America's Got Talent ended its first season last night at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. This show has enjoyed a successful season, with good television ratings. Next season, it is scheduled to premiere in January, which will put it in direct conflict with Simon Cowell's other gig during the same time slot, American Idol.
The finals show began with an assortment of past performers, introduced by magician Nathan Burton through a manic connection of magic stunts. While Mr. Burton went through his act, host Regis Philbin sang, in the styling of William Shatner, "There's No Business Like Show Business".
Following a fast-paced opening segment, Regis introduced a wacky competition in which the audience voted with hand-held remotes. Titled the Crazy Caliber Talent Competition, it began with Rudi Macaggi. He tap-danced on his hands and dribbled a basketball while he hopped on one hand, then he culminated his act with a truly daring stunt – he leapt from a flat-footed stance, flipped his feet head over heels into a hanging loop behind his head. Should he have missed, he would have landed directly on his head. Rudy came complete with his own "bit", shouting "I LIKE YOU!" often and loudly at everyone.
Next, Duane Flatmo trotted out with his guitars. His unique style involved using an electric mixer and weedwhacker; sadly,it did not turn out that well for him – the mixer malfunctioned, and the weedwhacker appeared out of tune. The Great Stamen Show played his own teeth, and seriously, I could have made it through life without ever having seen that. The Douglas Lee act was next, playing musical wine glasses, his hair standing on end. He looked as if he had sat in the water his musical glasses were in, then someone dropped in a hairdryer.
Lastly, there was Dave Nakfoor – he reminded me of my dog, racing around, catching eggs in his mouth. Cody doesn't catch eggs, but he's mean with a tennis ball. The winner of this contest received a stunning 2007 Dodge Caliber RT. "I LIKE YOU!" Rudi Macaggi took the prize. I thought perhaps the audience voted for Rudy, relieved he avoided landing on his head, but considering his competition, he was a shoo-in.
Article comments
1 - Joan Hunt
Congrats! This article has been placed on Advance.net
2 - Joan Hunt
Sad to see the Millers NOT win. Having seen LD perform live, the kid has something very special going on that all those "special" little girl vocalists don't: uniqueness. Ah, well, they aren't paying me to judge the competition any time soon, so my vote(s) don't count in the end.
3 - Jewels
Bianca was the pick to win from the start, folks just can't help themselves when they hear a little girl who can sing like she does. LeAnn Rimes is a big example. I remember how the crowds would amass to hear her where ever she appeared in Dallas when she was just a little girl. I heard her perform when she was about 9 years old at at a festival in Garland, TX. People watched her with their mouths hanging open.
I too was pulling for The Millers, LD has incredible stage presence, talent and potential and he's only 12 years old! I doubt we've heard the last of LD or The Millers. I knew none of them had much of a chance against Bianca Ryan.
4 - eriin
wow!,who would ever think a ltwelve year old girl would win a million dollars thats incredible..i wish i went on that show and won the million..shes talented and i wanted her to win..a girl my age winnin the million holy makrow.!
5 - nextcenturyman
I can't believe it? America's Got Talent is back tomorrow for it's third season already. I wonder who'll win this time.
6 - nextcenturyman
I can't believe it? America's Got Talent is back tomorrow for it's third season already. I wonder who'll win this time.
7 - Moi
i just loved this show from the very beginning. they find such amazing, talented people on it that totally deserve recognition (unlike other stupid reality tv shows)...i was psyched when i heard the premiere of the third season is tomorrow at 9!