Top 10 America’s Got Talent Winners: Where Are They Now?

Ever wonder what happens after the confetti falls and the million-dollar check is cashed on America's Got Talent? While some winners rocket to stardom with Vegas residencies and record deals, others seem to vanish from the spotlight altogether. From singing ventriloquists to mind-bending magicians, these talented performers captured America's hearts - but their journeys after the show are even more fascinating than their winning moments.

Darci Lynne Farmer

Darci Lynne Farmer, Susan Boyle, Shin Lim among first acts ... (Source: www.oklahoman.com)

Oklahoma native Darci Lynne Farmer made history as the third ventriloquist to win AGT, captivating audiences with her phenomenal singing puppet act in 2017. Her spellbinding rendition of "Summertime" with puppet Petunia became a viral sensation, amassing millions of views. After her victory, Farmer collaborated with ventriloquist legend Jeff Dunham and vocal group Pentatonix. She launched her "Darci Lynne and Friends Live" national tour in 2018 and returned to compete in AGT: The Champions, proving her precocious talent continues to evolve.

Paul Zerdin

AGT leaked video: Can Paul Zerdin do what Darci Lynne Farmer ... (Source: www.goldderby.com)

British ventriloquist Paul Zerdin clinched victory in Season 10 with his masterful blend of comedy and puppetry. His meteoric rise led to a coveted residency at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, though the show's run from May to September 2016 ended prematurely due to lackluster attendance. Undeterred, Zerdin pivoted to new opportunities, performing aboard Disney Cruise Lines and landing a prestigious role in London's West End. His stint in the Snow White pantomime at the iconic London Palladium showcased his versatile entertainment skills.

Michael Grimm

America's Got Talent' Winner Michael Grimm in Recovery, Wife Shares (Source: www.billboard.com)

Blues singer Michael Grimm's soulful interpretation of "When a Man Loves a Woman" earned him the Season 5 crown and propelled him into the spotlight. His post-show euphoria peaked when he proposed to girlfriend Lucy Zolcerova on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, followed by their intimate Hawaiian wedding in 2011. His self-titled debut album soared to #13 on the Billboard 200, marking his commercial success. Grimm found his groove as a regular performer at Las Vegas' Red Rock Hotel and Casino, where he delivered monthly performances throughout 2017.

Kenichi Ebina

Mel B hisses that Kenichi Ebina 'over-achieved' on 'AGT: Champions ... (Source: www.goldderby.com)

Breaking new ground as the first dancer to win AGT, Kenichi Ebina revolutionized the art form with his mesmerizing Season 8 performances. His avant-garde approach fused multiple dance styles with theatrical storytelling and innovative digital screen interactions, creating an otherworldly spectacle. After claiming victory, Ebina returned to Japan where he's become a sought-after performer, dazzling audiences at corporate events and stage shows. His ambitious 2018 "One-Man Entertainment Tour" showcased his evolution as an artist, cementing his reputation as a groundbreaking performer.

Olate Dogs

Olate Dogs - Wikipedia (Source: en.wikipedia.org)

The dynamic father-son duo Richard and Nicholas Olate transformed canine entertainment with their extraordinary dog training act. Their Season 7 triumph wasn't their first taste of success - they'd already impressed audiences at the prestigious Big Apple Circus and Ringling Brothers. After beating competitors Tom Cotter and William Close, the Olate Dogs embarked on the America's Got Talent All-Star tour in 2013. Their remarkable journey continued with high-profile appearances, including a memorable performance on Fox's "Cause for Paws," where their four-legged stars continued to astound viewers.

Mat Franco

AGT Winner Mat Franco and Wife Announce They Are Expecting a Baby Boy (Source: people.com)

Shattering the magician's glass ceiling, Mat Franco made AGT history as the first illusionist to claim the show's top prize in Season 9. His fresh approach and charismatic personality set him apart in a field often plagued by predictable routines and YouTube spoilers. Franco's success manifested into a permanent Las Vegas residency with his show "Magic Reinvented Nightly" at The LINQ. His meteoric rise in the magic world culminated in the ultimate tribute - the venue renamed its theater the "Mat Franco Theater" in his honor.

Bianca Ryan

First Ever 'AGT' Winner Bianca Ryan Makes Emotional Comeback for ... (Source: www.kare11.com)

As AGT's inaugural winner at just 11 years old, Bianca Ryan stunned audiences with her powerhouse rendition of "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going." Her prodigious talent caught Simon Cowell's attention, leading to a deal with his SYCO label and a self-titled debut album. Her Christmas single surprisingly topped Dutch charts, but her journey faced adversity when she required surgery for potential esophageal cancer in the mid-2010s. Showing remarkable resilience, Ryan bounced back to release new singles "One Day" and "Man Down," proving her artistic perseverance.

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.

Relive the Moment Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. Shocked AGT Judges ... (Source: www.nbc.com)

West Virginia's jazz sensation Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. captured Season 6 with his silky-smooth renditions of Rat Pack classics. His sophisticated interpretations of "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "Fly Me to the Moon" earned him a coveted Columbia Records contract. His debut album "That's Life," featuring Sinatra covers, dominated the jazz charts and achieved impressive sales of over 150,000 copies. Murphy's commitment to his craft continued with the release of his self-titled album "Landau" in 2016, maintaining his status as a premier jazz vocalist.

Terry Fator

America's Got Talent: All-Stars: Terry Fator was wrongfully ... (Source: www.goldderby.com)

On the brink of abandoning ventriloquism, Terry Fator's Season 2 victory transformed him into a Vegas legend. His exceptional combination of singing, comedy, and puppetry earned him one of Sin City's most lucrative deals - a staggering $100 million contract with The Mirage for a five-year residency. Performing in his namesake theater, Fator celebrated his 1,000th show milestone in 2013 and continues to enchant audiences today. His rags-to-riches story represents one of AGT's most spectacular success stories, turning near-defeat into multi-millionaire status.

Grace VanderWaal

AGT' Child Star Grace VanderWaal Gets Candid About Life After Show (Source: www.tvinsider.com)

Dubbed "the next Taylor Swift" by Simon Cowell, 12-year-old Grace VanderWaal enchanted audiences with her original song "I Don't Know My Name," earning an instant Golden Buzzer. Her Season 11 victory launched an impressive career trajectory - her EP "Perfectly Imperfect" became 2016's best-selling EP, followed by her debut album "Just the Beginning." VanderWaal's success expanded beyond music when she opened for Imagine Dragons on their Evolve World Tour. Her star continues to rise with a leading role in Disney's "Stargirl," showcasing her multifaceted talent.