America's Got TalentWinners: Where Are They Now?

Mar. 15, 2025

Grace VanderWaal; Kenichi Ebina; Darci Lynne.Photo: Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty; Jeff Golden/Getty; Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty

NBC’s reality competition seriesAmerica’s Got Talentmade its debut in 2006, attracting contestants from all walks of life.From Terry Fator to Grace VanderWaal, here’s whatAGTwinners have been up to following their victories.

NBC’s reality competition seriesAmerica’s Got Talentmade its debut in 2006, attracting contestants from all walks of life.

From Terry Fator to Grace VanderWaal, here’s whatAGTwinners have been up to following their victories.

01of 18

Season 1: Bianca Ryan

Bianca Ryan in 2006 and 2021.Michael Buckner/Getty; Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images

Michael Buckner/Getty; Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images

Since nabbing the $1 million dollar prize, Ryan underwent surgery due to paralyzed vocal cords, resulting in a 10-year hiatus from singing.

After her recovery, Ryan returned to the stage to compete onAmerica’s Got Talent: The Championsin 2020. She’s also toured and performed at various venues for events.

She sang “The National Anthem"at Madison Square Garden in New York City ahead ofJake Paul’s boxing match in 2022.

The singer continues to create and release music — often sharing her work on Spotify andsocial media.

02of 18Season 2: Terry FatorTerry Fator in 2007 and 2022.Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank; Trae Patton/NBCTerry Fator was the season 2 winner ofAGTin 2007. His knack for ventriloquism combined with his spot-on singing impressions wowed viewers, resulting in Fator earning the grand prize.Since his stint on the competition series, the ventriloquist has returned to theAGTstage numerous times as a guest act over the years. In addition, he’s had residencies at the Las Vegas Hilton and The Mirage, performing in front of millions.Since 2021, Fator and his puppet friends headlined a new show titledWho’s the Dummy Now?at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino in Vegas.However, he’s freed up his schedule to compete onAGT: All-Stars—a 2023 extension of the series — and told PEOPLE he “felt so at home onstagein front of the judges again.”

02of 18

Season 2: Terry Fator

Terry Fator in 2007 and 2022.Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank; Trae Patton/NBC

Trae Patton/NBCU Photo Bank; Trae Patton/NBC

Terry Fator was the season 2 winner ofAGTin 2007. His knack for ventriloquism combined with his spot-on singing impressions wowed viewers, resulting in Fator earning the grand prize.

Since his stint on the competition series, the ventriloquist has returned to theAGTstage numerous times as a guest act over the years. In addition, he’s had residencies at the Las Vegas Hilton and The Mirage, performing in front of millions.

Since 2021, Fator and his puppet friends headlined a new show titledWho’s the Dummy Now?at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino in Vegas.

However, he’s freed up his schedule to compete onAGT: All-Stars—a 2023 extension of the series — and told PEOPLE he “felt so at home onstagein front of the judges again.”

03of 18Season 3: Neal E. BoydNeal E. Boyd in 2012.Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank; STAN HONDA/AFP/GettyNeal E. Boyd was the season 3 winner ofAGTin 2008. The opera singer left the crowd on their feet during his audition when he sang a powerful rendition of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma.“Since winning the grand prize at the end of the competition and earning a headlining spot at MGM’s Grand Garden Arena in Vegas, Boydreleased his albumMy American Dreamin 2009 — and even ran twice for Missouri House of Representatives!Sadly, Boyddied in 2018 at the age of 42.“We are very saddened to hear that one of ourAGTfamily members, Neal E. Boyd, has passed away,“AGTsharedin a statement on Instagramfollowing his death. “Our hearts are with Neal’s loved ones during this difficult time.

03of 18

Season 3: Neal E. Boyd

Neal E. Boyd in 2012.Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank; STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty

Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank; STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty

Neal E. Boyd was the season 3 winner ofAGTin 2008. The opera singer left the crowd on their feet during his audition when he sang a powerful rendition of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma.”

Since winning the grand prize at the end of the competition and earning a headlining spot at MGM’s Grand Garden Arena in Vegas, Boydreleased his albumMy American Dreamin 2009 — and even ran twice for Missouri House of Representatives!

Sadly, Boyddied in 2018 at the age of 42.

“We are very saddened to hear that one of ourAGTfamily members, Neal E. Boyd, has passed away,“AGTsharedin a statement on Instagramfollowing his death. “Our hearts are with Neal’s loved ones during this difficult time.

