(S04E26) This is it, people. The time has come to name the winner of America's Got Talent, the world's biggest talent search. The two-hour (!) final results bash included performances from Britain's Got Talent sensation Susan Boyle, The X Factor's Leona Lewis, Thelma Houston, Cirque du Soleil, Rascal Flatts, and Shakira. Sadly, none of the previous AGT winners performed.
Based on the TV Squad poll I've included in my review of the Top 10 performance show, 35.1% of the voters, including myself, said Barbara Padilla would win. Kevin Skinner received 22.2% of your votes, while Recycled Percussion placed third in our poll with 19.4%. The other contestants all got under 7% of your votes. (Note that these results were accurate at the beginning of the results show.)
Did the TV Squad poll results match reality? Official results coming up!
If you haven't watched the finale yet and do not want to be spoiled as to who won the competition, it's time to click elsewhere now!
I won't comment on the guest stars' performances since they -- and many recaps -- were only used as fillers and to make the show last a too-long two hours. Instead, I'll just give you the gist of what happened with the contestants and the results as they happened throughout the show. Here we go!
At the beginning of the show, Piers says he has no idea who will win since everyone has a good chance. Sharon doesn't want to predict who'll win, and instead says that it's bittersweet since the show is ending and that her dress is killing her. The Hoff says a few Hoff-isms. Once again, the judges are not able to, well, judge. I get why they don't want to say who they think should win since they don't want to hurt anyone, but how about a Top 3 or something?
The Top 10 acts perform "Don't Leave Me This Way" together. The intro with Barbara and the Texas Tenors is really great and in tune. Grandma Lee seriously introduces Thelma Houston who takes part of the rest of the performance. Kevin, Drew and Lawrence do fairly well when each sings in duo with Thelma. There is a good integration of the Fab 5 and Recycled Percussion as a sort of percussions solo. Hairo joins last to dance with the guest singer and the other Top 10 contestants.
Nick claims that this was the best season of the show as he introduces a recap segment. Best season so far?!? Has he watched the previous seasons? Following the recap of "Simply the Worst," some of the most memorable bad performers come on the stage to perform do their thing on "Ain't No Stopping Us Now." The act ends with Piers, in a tux, and Grandma Lee, in a wedding dress, appearing in a magic box. So here we come full circle with Grandma Lee's jokes about making out with Piers, getting pregnant, and now getting married.
Finally, after close to an hour of filler performances and recaps, it's time to cut the Top 10 in half. Acts are brought forward two at a time: one going home, one in the Top 5.
- Hairo Torres and Barbara Padilla: Unsurprisingly, Barbara is in the Top 5.
- Lawrence Beamen and The Voices of Glory: The Voices of Glory move on. The two boys need to thank their sisters for this one.
- The Texas Tenors and Fab 5: I had my fingers crossed for the Fab 5 but deep down I knew the Tenors would be moving on.
- Kevin Skinner and Drew Stevyns: Even if I never really liked Kevin's singing, he offered the best entertainment and story between the two. Kevin is part of the Top 5.
- Recycled Percussion and Grandma Lee: The crowd mostly screams "Grandma Lee" but it's Recycled Percussion that gets the final spot in the Top 5.
The Top 5 is composed of four singing acts and one variety act, making AGT look like a version of American Idol. At least, none of the singing acts could have auditioned on Idol. My money still is on Barbara with Recycled Percussion as a second choice and Kevin Skinner as third.
The Top 5 becomes the Top 2:
- Fifth place: The Voices of Glory
- Fourth place: The Texas Tenors
- Third place: Recycled Percussion
- Top 2: Kevin Skinner and Barbara Padilla
Good job TV Squad readers, as in our "Who will win" poll, you picked fifth, fourth and third places accurately, and you gave Kevin and Barbara the most votes.
And the winner is...
- Second place: Barbara Padilla
- First place: Kevin Skinner
Looks like TV Squad readers and myself couldn't predict the winner. Kevin had a huge fan base right from the start and it looks like they pulled together to make him win. As The Hoff says over and over again, Kevin is what this show is all about: an ordinary man with talent. Kevin is not the best singer out there but his underdog status mixed with an unusual job helped make him one of the front runners. I'm sure that with some singing lessons and good song choices, he will be able to sell a good number of albums.
Are you happy that Kevin won? What did you think of the season as a whole? Best one? Worst one? Share your opinions in comment below.
On a side note, I'm preparing an "open letter to the producers" post to comment about the season's good and bad moves, as well as what I would like to see happen next season. Feel free to comment on the subject below and your comment may end up in my post (with credit of course)!
America's Got Talent' Photos
AMERICA'S GOT TALENT Judge David Hasselhoff.
NBC
AMERICA'S GOT TALENT Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff.
NBC
AMERICA'S GOT TALENT Judge Piers Morgan.
NBC
AMERICA'S GOT TALENT Judge Sharon Osbourne.
NBC
AMERICA'S GOT TALENT Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff.
NBC
AMERICA'S GOT TALENT Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff.
