One of these acts walked away with the $1,000,000 prize at the end of the Season 13 finale! (Photos & graphics property of NBC)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
This is it!
After hundreds of auditions, nine Golden Buzzer acts, four guest judges, and surprising eliminations (we missed you last night, Aaron Crow, Angel City Chorale, Christina Wells, Hans, and We Three), the Season 13 finale entered its final stage. Which act joined the likes of Terry Fator, Kenichi Ebina, Mat Franco, Paul Zerdin, Grace VanderWaal, and Darci Lynne Farmer in the AGT winners’ circle? Read on to find out!
Legendary rock group Kiss kicked off the Season 13 Finale with a rousing version of “Detroit Rock City.” They also revealed that the “Beth” band would embark on their farewell tour. Once the group left the stage, it was time for a recap of last night’s performance show. Howie declared it the best final that America’s Got Talent ever had!
After Tyra visited for the Dunkin’ Lounge for the final time this season, it was time for the first contestant and celebrity performances of the evening. Glennis Grace teamed up with Bebe Rexha with an electrifying cover of her hit, “Meant to Be.” Once their duet was over, Howie and Heidi talked about making bad jokes and puns over the season.
Singer Courtney Hadwin teamed up with rising rock band The Struts to perform the late Janis Joplin’s signature song “Piece of My Heart.” I thought that this was one of the best Season 13 finale pairings of the evening because they fed off of each other’s energy and in return, they created a memorable performance that showcased why they were their best generation’s best performers.
After Daniel Emmett teamed up with opera legend Placido Domingo, the show previewed Howie’s return to Deal or No Deal with the help of the game show’s iconic models and signature silver suitcases. Vicki Barbolak teamed up with David Spade for an epic performance at Hotel AGT. She asked the Grown-Ups star about decoding Hollywood phrases that ranged from Crazy Rich Asians to serving cocktails to George Clooney at Spago.
Michael Ketterer got a massive surprise before the finale. Thanks to Simon’s influence, Garth Brooks wrote a new song just for Michael to perform on the Season 13 finale. This song gave me chills, and I wish that the country superstar was able to join him on the Dolby Theatre stage to perform it with him. Next, Shim Lim teamed up with Tyra Banks and friends to the blog, American Ninja Warrior co-hosts Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbaja-Biamila for an interesting close-up magic trick involving the Jack of Clubs. After a Tyra Banks tribute, Brian King Joseph and Duo Transcend teamed up with AGT alum Lindsey Stirling for an epic mash-up performance. While the quartet left the stage, Tyra’s Golden Buzzer act, Zurcaroh, revisited their Golden Buzzer audition for one final time.
The Season 13 Finale took a serious tone by revealing the Top Five acts. Tyra also mentioned that this was the closest vote in finale history. The five acts that made it to Season 13 finale’s top five were Zurcaroh, Brian King Joseph, Shin Lim, Samuel J. Comroe, and Michael Ketterer! I genuinely believe that this is just the beginning for Courtney Hadwin, Vicki Barbolak, Daniel Emmett, Duo Transcend, and Glennis Grace’s careers.
Here is where the Top Five placed this season:
Fifth Place: Michael Ketterer
Fourth Place: Samuel J. Comroe
Third Place: Brian King Joseph
The final two were Zurcaroh and Shin Lim. However, the Season 13 Winner was…SHIN LIM!
Congratulations Shin Lim! Good luck with the next chapter in your career.
Jake’s Take’s America’s Got Talent recaps will return in 2019!
In the meantime, come back next week when Jake’s Take recaps The Voice: Season 15 with coaches Adam Levine and Blake Shelton plus Idol alums Kelly Clarkson and the Oscar-winning Jennifer Hudson.
