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America’s Got Talent Blast from the Past: Terry Fator

The winner of AGT Season Two is a bit different from most of the other winners — he is a ventriloquist.

And, not only did he wow the judges with his ventriloquism, but his voice. I was skeptical like the judges when I first saw him. I mean, I’ve seen a handful of terrible ventrioloquists in my life, so my expectations weren’t very high. And, I’m not going to lie, I get kind of creeped out by the ventriloquist dummies as well. But Falon was surprisingly entertaining, so it really shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise that he won. Since he was the winner of the second season, in case you didn’t watch the show then, here was his winning act:

As one of the commenters on the video said, “This guy sings better with his mouth closed then most singers with theirs open.” He is so entertaining. I like how humble he is at the end of this. I’ve said it before, but don’t the winners of AGT just seem so down-to-earth and humble? I love it.

While I was trying to find that video, I got distracted by some of his other videos that are on YouTube. I was cracking up. I highly recommend searching him on there. It will definitely bring a smile to your face.

Anyways. What has Fator been up to? Well, a year after AGT ended, he signed a five year contract with the Mirage in Las Vegas, and he just hit his third-year anniversary this past March of performing there. Simon Cowell even said of him, “[He is] one of the best entertainers in the world.” I believe it. If your travels ever take you to Las Vegas, check out this page for more information on the show.

While Fator has been kept pretty busy by his popular show, Fator has become involved with different charities, such as Opportunity Village and Arthritis Foundation. And like fellow-AGT winner, Neal Boyd, has been trying to get healthier and lose weight, because, as he said in a blog post, “[as] much as I am a big fan of reality shows. I don’t want to be on The Biggest Loser.” As of April 30th, 2012, he was only two pounds away from goal weight of 190, partly because he stopped focusing on losing weight and started focusing on changing his lifestyle.

Fator also just returned from 4-month tour/vacation to Japan, Tahiti, and New Zealand.

Needless to say, Fator hasn’t stopped going since his win on AGT nearly five years ago. For someone whose goal was just to make it through one episode, he has done very well. It goes to show how much life can change with one simple decision.

June 1, 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.

America’s Got Talent 2011 Winner

Time for me to use my magical abilities and predict the winner of America’s Got Talent 2011 winner. I must admit that this is quite possibly the hardest America’s Got Talent winner that I’ve ever had to predict. In the past, it’s usually been quite clear who was the favorite. This time all 4 acts are pretty extraordinary and I’d actually be fine if any of the top 4 acts win. I love when that’s the result.

Now for my AGT 2011 Winner: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.

I think that Team iLuminate will be up there with Landau battling for the last spot and the producers will love that Landau wins and not the amazing Team iLuminate.

Watch for POPLYFE to be sent home first. It’s too bad that I was right about the song choice. They should have chosen a song that featured her choice. I hope she gets picked up and we get to see her sing again. I’d pay to hear her sing.

Then, that means Silhouettes are going out next. I just hope they don’t flash any of the little kids crying. I tried to tell my wife that the little girl they showed was blind and started crying before I could even tell her.

There you have it. I predict another singer: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. will win. He does have a fantastic voice.

Who else is excited for the special performances by each act?

September 14, 2011 I Written By

Anna Graceman Auditions on America’s Got Talent – Finally a Star

This year has been a bit of a disappointment for me. The show has been entertaining. The acts have been eclectic and provided a good laugh here and there, but I really haven’t seen many (if any) stars go across the stage yet. Think back on the past episodes and think if there are any acts that you just absolutely can’t wait to see again. I really don’t have that many.

Although last night’s Anna Graceman Audition might be the exception. When I saw the early clip of her, I was thinking I wouldn’t like her that much. She didn’t seem to have as good of a voice as say a Bianca Ryan who was also a BIG voice in a little body. However, Anna Graceman had a great performance and her personality on stage matched her performance. To me, she’s likely one of the only acts I can’t wait to see again on AGT 2011 Vegas Week.

