Where Are the Winners of “America’s Got Talent” Now? Inside Their Lives After Winning the $1 Million Prize

From magicians to dancing dogs, ‘America’s Got Talent’ has crowned a wide variety of winners since premiering in 2006

NEED TO KNOW

• There have been 20 winners of America’s Got Talent since the show premiered in 2006
• Many titleholders, like Terry Fator and Shin Lim, continued to perform in Las Vegas residencies and international shows
• Recent winners, including Adrian Stoica and Richard Goodall, have balanced their newfound fame with personal and professional pursuits

Only 20 acts have earned the America’s Got Talent crown — so far.

Since the NBC competition debuted in 2006, it has introduced viewers to nearly every conceivable kind of performer. There was Nolan Ross Palmer, who swallowed flaming hot dogs whole during season 21, and the Human Fountains, who spit water into one another’s mouths in season 13. And who could forget the group Osaka Philharmonic, who played Beethoven on harmonicas while using dry ice to freeze their nipples during season 20?

As the reality series prepares to crown its 21st champion on Sept. 23, take a look back at where the rest of the America’s Got Talent winners are now.

01 of 20

Season 1: Bianca Ryan

Bianca Ryan was the first-ever winner of America’s Got Talent in 2006. At just 11 years old at the time of her audition, the singer blew the judges away with her rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” by Jennifer Hudson.

Since nabbing the $1 million 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 on America’s Got Talent: The Champions in 2020. She’s also toured and performed at various venues for events.

She sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Madison Square Garden in New York City ahead of Jake Paul‘s boxing match in 2022. The singer continues to create and release music — often sharing her work on Spotify and Instagram.

02 of 20

Season 2: Terry Fator

Terry Fator was the season 2 winner of AGT in 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 the AGT stage 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.

He also competed on AGT: All-Stars — a 2023 extension of the series — and told PEOPLE at the time that he “felt so at home onstage in front of the judges again.”

03 of 20

Season 3: Neal E. Boyd

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

Winning the grand prize at the end of the competition earned him a headlining spot at MGM’s Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Boyd also released an album, My American Dream, in 2009 and ran twice for the Missouri House of Representatives.

In June 2018, Boyd died at the age of 42.

“We are very saddened to hear that one of our AGT family members, Neal E. Boyd, has passed away,” AGT said in a statement on Instagram following his death. “Our hearts are with Neal’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

04 of 20

Season 4: Kevin Skinner

Kevin Skinner was the season 4 winner of AGT in 2009. The country singer impressed the judges and crowd with his shocking audition of Garth Brooks’ “If Tomorrow Never Comes.”

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

Since then, the country musician has mostly remained out of the public eye.

05 of 20

Season 5: Michael Grimm

Michael Grimm was the season 5 winner of AGT in 2010. The blues guitarist and singer’s seamless audition of his original song, “You Don’t Know Me,” left the judges speechless while the crowd roared.

Since clinching the win, Grimm headlined the first-ever AGT tour. He also returned to the stage as a guest act and participated in AGT: The Champions season 2 in 2020, while releasing several albums in between those stints. Grimm has continued to travel and release music, including 2022’s The Red Album.

06 of 20

Season 6: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.

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

Following his win, Murphy landed a headlining show at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas and released his debut album, That’s Life, in 2011, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard jazz charts.

The singer has continued to create music and perform all over the world: In 2022, he sang at the World Expo in Dubai, and has used his platform to give back by donating to charities and offering scholarship opportunities.

07 of 20

Season 7: Olate Dogs

Father-son duo Richard and Nicholas Olate were the season 7 winners of AGT in 2012. But it wasn’t just them alone. They were joined by their pups to form an unforgettable group known as the “Olate Dogs.” The barking bunch performed unbelievable tricks in sync with music and choreography, leading to their victory.

Since securing the $1 million prize and headlining The Palazzo in Las Vegas, the Olate Dogs went on to perform around the country. They also partnered with the Humane Society in 2014, as reported by Fox 19.

After taking their Circus Royal Spectacular show on the road, they’ve kept a low profile and haven’t posted on their Instagram since 2018.

08 of 20

Season 8: Kenichi Ebina

Kenichi Ebina was the season 8 winner of AGT in 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 Las Vegas, Ebina returned to the stage to compete in AGT: The Champions in 2019. Since then, the dancer has gone on to perform around the world, in addition to teaching and choreographing.

09 of 20

Season 9: Mat Franco

Mat Franco was the season 9 winner of AGT in 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 had a residency at The LINQ Hotel in Las Vegas since 2015, in addition to making guest appearances on AGT over the years.

Franco has also offered fans a glimpse into his life offstage on Instagram, sharing everything from magic tricks to moments with his growing family. He and his wife, Tianna, welcomed a son in 2023 and a daughter in 2025.