NBC
AMERICA'S GOT TALENT Swinging Rat Pack.
NBC
AMERICA'S GOT TALENT Swinging Rat Pack.
NBC
AMERICA'S GOT TALENT Indiggo.
NBC
AMERICA'S GOT TALENT Shelia-Shelia Of The Jungle.
NBC
The TV Squad Podcast: The Prisoner, '80s TV, soap news and more
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The Prisoner -- An early look
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
9-17-2009 @ 1:39AM
Sick of the vulture mentality said...
Skinner's ability to sing is mediocre, at best. His pathetic backstory is what carried him to the title. Frankly, I've heard better singers at the local tavern's karaoke night. ANY one of the other four from the Top 5 would have been a more logical and deserving choice. I thought the certain winner was Barbara Padilla, with Voices of Glory or Recycled Percussion a close second. As I try to imagine a 65 to 90-minute act by Kevin Skinner in Las Vegas, my mind wanders. Can't go there, sorry. I think I'd rather watch paint dry -- or watch him catch chickens for that same period of time.
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9-17-2009 @ 2:31AM
cheesecake said...
am so glad for kevin . He is so warm human being. His voice Gave me goose bumbs. He is really and what you see is a real,true,america. He made you feel like he is singing to you face to face. good luck and congrats to you and all of your family and friend.Cannot wait to get your first CD.And all that will follow.bless you. Wanda Gilbert
9-22-2009 @ 9:56AM
Bob Kohley said...
Too bad you don't enjoy true country singing. Kevin represents a lot of America, nothing spectacular in his everyday living, raising two kids, unemployed, etc., but when it comes to entertaining, he is truly enjoyable. Too bad the producers can't announce the winner earlier, like ten min before time is up, so that we can enjoy the moment with him. The current way is like slam. bam, see ya mam.
9-17-2009 @ 6:06PM
Deborah MK said...
There was so much talent in this field and ALL of them superior to Kevin Skinner. I haven't figured out how he made it to the top 40 and I cannot believe he won.
The results SHOULD have been: Barbara Padilla, Recycled Percussion, Texas Tenors. These were the class acts, the professional style and quality for the world stage...
Apparently, the judging system should be changed.
The results should be controled 50% by the judges, 50% by the people's vote... In the future, people's life stories should not be aired on this show. The results here are nothing but a pitty-party gone crazy... But, that is where our country is on all levels: take from the hard working achievers and give to the indigent even if they are not equal. Get real people...
9-17-2009 @ 1:52AM
val johnson said...
hey!!! i was amazed when he won!!! this is who people want to see!! the finalists were the right choice!!! barbara should seek an opera company or someone will find her!!! what an ending to an amazing season!!! val
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9-17-2009 @ 2:19AM
judy b said...
I think it was David on monday that Barbara should forget Vegas cause she has bigger halls to fill.Which of course she will.
So that left Kevin and his chicken catcher job to win.
I had voted for Barbara.
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9-17-2009 @ 2:38AM
cheesecake said...
are you nuts. he is a man that has had his dream come true.At least he sings words we can say.Barb Sigs opera great. I like More country music.That is why we all have our choice,s cheesecake
9-17-2009 @ 2:34AM
Jo said...
I was very happy Kevin won! He has a fetching, unusually nice, down-to-earth personality and singing style, somewhat like the very successful country singer, Don Williams. Barbara, well she's headed to the Met and Europe. Was also glad the Texas Tenors placed in the finals. Very enjoyable to see and hear!
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9-17-2009 @ 3:41AM
Rita Underwood said...
Kevin won not because of his "talent".His voice is like sooo
many I'v heard at karoake. Actually,I've heard better. Still,I wish him all the best.
Barbara is the real star and she will sing all over the world .She is in an elite class of real talent .I am grateful AGT gave her the chance to be seen and heard by millions. You haven't heard the last of Barbara Padilla Rita Underwood
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9-17-2009 @ 11:23AM
Heather Stanley said...
I was really happy that Kevin Skinner won. The talent they had this season was awesome and of course it was a hard decision on who to vote for. Sometimes you wish they could all win and really they do for having the talent they have to offer...So proud of all of them and would love to see how they all come out in the future...I want to thank NBC for giving us something really good to watch and look forward to getting home to see.
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9-17-2009 @ 7:27AM
cookie said...
What a joke - he may be a nice guy but in my opinion the worst act of the top 10 won.
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9-17-2009 @ 7:52AM
Barbara said...
What a shock, Barbara the better talent--even tho I like Kevin. Comments correct, she will go far without a win.
Good season---we enjoyed. Did not care for the host this year--they could have done better.
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9-17-2009 @ 8:12AM
PretenderNX01 said...
Out of the Top 3, I think Kevin needed the title of "winner" most. So I'm happy for him. His voice is limited but paired with the right Country classics, I think he'd do well in that industry.
Barbra is going to be like our Susan Boyle. She may have come in 2nd but she's headed to having the best singing career out of them all on a world wide stage. I love her voice, I'm not into a lot of classical music but she does it so well. And Barbra's story is very inspirational too.
