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America’s Got Talent Season 12 Champion Crowned, Vegas Show Line-Up Announced, and an Interesting Observation…

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to the newly-crowned America’s Got Talent Season 12 champion, Darci Lynne Farmer! Check out the Access Hollywood interviews from last night and this morning below! (Love how Terry Fator pops in to congratulate Darci!)

Darci will be headlining this year’s AGT Live! On Stage show in Las Vegas this November 3-4. The pre-sale for tickets is happening now with the code TALENT. Darci will be joined in the show by Season 12 runner-up Angelica Hale, third place finisher Light Balance, and top 10 finalist Preacher Lawson.

Can’t make it to Vegas? Tomorrow I’ll be doing a roundup of other upcoming performances from some of the Season 12 contestants, in addition to a countdown of what I thought were the very best performances of the season. But for now, something has come to my attention I think might make for some interesting discussion. Right after the Season 11 finale last year, Sophie (who you may remember from the livestream we did together last week) posted the following theory on Reddit:

Now, ventriloquism – let alone singing ventriloquism – is not the most common talent. Yes, it’s the second-most common winner category on AGT, but we haven’t had nearly as many ventriloquists on the show as, say, singers or magicians. I think the rarity of it might be the reason people tend to latch onto the ventriloquist acts on AGT, since it’s one of those skills we don’t see many other places in mainstream entertainment. Still, Sophie correctly predicting such a niche act winning Season 12 (before auditions for the season even started) makes me wonder if this “10 year cycle” theory may prove to be true. Let’s look at the winners from Seasons 3-10 to see what might be in store for the next eight years! (And yes, at this rate I do think the show has a good chance of sticking around for that long. Ratings were UP this season; that almost never happens in television these days!)

Season 3: Neal E. Boyd (Pop Opera Singer)
Season 4: Kevin Skinner (Country Singer)
Season 5: Michael Grimm (Singer-Guitarist)
Season 6: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. (Jazz Singer)
Season 7: Olate Dogs (Dog Act)
Season 8: Kenichi Ebina (Dancing Mime)
Season 9: Mat Franco (Magician)
Season 10: Paul Zerdin (Ventriloquist)

If the pattern continues, it looks like we’re in for a few more years of singers winning, which I’ve kind of been expecting anyway, since so many people are itching to sing for Simon and possibly get signed by SYCO. I think as long as he’s on the judging panel, there will continue to be a lot of singing acts who audition for AGT. At least it’s looking like they’ll come from different genres for the most part. 😛

After that we’d have a dog/animal act win, which would also make sense; Sara & Hero were one of the biggest underdog acts (hehe) going into the live shows this season and they made it all the way to 5th place. And then we’d have a really unique and “out there” winner, followed by another magic act (I seriously can’t believe we’ve only had one win the show so far) and then a fourth ventriloquist champ (I guess by that time the cries of “ventriloquists always win!” will have died down).

Of course, this is all speculation, but it’s kind of an eerie coincidence Season 12 played out just like Sophie said it would! What sort of acts do you think we’ll be getting on AGT in the coming years, and which types do you think the audience might get behind to win?

September 21, 2017 I Written By

I'm obssessed with the entertainment industry, especially offbeat and nerdy things as well as those that involve live performance. The only thing I love more than geeking out over the things that entertain me is sharing in my excitement with others who share the same passions. America may have talent, but Canada has an up-and-coming blogger who is ready to take the internet by storm!

America’s Got Talent Blast from the Past: Michael Grimm

Now let’s take a look at Season Five’s winner, Michael Grimm.

If a little a refresher about his tenure on America’s Got Talent is needed, here is his audition that sent him straight to Vegas. I have to admit, just like Piers Morgan says in this clip, I wasn’t expecting much when I first saw him, but boy, I was blown away when he started playing and singing. He definitely deserved advancing to the next round.

And here Grimm is during the finale (singing “When a Man Loves a Woman”. Love that song.)

