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

‘America’s Got Talent’ has seen a myriad winners since it premiered in 2006

NBC’s reality competition series America’s Got Talent made its debut in 2006, attracting contestants from all walks of life.

From Terry Fator to Grace VanderWaal, here’s what AGT winners have been up to following their victories.

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Season 1: Bianca Ryan

Bianca Ryan, America's Got Talent, Where Are They Now?

Bianca Ryan was the first-ever winner of America’s Got Talent in 2006. At just 11 years old at the time of her audition, the singer blew the judges away with her rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” by Jennifer Hudson.

Since nabbing the $1 million dollar prize, Ryan underwent surgery due to paralyzed vocal cords, resulting in a 10-year hiatus from singing.

After her recovery, Ryan returned to the stage to compete on America’s Got Talent: The Champions in 2020. She’s also toured and performed at various venues for events.

She sang “The National Anthem” at Madison Square Garden in New York City ahead of Jake Paul‘s boxing match in 2022.

The singer continues to create and release music — often sharing her work on Spotify and social media.

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Season 2: Terry Fator

Terry Fator, America's Got Talent, Where Are They Now?

Terry Fator was the season 2 winner of AGT in 2007. His knack for ventriloquism combined with his spot-on singing impressions wowed viewers, resulting in Fator earning the grand prize.

Since his stint on the competition series, the ventriloquist has returned to the AGT stage numerous times as a guest act over the years. In addition, he’s had residencies at the Las Vegas Hilton and The Mirage, performing in front of millions.

Since 2021, Fator and his puppet friends headlined a new show titled Who’s the Dummy Now? at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino in Vegas.

However, he’s freed up his schedule to compete on AGT: All-Stars — a 2023 extension of the series — and told PEOPLE he “felt so at home onstage in front of the judges again.”

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Season 3: Neal E. Boyd

Neal E. Boyd, America's Got Talent, Where Are They Now?

Neal E. Boyd was the season 3 winner of AGT in 2008. The opera singer left the crowd on their feet during his audition when he sang a powerful rendition of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma.”

Since winning the grand prize at the end of the competition and earning a headlining spot at MGM’s Grand Garden Arena in Vegas, Boyd released his album My American Dream in 2009 — and even ran twice for Missouri House of Representatives!

Sadly, Boyd died in 2018 at the age of 42.

“We are very saddened to hear that one of our AGT family members, Neal E. Boyd, has passed away,” AGT shared in a statement on Instagram following his death. “Our hearts are with Neal’s loved ones during this difficult time.

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Season 4: Kevin Skinner

Kevin Skinner, America's Got Talent, Where Are They Now?

Kevin Skinner was the season 4 winner of AGT in 2009. The country singer impressed the judges and crowd with his shocking audition of Garth Brooks‘ “If Tomorrow Never Comes.”

Not long after crushing the competition and headlining a show at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Vegas, the chicken catcher–turned–country star released his album Long Ride in 2010.

Since then, the country musician has mostly remained out of the public eye, with very little known about his current life.

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Season 5: Michael Grimm

Michael Grimm, America's Got Talent, Where Are They Now?

Michael Grimm was the season 5 winner of AGT in 2010. The blues guitarist and singer’s seamless audition of his original song, “You Don’t Know Me,” left the judges speechless while the crowd roared.

Since clinching the win, Grimm headlined the first-ever AGT tour. He also returned to the stage as a guest act and participated on AGT: The Champions season 2 in 2020, among releasing several albums in between those stints.

Grimm continues to travel and release music, including 2022’s The Red Album. In 2023, he hit the road for his summer tour, with stops in Vegas, Texas, Alaska, Arizona and more.

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Season 6: Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr., America's Got Talent, Where Are They Now?

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. was the season 6 winner of AGT in 2011. After receiving a “Yes” from all three judges following his show-stopping performance of Bono and Frank Sinatra‘s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” the singer went on to dominate the competition.

Following his win, Murphy landed a headlining show at Caesar’s Palace in Vegas and released his debut album, That’s Life, in 2011, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard jazz charts.

The singer continues to create music and perform all over the world: In 2022, he sang at the World Expo in Dubai. Murphy also uses his platform to give back, donating to charities and offering scholarship opportunities.

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Season 7: Olate Dogs

Olate Dogs, America's Got Talent, Where Are They Now?

Father-son duo Richard and Nicholas Olate were the season 7 winners of AGT in 2012. But it wasn’t just them alone! They were joined by their pups to form an unforgettable group known as the “Olate Dogs.”

The barking bunch performed unbelievable tricks in sync with music and choreography, leading to their victory.

Since securing the $1 million dollar prize and headlining The Palazzo in Vegas, the Olate Dogs went on to perform around the country. They also partnered with the Humane Society in 2014, as reported by Fox19.

After taking their Circus Royal Spectacular show on the road, they’ve kept a low profile since 2018 — the last time the group posted on Instagram.

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Season 8: Kenichi Ebina

Kenichi Ebina, America's Got Talent, Where Are They Now?

Kenichi Ebina was the season 8 winner of AGT in 2013. The dancer dazzled the judges and left the audience’s jaws on the ground with his captivating, Matrix-like audition.

After out-dancing the competition and winning the show, including a headlining act in Vegas, Ebina returned to the stage to compete in AGT: The Champions in 2019.

Since then, the dancer has gone on to perform around the world, from Japan to Dubai. He continues to put on shows around the country in addition to teaching and choreographing.

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Season 9: Mat Franco

Mat Franco, America's Got Talent, Where Are They Now?

Mat Franco was the season 9 winner of AGT in 2014. He blew the judges’ and audience’s minds with his unbelievable magic, unexplainable illusions and masterful card tricks.

Since becoming the first magician to win the competition, he’s had a residency at The LINQ Hotel in Vegas since 2015, in addition to making guest appearances on AGT over the years.

While he continues to deceive audiences live, he also brings the magic to viewers from afar on his Instagram. However, Franco performed the ultimate trick in 2023: He and his wife, Tianna Scartabello, welcomed their first child on Jan. 6.

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Season 10: Paul Zerdin

Paul Zerdin, America's Got Talent, Where Are They Now?

Paul Zerdin was the season 10 winner of AGT in 2015. The ventriloquist cracked spectators up with his comedic back-and-forth banter with his little puppet pal.

Since becoming the first contestant to receive the coveted Golden Buzzer from one of the judges — his was the first season it was introduced on the show — Zerdin went on to nab the $1 million dollar prize and slot a headlining show in Vegas.

While Zerdin returned to the competition to participate on AGT: The Champions in 2019, the ventriloquist frequently performs in his native United Kingdom.