10 of 20

Season 10: Paul Zerdin

Paul Zerdin was the season 10 winner of AGT in 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 prize and land a headlining show in Las Vegas. He also returned to the competition to participate in AGT: The Champions in 2019.

11 of 20

Season 11: Grace VanderWaal

Grace VanderWaal was the season 11 winner of AGT in 2016. At 12 years old, the original artist stole the hearts of viewers (and Taylor 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 prize and a headlining show in Las Vegas.

After her time on the show, she released 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+ original Stargirl and its 2022 sequel, Hollywood Stargirl, as well as Francis Ford Coppola‘s 2024 feature, Megalopolis.

12 of 20

Season 12: Darci Lynne Farmer

Darci Lynne Farmer was the season 12 winner of AGT in 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 on AGT: The Champions two years later and did a guest performance alongside Fator during AGT’s season 17 finale in 2022.

Since becoming the first female ventriloquist to win AGT, Farmer has toured across the U.S. performing alongside her quirky band of puppet friends. She’s also tried her hand at acting, appearing in a few films and TV shows like the 2022 movie A Cowgirl’s Song and the Fancy Nancy series.

13 of 20

Season 13: Shin Lim

Shin Lim was the season 13 winner of AGT. The magician boggled audiences with his card tricks and fantastical illusions, which not only snagged his victory in 2018 but also the winning title of AGT: The Champions the following year. He was the first person to ever with the competition twice.

Since his time on AGT, the magician has appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and other programs. Lim also had a residency at The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, where he continued to showcase his remarkable talent.

14 of 20

Season 14: Kodi Lee

Kodi Lee was the season 14 winner of AGT in 2019. The talented musician, who is blind and autistic, captured the hearts of America with his piano skills and vocal expertise.

After becoming the fourth contestant to receive the Golden Buzzer — this time from former judge Gabrielle Union — Lee went on to win the entire competition, earning the $1 million prize and a headlining show in Las Vegas. He continued to play for audiences at AGT’s live show at the Luxor in Las Vegas through 2025 and released his debut album Exactly As I Am the following year.

15 of 20

Season 15: Brandon Leake

Brandon Leake was the season 15 winner of AGT in 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 Las Vegas, Leake released a published collection of deeply moving poems titled Unraveling in 2022. Four years later, he released his album Intimacy that chronicled the fear he felt after one of his children was diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disorder affecting her muscles.

16 of 20

Season 16: Dustin Tavella

Dustin Tavella was the season 16 winner of AGT in 2021. He not only stunned audiences with his magic but also captivated them through his engaging storytelling.

Since winning the prize after dominating the competition, Tavella has headlined AGT‘s Luxor residency in Las Vegas.

17 of 20

Season 17: The Mayyas

The Mayyas, a Lebanese female dance troupe, instantly captured audiences with their audition — which earned Sofía Vergara’s Golden Buzzer — and continued to impress week after week with their mesmerizing routines.

After taking the $1 million prize, The Mayyas headlined AGT’s Luxor residency in Las Vegas. In January 2023, the group joined Beyoncé for a breathtaking private concert at the Atlantis The Royal grand resort in Dubai, performing in front of famous guests like Kendall Jenner, Chlöe Bailey, Halle Bailey and Rebel Wilson.

18 of 20

Season 18: Adrian Stoica and His Dog, Hurricane

Adrian Stoica and his dog, Hurricane, were crowned the winners of AGT in part two of the season 18 finale in 2023. The trainer and his border collie proved to be a crowd-pleaser all the way from their audition to their finale act.

Following his win, Stoica told PEOPLE that he simply feels “lucky“ to spend this time with his faithful canine companion. Outside of AGT, the pair have performed all over the world together, and now that they have the title under their belt, he called their journey “magical.”

In addition to earning a $1 million cash prize, Stoica and his pup pal headlined AGT’s show in Las Vegas.

19 of 20

Season 19: Richard Goodall

Richard Goodall was named the winner of season 19 in 2024. The singing janitor from Indiana earned both the $1 million prize, a Golden Buzzer from judge Heidi Klum and the chance to perform with Journey during the season finale.

“Surreal doesn’t even cover what has happened,” Goodall told PEOPLE after his win. “This has been an absolute rollercoaster and now it has ended with absolute golden dust flying everywhere.”

Goodall released his first single, “Long Time Coming,” in August 2025 and retired from his job as a janitor the following year to pursue music, per WTWO. That same year, Deadline also reported that his life was being turned into a feature film.

20 of 20

Season 20: Jessica Sanchez

Jessica Sanchez was named the winner of season 20 in 2025 — 19 years after she auditioned for the first season of AGT at 10 years old.

“I don’t even know how to react right now, I’m just feeling on cloud nine,” the singer told PEOPLE after taking home the title and the $1 million prize. She competed on the show while she was nine months pregnant and gave birth to her first child with her husband, Ricki Gallardo, the following month.

In May 2025, Sanchez released her first album, SZN.

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