“America’s Got Talent” has been bringing new acts to viewers for 20 seasons. We have seen some of the world’s next singers, magicians, dancers, ventriloquists, comedians, and more. “AGT” first premiered on NBC in 2006, and since then has crowned 20 winners, each taking home the title and a shot at making it big. Now, with the Season 21 premiere taking place soon, we are sharing a complete, season-by-season look at every “America’s Got Talent” winner.
Season 1 (2006): Bianca Ryan
At the age of 11, Bianca Ryan emerged as the show’s first winner. However, two vocal surgeries sidelined her in 2016, according to NBC. After some time off, she came back in 2025 to perform on the “AGT” stage to help celebrate the show’s 20th season.
Season 2 (2007): Terry Fator
If there is one act that everyone seems to know, it has to be Season 2 winner Terry Fator. Not only has he had residencies at The Mirage and the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas, but he’s also out on the road right now touring his new musical, “Pure Imagination: Once Upon a Voice.”
Season 3 (2008): Neal E. Boyd
Opera won out in Season 3. Boyd, an opera singer, would go on to release his own album in 2009. At the age of 42, Boyda passed away from liver disease in June 2018.
Season 4 (2009): Kevin Skinner
The singers won out again during Season 4, this time Skinner, who represented the country music genre. He did go on to release two albums after the victory, but then he retired from the business and now lives in Kentucky.
Season 5 (2010): Michael Grimm
Blues took over this season, as Michael Grimm walked away with the crown and the $1 million. Grimm would go on to release six albums, and now he regularly performs at different venues in Las Vegas.
Season 6 (2011): Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.
Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. is a jazz singer who specializes in classic standards. After winning Season 6, he released an album honoring Frank Sinatra in 2011. Finally, he would release his own album and his own songs in 2024.
Season 7 (2012): Olate Dogs
We finally got away from the singers, as we had our first animal act to win the show. This father-and-son dog act went on to tour with “America’s Got Talent Live” until 2013. However, they haven’t made a public appearance since 2018.
Season 8 (2013): Kenichi Ebina
Kenichi Ebina is a dancer/choreographer who blew everyone away with his dance moves and visual performances. After his win, he started his own production company in Japan. While he searches for the next generation of talent in Japan, he is also staging the variety show “OVAS! Osaka Variety Act Show” in Osaka.
Season 9 (2014): Mat Franco
Mat Franco became the first magician to win the show. Franco is now huge in Las Vegas, as his shows often sell out in Sin City.
Season 10 (2015): Paul Zerdin
The second ventriloquist act to win “America’s Got Talent” took place during Season 10. Paul Zerdin combined comedy and puppetry to win it all. Now, he is busy touring in the UK, often appearing on TV shows.
Season 11 (2016): Grace VanderWaal
Grace VanderWaal was just 12 years old when she won “AGT.” The singer-songwriter has gone on to act and sing. She even released a new single, “Prettier,” earlier this year.
Season 12 (2017): Darci Lynne Farmer
Darci Lynne Farmer is a ventriloquist and singer. She combined those talents to win Season 12 at just 12 years old. She continues to work and, at 22 years old, will kick off a North American tour this summer.
Season 13 (2018): Shin Lim
Shin Lim is a close-up magician who wowed the judges and viewers on his way to winning Season 13. He currently has a show at The Palazzo Theatre in The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, so another popular act on the Vegas strip.
Season 14 (2019): Kodi Lee
Kodi Lee is a blind and autistic performer. He delivered one of the most emotional winning runs in “AGT” history. Kodi released his first album, “Exactly As I Am,” in 2026.
Season 15 (2020): Brandon Leake
We had never seen anyone like Brandon before on the show. He performs slam poetry, which he now releases as Spotify singles. At the same time, he is pursuing a career in motivational speaking, poetry, and filmmaking.
Season 16 (2021): Dustin Tavella
Dustin Tavella blends storytelling and illusion during his act. It was enough, as he was another magician to win it all. After winning, he headlined the “America’s Got Talent Live” show in Las Vegas. He then staged his own show, “Here Comes Trouble.”
Season 17 (2022): Mayyas
The Lebanese dance group became one of the most celebrated dance winners on the show. They still perform all over the world together, and even performed with Beyoncé during the Cowboy Carter Tour in 2025.
Season 18 (2023) Adrian Stoica & Hurricane
Adrian Stoica and Hurricane became the second animal act to win the show. They did come back in 2024 to compete on “America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League.” Now they are in Italy, where Stoica remains a canine trailer.
Season 19 (2024): Richard Goodall
We have the perfect underdog journey for Richard Goodall, a school janitor-turned-singer. In 2025, he released his first album, “Long Time Coming.” He remains very active on social media.
Season 20 (2025): Jessica Sanchez
Jessica Sanchez fell one step short of making the finals on Season 1 of “America’s Got Talent.” She then went on to be the runner-up of “American Idol” Season 11. Jessica came back for Season 20 of “AGT” and ended up winning it, even if she was about to go into labor during the AGT Finale.
From soulful singers to magicians, “AGT” winners reflect how the show itself has evolved over the years. And with “America’s Got Talent” Season 21 premiering on June 2, the next breakout star could be just one audition away.
