America's Got Talent Winner Declared!
Bringing its ninth season to an exciting conclusion, "America's Got Talent" finally declared Rhode Island magician Mat Franco as the winner, E! Online reports.
He took part in many auditions and made several failed attempts to woo the panel of judges - which included Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Mel B and Howard Stern - before being crowned.
Franco won a $1 million dollar cash prize, and has been given the opportunity to perform at the America's Got Talent show in Las Vegas.
He was way ahead of fellow competitor and runner-up Emily West when it came to fan voting, AL.com reports.
Six acts were staged on Wednesday's finale. The contenders for the title were Singers Quintavious Johnson, Emily West and Miguel Dakota, musical group Sons of Serendip, acrobatic troupe AcroArmy, and Mat Franco.
Dakota said it was "such an honor" before getting off the stage. On the other hand, 12-year-old Johnson stated that "being on this show has meant the world" to him, USA Today reports. And, when the champion - Mat Franco - was declared the winner, he was shocked. "Un-freakin-believable!" was how he reacted at that moment. He also performed a card trick to entertain the audience as well as the judges.
However, when Johnson was ranked fifth, the audience booed, as he had blown them away with his duet with star Jennifer Hudson. "Those boos are because they're upset," said host Nick Cannon, urging the crowd to cheer the young singer.
However, Wednesday night's show was a bit of a drag. Most of the show was spent on guest stars and many took part in duets with the finalists.