04of 18Season 4: Kevin SkinnerKevin Skinner in 2009 and 2011.Trae Patton America’s Got Talent/NBC; Kevin Skinner/FacebookKevin Skinnerwas the season 4 winner ofAGTin 2009. The country singer impressed the judges and crowd with his shocking audition ofGarth Brooks' “If Tomorrow Never Comes.“Not long after crushing the competition and headlining a show at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Vegas, the chicken catcher–turned–country star released his albumLong Ridein 2010.Since then, the country musician has mostly remained out of the public eye, with very little known about his current life.

04of 18

Season 4: Kevin Skinner

Kevin Skinner in 2009 and 2011.Trae Patton America’s Got Talent/NBC; Kevin Skinner/Facebook

Trae Patton America’s Got Talent/NBC; Kevin Skinner/Facebook

Kevin Skinnerwas the season 4 winner ofAGTin 2009. The country singer impressed the judges and crowd with his shocking audition ofGarth Brooks' “If Tomorrow Never Comes.”

Not long after crushing the competition and headlining a show at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Vegas, the chicken catcher–turned–country star released his albumLong Ridein 2010.

Since then, the country musician has mostly remained out of the public eye, with very little known about his current life.

05of 18Season 5: Michael GrimmMichael Grimm in 2010 and 2020.Justin Lubin/NBCU Photo Bank;  Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via GettyMichael Grimm was the season 5 winner ofAGTin 2010. The blues guitarist and singer’sseamless auditionof his original song, “You Don’t Know Me,” left the judges speechless while the crowd roared.Since clinching the win, Grimm headlined the first-everAGTtour. He also returned to the stage as a guest act and participated onAGT: The Championsseason 2 in 2020, among releasing several albums in between those stints.Grimm continues to travel and release music, including 2022’sThe Red Album.In 2023, hehit the road forhissummer tour, with stops in Vegas, Texas, Alaska, Arizona and more.

05of 18

Season 5: Michael Grimm

Michael Grimm in 2010 and 2020.Justin Lubin/NBCU Photo Bank;  Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

Justin Lubin/NBCU Photo Bank;  Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

Michael Grimm was the season 5 winner ofAGTin 2010. The blues guitarist and singer’sseamless auditionof his original song, “You Don’t Know Me,” left the judges speechless while the crowd roared.

Since clinching the win, Grimm headlined the first-everAGTtour. He also returned to the stage as a guest act and participated onAGT: The Championsseason 2 in 2020, among releasing several albums in between those stints.

Grimm continues to travel and release music, including 2022’sThe Red Album.In 2023, hehit the road forhissummer tour, with stops in Vegas, Texas, Alaska, Arizona and more.

06of 18

Season 6: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. in 2011 and 2024.Lewis Jacobs/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank; Landau Eugene Murphy Jr./Instagram

Lewis Jacobs/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank; Landau Eugene Murphy Jr./Instagram

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. was the season 6 winner ofAGTin 2011. After receiving a “Yes” from all three judges following his show-stopping performance ofBonoandFrank Sinatra’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” the singer went on to dominate the competition.

The singer continues to create music and perform all over the world: In 2022, he sang at theWorld Expo in Dubai. Murphy also uses his platform to give back,donating to charitiesand offeringscholarship opportunities.

07of 18

Season 7: Olate Dogs

Olate Dogs in 2012 and 2018.Virginia Sherwood/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; Michael Kovac/Getty

Virginia Sherwood/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; Michael Kovac/Getty

The barking bunch performed unbelievable tricks in sync with music and choreography, leading to their victory.

After taking their Circus Royal Spectacular show on the road, they’ve kept a low profile since 2018 — the last time the group posted onInstagram.

08of 18Season 8: Kenichi EbinaKenichi Ebina in 2013 and 2023.Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty; Kenichi Ebina/InsragramKenichi Ebinawas the season 8 winner ofAGTin 2013. The dancer dazzled the judges and left the audience’s jaws on the ground with his captivating,Matrix-like audition.After out-dancing the competition and winning the show, including a headlining act in Vegas, Ebina returned to the stage to compete inAGT: The Championsin 2019.Since then, the dancer has gone on to perform around the world, from Japan to Dubai. He continues to put on shows around the country in addition to teaching and choreographing.

