Since “America’s Got Talent” began in 2006, solo singers have won more often than any other kind of performers. Find out what happened to them, as well as the other acts to to take the title, in the years since they won “AGT.”
Then: The 11-year-old singer won won Season 1 on August 16, 2006 over male clogging group All That and singer/guitar and harmonica players The Millers.
Now: Shortly after winning, she released a self-titled album of covers, including her audition song, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” Since then, she has released several singles and Christmas EPs but no more studio albums.
Then: The 42-year-old ventriloquist won Season 2 on August 21, 2007 over singer/guitarist Cas Haley.
Now; One of the most successful winners in “AGT” history continues to headline at casinos worldwide. He wrote a book and has released multiple DVDs of his performances. He also returns to “AGT” on a regular basis, most recently performing with season 12 champ Darci Lynne Farmer.
Then: The 32-year-old opera singer won Season 3 on August 2, 2008 over singer/pianist Eli Mattson.
Now: He died on June 10, 2018 at age 42. In 2009, he released a studio album called “My American Dream,” featuring many songs he covered on the show, like “Nessun Dorma.” He ran as a Republican for Missouri House of Representatives in 2012 but lost to Democrat Steve Hodges.
Then: The 35-year-old singer/guitarist won Season 4 on September 16, 2009 over opera singer Barbara Padilla.
Now: By choice, Skinner has retreated from the limelight in recent years. He released an album in 2010, “Long Ride,” which featured the single “Like It’s the Last Goodbye.”
Then: The 30-year-old singer/guitarist won Season 5 on September 15, 2010 over classical crossover singer Jackie Evancho.
Now: He released his self-titled major label debut album in 2010, which included covers of “Fallin’” by Alicia Keys and “Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Since then, he has toured extensively and has had two more albums: “Gumbo” in 2012 and “Grimm” in 2015.
Then: The 36-year-old jazz singer won Season 6 on September 14, 2011 over dance group Silhouettes.
Now: He released his first album, “That’s Life,” in 2011 and it went to number one on the Billboard jazz album chart. He released a holiday album in 2013, “Christmas Made for Two,” and the jazz album “Landau” in 2016.
Then: This father and son dog trick team aged 55 and 19 won Season 6 on September 13, 2012 over stand-up comedian Tom Cotter.
Now: The only group act to win “AGT” tours extensively and perform in halftimes for the NBA.
Then: The 38-year-old performance artist won Season 8 on September 18, 2013 over stand-up comedian Taylor Williamson.
Now: This Japanese dancer tours worldwide.
Then: The 25-year-old magician won Season 9 on September 17, 2014 over singer Emily West.
Now: He continues to headline at the LINQ Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Then: The 42-year-old ventriloquist won Season 10 on September 16, 2015 over stand-up comedian Drew Lynch.
Now: When not headlining at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, he tours worldwide.
Then: The 12-year-old singer-songwriter/ukulelist won Season 11 on September 14, 2016 over mentalist duo The Clairvoyants.
Now: She won Choice Next Big Thing at the 2017 Teen Choice Awards and released her debut EP “Perfectly Imperfect” in December, which reached number nine on the Billboard album charts. Her debut album, “Just the Beginning,” then made it to #22.
Then: The 12-year-old ventriloquist won Season 12 on September 20, 2017 over 10-year-old singer Angelica Hale.
Now: Farmer and her puppet friends tour the country on weekends during the school year and in the summer.
Then: The close-up magician won Season 13 on September 19, 2018 over acrobatic act Zurcaroh.
Now: Following his win, he went on to take the title on the first-ever “AGT: The Champions” and now tours with his show.