There was some debate as to whether Grimm should have beat out Jackie Evancho, he was charming and seemed like an overall nice guy. I had no qualms with him winning. Personally, I found it quite touching that a portion of the winnings went to his grandparents, whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

So what has Grimm been up to since winning? Well, his self-titled album was released in March of 2011, which made it to #13 on both the US Pop Music Charts and the Billboard Top 200. Not too shabby. Toward the end of 2011, Grimm opened for Stevie Nicks autumn tour.

After doing some research, it seems as if Grimm is doing just fine. I mean, I couldn’t find any juicy gossip…but that’s probably a good thing, right?  Last November, he had a two week gig with his own show at the Flamingo in Las Vegas, and starting in April of this year, he became a permanent headliner at the Ovation Room in Las Vegas.

Grimm’s grandparent’s home was recently finished, which was an exciting moment for him. I’m glad that he is a man of his word and was able to do that for them.

I don’t know, I just like seeing people remain successful after winning a competition like this. What I like even more is when it doesn’t go to the winner’s head, and I don’t see any evidence of that happening to Grimm. What was your opinion on him? Have you bought his most recent album?

July 28, 2012 I Written By

Katie Clark is a journalism student at Brigham Young University in her senior year. She is originally from Littleton, Colorado, and hopes to move back there after graduation. Reality television is her favorite to watch, and has enjoyed writing about America's Got Talent and A Chance to Dance. She is a stay-at-home-mom who enjoys writing (especially blogs), cooking and sewing (while spending far too much time on Pinterest finding inspiration) and being outside with her husband and son.

Michael Grimm Released Self-Titled Epic Records Debut

I just got word that Michael Grimm, winner of America’s Got Talent, released his self-titled (Michael Grimm) Epic Records debut May 17th! Here’s a list of songs from the album:
You Don’t Know Me You Don't Know Me - Michael Grimm
Fallin’ Fallin' - Michael Grimm
Simple Man (feat. Travis Tritt) Simple Man (feat. Travis Tritt) - Michael Grimm
Let’s Make Love Again Let's Make Love Again - Michael Grimm
Champagne and Wine Champagne and Wine - Michael Grimm
Something I Said Something I Said - Michael Grimm
Stay With Me Stay With Me - Michael Grimm
Gasoline and Matches (feat. Ann Wilson) Gasoline and Matches (feat. Ann Wilson) - Michael Grimm
Suddenly You Are Suddenly You Are - Michael Grimm
No Other Love No Other Love - Michael Grimm
Stay With Me (Baby) Stay With Me (Baby) - Michael Grimm
I Am I Am - Michael Grimm
Red Red - Michael Grimm

You can also check out the new video for “Fallin’” Fallin' - Michael Grimm below:

May 18, 2011 I Written By

Michael Grimm Proposes to Girlfriend Lucy Zolcerova on Ellen

When I did my interview of Michael Grimm, a reader of Pure America’s Got Talent asked me to find out if he had a girlfriend. He told me that he did have a girlfriend of about three years. Well, she’s not his girlfriend anymore. Now she’s his fiance. Check out this video of Michael Grimm propose to Lucy Zolcerova on Ellen.

Congrats to Michael and Lucy and best of luck in the future!

(Props to Marianya who found it)

September 19, 2010 I Written By

Congrats to Michael Grimm – Winner of America’s Got Talent 2010

A big Congratulations to Michael Grimm, winner of America’s Got Talent 2010!!

As I look at the final 4, I can’t help but agree that Michael Grimm was the most talented person in the top 4. He knows who he is as a singer and the entire season he stuck with what he did well. I honestly don’t ever see Michael Grimm becoming a superstar since he has such a strong niche style. However, he’s going to be very strong with that niche and have tons of amazingly committed fans coming to see him perform.

Personally, his niche isn’t my favorite, but I could actually say that about all of the top 4. I did think this tweet that I was sent by @amberdawn7 was pretty interesting:
“How crazy was it that of the 3 fascinating acts on America’s Got Talent, plain old vanilla ice cream won it?”