08of 18

Season 8: Kenichi Ebina

Kenichi Ebina in 2013 and 2023.Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty; Kenichi Ebina/Insragram

Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty; Kenichi Ebina/Insragram

Kenichi Ebinawas the season 8 winner ofAGTin 2013. The dancer dazzled the judges and left the audience’s jaws on the ground with his captivating,Matrix-like audition.

After out-dancing the competition and winning the show, including a headlining act in Vegas, Ebina returned to the stage to compete inAGT: The Championsin 2019.

Since then, the dancer has gone on to perform around the world, from Japan to Dubai. He continues to put on shows around the country in addition to teaching and choreographing.

09of 18Season 9: Mat FrancoMat Franco in 2014 and 2024.Eric Liebowitz/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; Chris Haston/NBC via GettyMat Francowas the season 9 winner ofAGTin 2014. He blew the judges' and audience’s minds with his unbelievable magic, unexplainable illusions and masterful card tricks.Since becoming the first magician to win the competition, he’s hada residency at The LINQ Hotel in Vegassince 2015, in addition to making guest appearances onAGTover the years.While he continues to deceive audiences live, he alsobrings the magic to viewers from afaron his Instagram. However, Franco performed the ultimate trick in 2023: He and his wife,Tianna Scartabello,welcomed their first childon Jan. 6.

09of 18

Season 9: Mat Franco

Mat Franco in 2014 and 2024.Eric Liebowitz/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; Chris Haston/NBC via Getty

Eric Liebowitz/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; Chris Haston/NBC via Getty

Mat Francowas the season 9 winner ofAGTin 2014. He blew the judges' and audience’s minds with his unbelievable magic, unexplainable illusions and masterful card tricks.

Since becoming the first magician to win the competition, he’s hada residency at The LINQ Hotel in Vegassince 2015, in addition to making guest appearances onAGTover the years.

While he continues to deceive audiences live, he alsobrings the magic to viewers from afaron his Instagram. However, Franco performed the ultimate trick in 2023: He and his wife,Tianna Scartabello,welcomed their first childon Jan. 6.

10of 18Season 10: Paul ZerdinPaul Zerdin in 2015 and 2022.Isabella Vosmikova/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; David M. Benett/Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/GettyPaul Zerdinwas the season 10 winner ofAGTin 2015. The ventriloquist cracked spectators up with his comedic back-and-forth banter with his little puppet pal.Since becoming the first contestant to receive the coveted Golden Buzzer from one of the judges — his was the first season it was introduced on the show — Zerdin went on to nab the $1 million dollar prize andslot a headlining show in Vegas.While Zerdin returned to the competition to participate onAGT: The Championsin 2019, the ventriloquistfrequently performsin his native United Kingdom.

10of 18

Season 10: Paul Zerdin

Paul Zerdin in 2015 and 2022.Isabella Vosmikova/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; David M. Benett/Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty

Isabella Vosmikova/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; David M. Benett/Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty

Paul Zerdinwas the season 10 winner ofAGTin 2015. The ventriloquist cracked spectators up with his comedic back-and-forth banter with his little puppet pal.

Since becoming the first contestant to receive the coveted Golden Buzzer from one of the judges — his was the first season it was introduced on the show — Zerdin went on to nab the $1 million dollar prize andslot a headlining show in Vegas.

While Zerdin returned to the competition to participate onAGT: The Championsin 2019, the ventriloquistfrequently performsin his native United Kingdom.

11of 18Season 11: Grace VanderWaalGrace VanderWaal in 2016 and 2024.Trae Patton/NBC; Daniele Venturelli/WireImageGrace VanderWaalwas the season 11 winner ofAGTin 2016. At 12 years old, the original artist stole the hearts of viewers (andTaylor Swift!) with her ukulele skills, sweet voice and powerful lyrics.After the artist received a Golden Buzzer for her audition, she forged through the competition,claiming the grand prizeand a headlining show in Vegas.After her time on the show, shereleased her debut album,Just the Beginning, in 2017. Vanderwaal has also pursued other ventures, signing with IMG models and starring in films like the Disney+ originalStargirland its 2022 sequel,Hollywood Stargirl, as well asFrancis Ford Coppola’s upcoming feature,Megalopolis.

11of 18

Season 11: Grace VanderWaal

Grace VanderWaal in 2016 and 2024.Trae Patton/NBC; Daniele Venturelli/WireImage

Trae Patton/NBC; Daniele Venturelli/WireImage

Grace VanderWaalwas the season 11 winner ofAGTin 2016. At 12 years old, the original artist stole the hearts of viewers (andTaylor Swift!) with her ukulele skills, sweet voice and powerful lyrics.

