America's Got Talent Winner Revealed!

Vegas got itself a new act after performances from the cast of LOVE, David Copperfield, Usher and more

By Natalie Finn Sep 16, 2010 2:15 AMTags
America's Got TalentTrae Patton/NBC

Is it wise for America's Got Talented to showcase so many established, been-there-played-that acts before crowning a winner?

Sure, sometimes you get finalist Michael Grimm hitting a new high with Jewel on "Me and Bobby McGee" (it worked for Crystal Bowersox!). But sometimes you get Prince Poppycock joining Donna Summer for "Enough Is Enough."

But with that duet relegated to the annals of uncomfortable moments in reality TV history, ultimately tonight was about finding a new Las Vegas headliner and handing out $1 million.

So who took the cake?

The child psychologists can stand down.

Michael Grimm was named the best new act in America, besting opera phenom Jackie Evancho to win the fifth season of America's Got Talent.

While Jackie, whose eerie poise and crystalline tone belied her 10 years, was the odds-on favorite to win it all, perhaps voters realized that the angelic soprano is going to be famous no matter what.

Even the 30-year-old Grimm looked shocked as he knelt down to give the runner-up a hug, applause ringing in his ears.

"Is this really happening," the fedora-topped crooner said in disbelief.

And how did Jackie react? She's 10, so she must have looked at least a little bit disappointed, right?!

"This experience has been amazing," she said, not a single quaver in that voice (which sounds like a regular fifth grader's when she's speaking). "I have loved every single moment that I've been doing it, and I just really hope that I'll be able to sing for you guys again."

Her duet partner, opera and Broadway star Sarah Brightman, had called Jackie " a beautiful, wonderful little girl with a wonderful voice."

"And I want her to save it and preserve it and enjoy her life with it, because I think her life is going to be very special," the onetime Phantom of the Opera ingenue said.

Earlier in the evening, yet after appearances by the cast of Cirque du Soleil's LOVE, Lionel Richie, David Copperfield and Usher, Prince Poppycock learned that he had landed in fourth place.

Also, the Blue Man Group-reminiscent Fighting Gravity may have proved too reminiscent in the end, as the 13-man troupe from Virginia Tech University wound up in third place. But who cares, considering the judges are already seeing their names in lights?

"Whatever happens tonight, this act will be in Vegas," Piers Morgan avowed Tuesday. And Sharon Osbourne told them tonight that she'd better get tickets to their Sin City premiere.

"Or that's it!" she squealed.

But it's Michael Grimm who will be setting up shop first.

Do you agree with America's choice? Or who do you think should have won? Share your thoughts in the comments section!

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Yet another summer show has ended. Must be time for the Fall 2010 TV season!