them.
AGT season-10 funnymen Drew Lynch and Gary Vider took the stage to roast each other with help from comedian Jeff Ross, who skewered the four judges as well.
Penn & Teller returned to join Steve Starr, The Professional Regurgitator, for his encore performance. After Penn & Teller turned coins into goldfish, Starr swallowed a tiny container, signed by Teller, plus the lid and a goldfish. Starr brought up the sealed container with the goldfish inside.
Country singer Benton Blount was joined by pop sensation Rachel Platten for her hit “Fight Song.”
Paul Zerdin then took the stage one more time with his puppet Sam. They were joined by fellow ventriloquist and AGT season-two winner Terry Fator and his Elvis impersonator puppet.
America’s Got Talent will return in 2016. Auditions for season 11 begin in November; more info is available on NBC.com/AGT.
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