I’m not sure which 3 fascinating acts she meant (maybe the other 3 in the top 4), but it is an interesting observation. Something I bet the producers of America’s Got Talent really don’t like. I’m sure they would have loved for anyone that wasn’t a singer to win.

I guess as I think back on this season of America’s Got Talent, I was thoroughly entertained. Although, I think they went a week (or maybe two) too long for my liking. I’ll probably write more about the season later. Not to mention, Marianya is itching to write about the past contestants and what’s going on with them since being on the show.

For now, Congratulations to Michael Grimm and I wish you the best of luck!!

September 15, 2010 I Written By

Final America’s Got Talent 2010 Voting!

We’re finally here. This is the final America’s Got Talent 2010 voting. Now that we’ve seen the top 4 perform, it’s time to vote for who you think will win America’s Got Talent season 5. I’m not sure the performance tonight will make that much difference, but I guess we’ll see. So, start voting for your favorite.

September 14, 2010 I Written By

Final America’s Got Talent 2010 Top 4 Performances

Well, season 5 of America’s Got Talent is coming to a close. I’m kind of sad about that since it really has been an interesting season. The talent on this season of America’s Got Talent has had more variety and has been more refined and professional than in season’s past.

That said, I was right that the top 4 has kind of been a disappointment for me. I’m not sure if it’s the top 4’s fault or AGT for having so many episodes to finally make it to the final. Either way, the top 4 are talented, but the TV show just wasn’t all that exciting for me.

Ok, enough in general, here’s my specific thoughts on the top 4:

Prince Poppycock – Piers is absolutely right to buzz him. Ok, maybe it’s a little distasteful to do it in the finale, but that’s his job as a judge to do it. Prince Poppycock is as much about show as he is about singing. Tonight he chose to take away half of his talent by really just singing. Ok, he gets some partial points for the costuming, but the costuming is really just meant to accentuate and underscore his performance. The song just doesn’t match the Prince Poppycock persona. Two weeks of generally disappointing performances is not looking good for him.

Michael Grimm – With singers so much of it is choosing the right song. Michael had chosen good not great songs up until the finale. The songs fit his voice, but didn’t really compel the masses to love him. I think tonight’s song choice was a great choice. It fit his musical style. It had the right amount of energy and excitement that is needed for a show like AGT. Very well done. He should be very happy with his performance. I still have some doubt that his style and genre will have enough mass appeal to get him the win.

Jackie Evancho – I thought it was an interesting choice of music for Jackie. Although, I think the music plays perfectly for most of her fan base. As I listened to her tonight I think I was most impressed with her ability to really nail the pitches and create such a beautiful and consistent tone. We’ve seen some amazing kid singers on the show, but one of the challenges they usually have is hitting the right pitches (what people call pitchy) and being consistent in their singing. Jackie has been pretty flawless in that regard and that’s talent. Although, I think her special X factor is that she’s just adorably cute.

Fighting Gravity – I was glad that we got another chance to see Fighting Gravity perform after last week’s relatively weak performance. Tonight’s performance was back up to the Fighting Gravity level. I’m not sure the mistake that Piers pointed out will matter that much. I do think they were kind of missing that next level of WOW that would have given them a chance to win AGT. However, Howie is spot on that a black light theater show is going to be in Las Vegas. It will also likely be branded Fighting Gravity. When Terry Fator got to Las Vegas, he worked with some great talent and really took his show to the next level. I think the same thing will happen with Fighting Gravity and it will become one of those must see shows that I tell people who visit me about. I’ll be the first one at their premiere to let you know about it.

As you can see, my bet is on Jackie Evancho winning, but as I said in my previous AGT 2010 winner post, it is so close that tomorrow we could be surprised. The suspense will be pretty intense. I can’t wait to see what happens!

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America’s Got Talent Season 5 Winner Prediction

When we posted this America’s Got Talent Winner poll last week I would have never been able to guess the results that we’ve seen. Usually, there’s a pretty clear cut result in the polls that we post on Pure America’s Got Talent. In fact, you, the readers, are amazing at predicting the outcome.