After the artist received a Golden Buzzer for her audition, she forged through the competition,claiming the grand prizeand a headlining show in Vegas.

After her time on the show, shereleased her debut album,Just the Beginning, in 2017. Vanderwaal has also pursued other ventures, signing with IMG models and starring in films like the Disney+ originalStargirland its 2022 sequel,Hollywood Stargirl, as well asFrancis Ford Coppola’s upcoming feature,Megalopolis.

12of 18

Season 12: Darci Lynne Farmer

Darci Lynne Farmer in 2017 and 2024.Trae Patton America’s Got Talent/NBC/Getty; Danielle Del Valle/Getty

Trae Patton America’s Got Talent/NBC/Getty; Danielle Del Valle/Getty

Darci Lynne Farmerwas theseason 12 winnerofAGTin 2017. She wowed the judges and viewers in more ways than one: First, with her jaw-dropping ventriloquism and, second, with her singing voice.

The singing puppeteer received the Golden Buzzer and pushed through the competition to victory. She also placed second onAGT: The Championstwo years later and did a guest performance alongside Fator duringAGT’s season 17 finale in 2022.

Since becoming thefirst female ventriloquist to winAGT, Farmer has toured across the United States performing alongside her quirky band of puppet friends.

13of 18Season 13: Shin LimShin Lim in 2018 and 2023.Trae Patton/NBC; Trae Patton/NBC via GettyShin Limwas theseason 13 winnerofAGTin 2018. The magician boggled audiences with his card tricks and fantastical illusions.Not only did Limsnag the victory in 2018, but he also became the first person to win the competition twice after claiming victory onAGT: The Championsthe following year.Since his time onAGT,the magician has appeared onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,The Ellen DeGeneres Showand more.Lim has a residency at The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, where he continues to showcase his remarkable talent.

13of 18

Season 13: Shin Lim

Shin Lim in 2018 and 2023.Trae Patton/NBC; Trae Patton/NBC via Getty

Trae Patton/NBC; Trae Patton/NBC via Getty

Shin Limwas theseason 13 winnerofAGTin 2018. The magician boggled audiences with his card tricks and fantastical illusions.

Not only did Limsnag the victory in 2018, but he also became the first person to win the competition twice after claiming victory onAGT: The Championsthe following year.

Since his time onAGT,the magician has appeared onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,The Ellen DeGeneres Showand more.

Lim has a residency at The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, where he continues to showcase his remarkable talent.

14of 18Season 14: Kodi LeeKodi Lee in 2019 and 2024.Trae Patton/NBC; Trae Patton/NBC via GettyKodi Leewas theseason 14 winnerofAGTin 2019. The talented musician, who is blind and autistic,captured the heartsof America with his piano skills and vocal expertise.After becoming the fourth contestant to receive the Golden Buzzer — this time fromformer judgeGabrielle Union— Lee went on to win the entire competition, earning the $1 million dollar prize and a headlining show in Vegas.He continues to play for audiences atAGT’s live show at the Luxor in Vegas.

14of 18

Season 14: Kodi Lee

Kodi Lee in 2019 and 2024.Trae Patton/NBC; Trae Patton/NBC via Getty

Kodi Leewas theseason 14 winnerofAGTin 2019. The talented musician, who is blind and autistic,captured the heartsof America with his piano skills and vocal expertise.

After becoming the fourth contestant to receive the Golden Buzzer — this time fromformer judgeGabrielle Union— Lee went on to win the entire competition, earning the $1 million dollar prize and a headlining show in Vegas.

He continues to play for audiences atAGT’s live show at the Luxor in Vegas.

15of 18Season 15: Brandon LeakeBrandon Leake in 2020 and 2022.Trae Patton/NBC; John Lamparski/GettyBrandon Leakewas the season 15 winner ofAGTin 2020. The spoken word poet moved the audience with his emotion and meaningful words.Since winning the grand prize, a new car, and a show in Vegas, Leake releasedUnraveling, a published collection of deeply moving poems.He continues toshowcase his talent and shares his storiesinAGT’s live Vegas residency show.

