The votes are in and on tonight’s final episode of America’s Got Talent the winner of the $1 million prize and a show in Las Vegas will be revealed.
But it is a tough decision that America has to make. Last night, there were 10 exceptional performances — all which received standing ovations — by Brian Justin Crum, Viktor Kee, Sofie Dossi, The Clairvoyants, Linkin’ Bridge, Sal Valentinetti, Laura Bretan, Grace Vanderwaal, Jon Dorenbos and Tape Face.
Related: Tape Face Breaks His Silence to Parade
Tonight, only one name will be announced, but according to judge Simon Cowell, they were all winners. He told Parade.com, “Everything was a highpoint. From the minute it started, I could feel this energy. It was incredible. I didn’t feel like a judge. I felt like a fan. I was proud to see what they brought themselves to the finals.”
That said, when pushed the judges and host Nick Cannon did reveal who they think will take the prize:
Simon Cowell: “It feels like it is Jon or Grace, but I’ve done enough of these shows that you never get surprised, but feeling the room, that’s what I felt. They just did it without any gimmicks or tricks. It was what they wanted to do. You didn’t feel the hand of anyone over them. It was gutsy both of them.”
Heidi Klum: “I am thinking it is between Jon and Grace. That is what I am feeling in my gut. It is so hard because I love my Sal, too. I love my Golden Buzzer guy. I have a soft spot for him. He is 21 years old, he is so humble, he is so funny, he should have his own TV show. I think he sang his little booty off today. Also, I thought Sofie, the contortionist was fantastic. The Clairvoyants were amazing. It is always hard to pick. I am very happy I don’t have to chose.”
Nick Cannon: “I would have to say Jon Dorenbos. He is so inspirational. Just to know that somebody could be playing in an NFL game one day and then appear on America’s Got Talent the next, it’s incredible. Then I love Grace and Linkin’ Bridge. If I had to pick the Top 3, that would be my pick. Those are the ones I felt were the rock stars of the season.
Howie Mandel: “I am not making any predictions but the truth is, we have never done an episode where we stood for all 10 acts, so everybody rose to the occasion. Grace has been the biggest surprise for me of the season, to have a 12-year-old that is so prolific, who touches the hearts and minds of everyone. She has almost a billion hits online, when the biggest people in the music are calling and asking if she is tied up, I have never had that before.
“I am talking as a layman, but when you listen to Taylor Swift, she is talking about her own experiences, which is that of a young girl in relationships. I get that. I have daughters, but when you talk about a 12-year-old who is talking about: You don’t know my name. We all feel alone and I am going to play by my own rules, she is really speaking to everybody — men and women, old and young. When she talks about each of us being a shining light, that is humanity. All her songs are so deep and so beyond her years, it is truly amazing.
“Then tonight, with Jon, we thought he was just a football player, who came to do a magic trick. He had such an amazing, heartfelt message. His backstory became the reason for a philosophy, which we should all follow. It became much more than just seeing magic, but the magic of communicating in telling us how we should live our lives.”
Mel B: I thought everybody did a great job from Brian to Linkin’ Bridge to Grace to The Clairvoyants. Every single act had a standout moment or moments.. Literally, it is anybody’s game.”
The America’s Got Talent finale airs tonight at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC when the winner will be revealed.
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