Here’s a video of Anna Graceman’s audition in case you missed it:

June 22, 2011 I Written By

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

Jackie Evancho on Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Last night, Jackie Evancho made her first talk show appearance on the Tonight Show! Jay chatted with her about fifth grade, cheerleading, and more in the clips below. And of course, she sings another song!

Jackie Evancho on Tonight Show Part 1

Jackie Evancho on Tonight Show Part 2

September 24, 2010 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

Vote for the America’s Got Talent 2010 Winner

Now that we know the America’s Got Talent top 10 finalists, it’s time to vote for which of the top 10 finalists are going to win America’s Got Talent Season 5. Although, it does feel a little bit odd to call them finalists, but the show is still going to go from the top 10 to the top 4 who will then perform in the finale of America’s Got Talent.

Either way, I think with 10 acts left we’re going to get a pretty good idea of who will be the America’s Got Talent 2010 winner. So, vote for who you think will win America’s Got Talent season 5. Be sure to vote so we can predict the winner. You’ve been great at predicting the America’s Got Talent Winner in the past, so let’s do it again.

September 1, 2010 I Written By

Kevin Skinner Wins America’s Got Talent Season 4

Well, the wait is over. Tonight Kevin Skinner was announced as the winner of America’s Got Talent season 4. This wasn’t too shocking for me since I’d already predicted Kevin Skinner as AGT winner earlier today. Sorry, I couldn’t help but brag just a little. Although, a lot of the credit goes to the readers of this site that participated in my America’s Got Talent Winner poll. I’m happy to say that it predicted not only the winner, but pretty much got the top 5 right. Nicely done all of you!!

I really can’t believe that Kevin Skinner won. Somehow his humility and story got into the heart of America and he had them. I’ll be interested to see how much Kevin Skinner improves now that he’s going to have a show in Las Vegas. I’m sure that those producing America’s Got Talent Live in Las Vegas won’t want him to be a headliner in Las Vegas and sing the way he sang in his last 2 performances on America’s Got Talent. A bunch of people in Las Vegas who might have never heard of Kevin Skinner might boo him off stage if he sings like that. Some might think this is harsh, but I live in Las Vegas and at the prices they’re paying for the show there is a high expectation by the audience.

Of course, I think the best thing that Kevin Skinner could do is to take his million dollar prize (really $25,000 annuity every year for so many years if I remember right) and go back to where he knows and love and live a great life. He’s actually the one person on the show that could live very happily on $25,000 a year I think. Maybe that’s why America likes him so much.

I’m not trying to say that Kevin Skinner can’t or shouldn’t try to make it in the music industry. If that’s his dream go ahead and go for it. However, I have a strong feeling that he’s going to end up disillusioned and unhappy working in the spotlight and ugly world we call the music industry. I guess time will tell. Maybe the taste of fame he got on the show whetted his appetite for more. However, my feeling from when I interviewed Kevin Skinner was that he’s enjoyed the experience, but just mostly missed a lot of things from home.

All of this said, I’m sure many Kevin Skinner fans will come on here and tell me I’m wrong. However, I think they’re just trying to say that they love Kevin Skinner and want to hear more of his music. That perspective sounds like its more about them than it is what’s best for Kevin.

It will be fun to see what happens. At the end of the day, Congratulations to Kevin Skinner!! America voted you for the win and so enjoy your time in the spotlight and everything related to the win. I really think Kevin is a good guy. Best of luck to him in the future. We’ll certainly be watching!

September 16, 2009 I Written By

Vote for America’s Got Talent 2009 Winner

The performances are over and now it’s time to vote for your favorite America’s Got Talent season 4 finalists. No, this isn’t official. It’s just for fun, but should give a pretty good idea of who are people’s favorite talent on this season of America’s Got Talent. So, vote for who you want to be the winner of America’s Got Talent.


Of course, no matter who is the winner of America’s Got Talent, we’re going to see most of the above list at the America’s Got Talent live show in Las Vegas.

September 14, 2009 I Written By