Plus, almost always there’s one that’s in the lead and a second one that’s close to the person in the lead, but well ahead of the rest. That’s what makes the results of our poll for the America’s Got Talent top 4 so amazing. Check out the results as of this posting:

Plus, when I checked this morning the voting was even closer. All 4 of the acts were within 24 votes of each other. This was even after a few thousand votes. Pretty amazing.

Let’s just say that this might be the first year that it really is anyone’s game on who will win AGT 2010. Of course, I’m still waiting to see the performances tonight. Many of you may have already seen it and have an opinion. I’ll post mine after I see the acts.

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Vote for the America’s Got Talent 2010 Winner

We now know the America’s Got Talent 2010 top 4. Next week will be the last time to vote, but the good thing is that you can vote for who you think will be the winner of America’s Got Talent 2010 right here and now. It’s always interesting to see how well the Pure America’s Got Talent readership is at predicting the winner of America’s Got Talent.

Ok, it’s time to vote!!

September 8, 2010 I Written By

America’s Got Talent 2010 Top 4 Thoughts

It’s hard for me to believe that next week will be the finale of America’s Got Talent 2010. My wife however thinks that this season has gone on forever. I hope that’s not because she thinks I spend too much time blogging about America’s Got Talent. It is my job after all;-)

Well, we’re down to the final 4. If you’ve been reading Pure America’s Got Talent the past few days, then the results show won’t have been a shock at all. Especially the way they announced it. Based on our polls, they should have put the Michael’s head to head and we wouldn’t have really known which one was going to make it. Instead, the whole thing was pretty anti climactic for me.

Enough about that. On to the final 4. Here’s my thoughts on the acts:
Fighting Gravity – America really fell in love with this group after their first couple performances. However, I think this last performance soured quite a few people to Fighting Gravity. Let’s be honest here. The lasers were cool, but it wasn’t nearly as good of a performance as they’d done before. I think it will be hard for them to bring back the original magic and wow factor again in the finale. I hope I’m proven wrong though, since the dark light theater concept is brilliant.

Michael Grimm – I’m not sure about Michael Grimm myself. I think he has a decent sized group of incredibly passionate fans that love him and love the style of music he does. Then, there’s the rest of the audience who doesn’t really dislike him, but also don’t love him either. It will be interesting to see if his group of passionate fans will be enough to get him the win.

Prince Poppycock – I believe that Prince Poppycock is the most polarizing figure in the finals. There’s a bunch of people that adore what he does and a bunch of people that hate what he does. There aren’t that many people in between. Although, like Fighting Gravity, I think he took a bit of hit in his popularity with his last performance. The good part is that most of the hit he took was from people who probably weren’t going to vote for him in the first place. Marianya learned that his final performance will include a bit of John in it along with Prince Poppycock. I’m interested to know how he plans to do that.

Jackie Evancho – It’s going to be a real challenge for Jackie to match her last performance. Between the song choice, the ethereal stage production and her performance she’s going to have a hard time matching that in this next performance. I wonder if she peaked one episode too early. Where does she go from here? If she does execute a similar performance to her last one, she’s going to be a hard little girl to beat.

Overall, it is interesting that 3 of the final 4 our singers. Although, it’s kind of hard to classify Prince Poppycock as a singer. If he just got up and sang, he would have been gone long ago. He’s so much more than a singer. For the variety aspect I’d have loved to have Jeremy in the final 4 instead of Michael Frimm or even Michael Grasso, but it is what it is.

My biggest concern for the finale is we have 4 acts left that are more or less predictable. We know almost exactly what we’re going to get from Michael Grimm and Jackie Evancho are going to do. If you like it, then you’ll be happy to hear more of essentially the same. Prince Poppycock will be a similar over the top routine and Fighting Gravity will have to pull some crazy rabbit out of the hat to really have the WOW factor.

I guess that means I’m predicting a talented, but less than extraordinary final 4. What do you think?

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