And the Winner of 'America’s Got Talent' 2023 Is...
Terry Crews
Tuesday night was the final night of performances for America’s Got Talent season 18 and then America voted on who will become the next AGT winner of the $1 million prize and a Las Vegas residency as part of “America’s Got Talent Presents SUPERSTARS Live” at Luxor Hotel and Casino. The results of that vote were revealed tonight.
The 11 finalists included the best performers of the season: 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus, Adrian Stoica & Hurricane, Ahren Belisle, Anna DeGuzman, Avantgardey, Chibi Unity, Lavender Darcangelo, Murmuration, Mzansi Youth Choir, Putri Ariani, and Ramadhani Brothers.
But before the results were revealed, the night was packed with performances by world–renowned chef and television personality Cat Cora, award-winning songwriter Diane Warren, pop and R&B icon Jason Derulo, award-winning musician Jon Batiste, America’s Got Talent season 17 winner the Mayyas and award-winning multi-platinum-selling band Thirty Seconds to Mars, who joined the finalists on the AGT stage.
Related: Why the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus Will Not Accept the $1 Million If It Wins AGT
Who was eliminated on America’s Got Talent tonight:
82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus, Ahren Belisle, Anna DeGuzman, Avantgardey, Chibi Unity, Lavender Darcangelo, Murmuration, Mzansi Youth Choir, Putri Ariani, and Ramadhani Brothers.
Photo by:Chris Haston/NBC
Who won AGT tonight:
Adrian Stoica & Hurricane
Here’s how the night went down:
As usual, the results show opened with Terry Crews hosting a review of the performance show from the previous night.
“Last night, the whole two hours for me was a moment,” Simon Cowell said. “Everyone was brilliant. It was incredible to watch each act. One of my favorite finals.”
The first duet of the night was Lavender paired with Diane Warren performing Diane’s song, “Only Love Can Hurt Like This.”
Next, was a mashup featuring Anna DeGuzman’s cardistry, Jason Derulo singing his new single “Hands on Me,” and Murmuration dancing.
There was a funny bit then with Simon “illegally” plotting to make sure that Ahren Belisle would come out of the night on top.
Then there was some cross promotion with a clip from Universal’s Trolls Band Together upcoming movie, which featured *NSYNC’s first new song in 20 years, “Better Place,” as sung by the movie’s boy band BroZone. That was followed by a video package of children being rewarded with a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood’s new Super Ninetendo World.
It was back to the AGT stage then for a performance by Jon Baptiste of his new single “Worship” from his album World Music Radio accompanied by the Mzansi Youth Choir.
Next was a funny food bit with Adrian Stoica & Hurricane learning to make Pasta Primavera with Cat Cora complete with a Lady and the Tramp pasta moment.
Following that messy moment that had tomato sauce all over the kitchen, Putri Ariani teamed up with X Factor UK alum Leona Lewis on the Snow Patrol hit “Run.”
Related: America's Got Talent Reveals Its New Format: AGT: Fantasy League
Terry then introduced the new all-star season of AGT: Fantasy League for which Mel B will be returning as a judge, replacing Sofia Vergara. Sofia did say she would be back on regular AGT next summer.
The next mashup was the Ramadhani Brothers and Chibi Unity performing along with Thirty Seconds to Mars on its single “Stuck.”
They were followed by a beautiful performance by last season's AGT winners Mayyas.
Finally, the time came for the results to be revealed.
Called up first were Lavender Darcangelo and Ramadhani Brothers. The act taking the first spot in the Top 5 was Ramadhani Brothers.
Chibi Unity was called up by Terry along with Putri Ariani. The second act making it into the Top 5 was Putri Ariani.
Next up were Ahren Belisle and Adrian Stoica and Hurricane. The act taking the third spot in the Top 5 was Adrian Stoica and Hurricane.
More results followed when Terry called up 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus and Anna DeGuzman. The fourth spot in the Top 5 was filled by Anna DeGuzman.
Related: Magician Anna DeGuzman on How Advice From Shin Lim Helped Her Make the AGT Finale
The final spot to be filled was a choice between Murmuration, Mzansi Youth Choir, and Avantgardey, and Murmuration landed it.
But it wasn’t a total loss for the Mzansi Youth Choir. Terry announced that Coldplay had invited them to come to San Diego to perform "My Universe" with them after seeing the group’s performance on Tuesday night’s AGT.
The results continue when Terry revealed that the act that finished in fifth place was the Ramadhani Brothers.
The act finishing in fourth place was Putri Ariani. The audience was shocked. She was a frontrunner.
“At the end of the day, it’s a competition,” Simon told her. “Nobody can take away the fact that you are an amazing singer and person. Many, many artists I’ve worked with haven’t won these competitions but have gone on to do amazing things. I think the same thing will happen to you.”
The act finishing in third place was Murmuration. Again, the audience was shocked.
“I want to say you know how much I love you,” Howie Mandel told his Golden Buzzer. “Your act is the best thing I’ve seen this season. You guys are amazing.”
That meant that Adrian Stoica and Hurricane and Anna DeGuzman were the Top 2. But who’s the champion?
The winner of AGT 2023 is Adrian Stoica and Hurricane.
American Idol will return in early 2024 with a new all-star format: America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League.