Recycled Percussion was my favorite so I was thrilled they made it up to 3rd. It'll be a huge boost for them. I think they really fit Vegas the best. I could see them at Hard Rock with a nightly show. Hopefully more shirtless/wet drumming. What? I think they really put on a great show.
Voices of Glory and Texas Tenors should do well on tours. VoG could do many churches and gospel festivals. Texas Tenors is really a good twist on the Tenors concept, I'm sure many would see their shows in the North and the South.
I definitely think this Top 10 was on the whole the best they've had yet. Past seasons I've only liked 2 or maybe at most 3 but here there were quite a few I enjoyed.
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9-17-2009 @ 8:26AM
Dave said...
All the additional acts they brought in to perform stunk except Susan Boyle. Even Boyle`s act was just okay, not nearly as good as her 2 songs in BGT. Shakira was the worst, she reminded me of the 3 sister dancers who danced liked strippers and couldn`t sing.
Skinner`s finale performance wasn`t that good, but his audition was still the best out performance of the season.
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9-17-2009 @ 8:50AM
Kate J. said...
YES...Kevin Skinner won!
In these economic times I think the world just went with the guy who needed it the most. Kevin does. The ‘underdog’, so -to-speak. He can, and will sing.
I also liked Lawrence and Barbra. They were heard, and will most likely get some sort of notice, or even a contract .
Look at Susan Boyle. She didn’t win in England, and yet, do you even remember who did?
She has had a far better career being second, than the group that did win.
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9-17-2009 @ 10:12AM
karen said...
I think he deserves it. My final decission was between him and Barbra. She has a very big future ahead of her with that very talented beautiful voice don't stop there keep going both of you. To Kevin this is your opportunity to make something out of your talent that you have naturally don't put it to waste.
Also to voices of glory, you guys are 3 beautiful children who can make something out of that gifted talent. Don't stop there
God Bless and Good Luck to All You Guys
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9-17-2009 @ 9:12AM
Debbie said...
What?? Kevin?? He did not deserve to even be in the top 10. I can't sing and I can probably carry a tune better than him. He has no personality. I can't imagine anyone paying to see him. Hearing him sing with Thelma was painful. I don't think Drew is a great singer but he puts Kevin to shame. I think any of the other top 9 were a better choice. I am shocked. I thought this was America's Got TALENT, maybe it s should be called America's got a sob story
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9-17-2009 @ 9:11AM
Mitch said...
What a crock! Why do I keep watching this garbage? I am not even sure why Kevin Skinner was in the final? He cannot sing people. He was flat in the semi final and downright awful in the final. What are you watching? Just goes to show the back story is more important the the talent. It does not help that the judges kept pimping him as a good singer. That is finally my last time to watch that show.
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9-17-2009 @ 7:28PM
duslav1 said...
Couldn't agree more with Mich and so many more on here, it is known that the Hoff is not a great judge of talent, but I lost ALL respect for Guy with his continued and baffling support of an obvious sub-par karaoke singer. Even my untrained ear could hear the HUGE difference in Kevin's voice and the other contestants. This result was a complete abandonment of what the show is about...talent, not potential, or sympathy, or background history...TALENT....it's in the name!!!
Granted he has had a bad run of things and life may have dealt him some bummer cards, but the show is called America's Got Talent, not America's Got Heart!!!!
9-17-2009 @ 10:12AM
xtinemichele said...
Someone beat me to it, but I don't think you saw the same version of the opening number that I did. I understand that the acts probably had little time to get the number ready, but I don't think Kevin got one word right (I said to myself "It would have been nice if someone gave Kevin the lyrics before the show!" He stumbled through that performance and everyone did better than he did - he stuck out like a sore, untalented thumb. Lawrence, on the other hand, has never been sexier - too bad America couldn't have based their judging on that performance!)
And, as for your "post to the producers" goes, I'm sticking to my guns about the idea that they really should have a "America's Kids Have Talent" show. I also think that they should just make the dough a prize - not the Vegas gig. I wouldn't (honestly) have paid to see any of these people perform - and "this act is not suited for a Vegas show" eliminated way too many talented people. The finale was way too long (the excruciatingly long dramatic pauses between the eliminations could have shaved about 10 minutes off of the show...thank God for TiVo!) and the outcome was disappointing. Barbara Padilla was, hands-down, the most talented person in a rather lackluster group of contestants - she should have won, but the whole "Vegas" thing truly got in the way of her victory. It's "America's Got Talent", not "America's Got a Compelling Backstory".
Oh, and please, give more variety acts a chance on this show. There's plenty of outlets for singers to get exposure and fame. All you have to do is see who the most successful "AGT" alum is...it ain't Neal Boyd or Bianca Ryan - it's a ventriliquist. I wanted more acts like Mario and Jenny and Paradizo Dance in the finals, not a parade of singers.
One more thing...anyone but Nick Cannon for next season's host! Whew - I'm done now.
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