15of 18

Season 15: Brandon Leake

Brandon Leake in 2020 and 2022.Trae Patton/NBC; John Lamparski/Getty

Trae Patton/NBC; John Lamparski/Getty

Brandon Leakewas the season 15 winner ofAGTin 2020. The spoken word poet moved the audience with his emotion and meaningful words.

Since winning the grand prize, a new car, and a show in Vegas, Leake releasedUnraveling, a published collection of deeply moving poems.

He continues toshowcase his talent and shares his storiesinAGT’s live Vegas residency show.

16of 18Season 16: Dustin TavellaDustin Tavella in 2021 and 2023.Trae Patton/NBC; Casey Durkin/NBC via GettyDustin Tavellawas theseason 16 winner ofAGTin 2021. He not only stunned audiences with his magic but captivated them through his engaging storytelling.Since winning theprize trifectaafter dominating the competition, Tavella is headliningAGT’s Luxor residency in Vegas.

16of 18

Season 16: Dustin Tavella

Dustin Tavella in 2021 and 2023.Trae Patton/NBC; Casey Durkin/NBC via Getty

Trae Patton/NBC; Casey Durkin/NBC via Getty

Dustin Tavellawas theseason 16 winner ofAGTin 2021. He not only stunned audiences with his magic but captivated them through his engaging storytelling.

Since winning theprize trifectaafter dominating the competition, Tavella is headliningAGT’s Luxor residency in Vegas.

17of 18Season 17: The MayyasThe Mayyas in 2023 and 2024.Casey Durkin/NBC via Getty; ANWAR AMRO/AFP via GettyThe Mayyas, a Lebanese female dance troupe, instantly captured audiences with their audition — which earnedSofía Vergara’sGolden Buzzer— and continued to impress week after week with theirmesmerizing routines.Since taking the $1 million dollar prize, The Mayyas headlineAGT’s Luxor residency in Vegas. In January 2023, the group joinedBeyoncéfor abreathtaking private concertat theAtlantis The Royalgrand resort in Dubai, performing in front of famous faces likeKendall Jenner,Chlöe Bailey,Halle Bailey,Rebel Wilsonand more.

17of 18

Season 17: The Mayyas

The Mayyas in 2023 and 2024.Casey Durkin/NBC via Getty; ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty

Casey Durkin/NBC via Getty; ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty

The Mayyas, a Lebanese female dance troupe, instantly captured audiences with their audition — which earnedSofía Vergara’sGolden Buzzer— and continued to impress week after week with theirmesmerizing routines.

Since taking the $1 million dollar prize, The Mayyas headlineAGT’s Luxor residency in Vegas. In January 2023, the group joinedBeyoncéfor abreathtaking private concertat theAtlantis The Royalgrand resort in Dubai, performing in front of famous faces likeKendall Jenner,Chlöe Bailey,Halle Bailey,Rebel Wilsonand more.

18of 18Season 18: Adrian Stoica and His Dog, HurricaneAdrian Stoica and his dog, Hurricane, in 2023 and 2024.Trae Patton/NBC via Getty; Adrian Stoica/InstagramAdrian Stoica and his dog Hurricanewerecrowned the winnersofAGTin part two of theseason 18 finalein September 2023. The trainer and his border collie proved to be a crowd-pleaser all the way from their audition to their finale act.Stoicatold PEOPLEhe simply feels “lucky” to get to spend this time with his faithful canine companion. Outside ofAGT, the pair have performed all over the world together, and now that they have the title under their belt, he called their journey together “magical.“As for what’s next for the duo? In addition to earning a $1 million cash prize, Stoica and his pup pal are headed to Las Vegas for a headlining show!

18of 18

Season 18: Adrian Stoica and His Dog, Hurricane

Adrian Stoica and his dog, Hurricane, in 2023 and 2024.Trae Patton/NBC via Getty; Adrian Stoica/Instagram

Trae Patton/NBC via Getty; Adrian Stoica/Instagram

Adrian Stoica and his dog Hurricanewerecrowned the winnersofAGTin part two of theseason 18 finalein September 2023. The trainer and his border collie proved to be a crowd-pleaser all the way from their audition to their finale act.

Stoicatold PEOPLEhe simply feels “lucky” to get to spend this time with his faithful canine companion. Outside ofAGT, the pair have performed all over the world together, and now that they have the title under their belt, he called their journey together “magical.”

As for what’s next for the duo? In addition to earning a $1 million cash prize, Stoica and his pup pal are headed to Las Vegas for a headlining show!

source: people.com