Top 10 Best America's Got Talent Contestants of All Time
America's Got Talent has introduced the world to some of the most unforgettable acts in entertainment. From jaw-dropping singers and mind-blowing magicians to comedians who leave you gasping for air, this show has done more than just showcase talent. It has launched careers, built fanbases, and created moments people still talk about years later.Think about the first time you saw an act that left you staring at the screen, wondering how on earth they pulled that off. Maybe it was a singer who made the judges' jaws drop, a dancer who seemed to defy gravity, or an act so strange yet so brilliant that you couldn't look away. Some contestants arrived as complete unknowns and walked away with record deals, headlining shows, and millions of fans. Others may not have won the top prize but still carved out a space for themselves in the entertainment world.
Now it's your turn to decide which AGT contestants deserve the highest praise. Do you agree with the current rankings, or do you think some names deserve to climb higher? Vote for the performers who amazed you the most and help shape the ultimate list of the best America's Got Talent contestants of all time.
Jackie Evancho is a classical crossover singer who gained national attention as a finalist on Season 5 of America's Got Talent. She was the runner-up in the competition, finishing second to Michael Grimm. Following the show, she released multiple successful albums, including Dream With Me and Two Hearts. I had my back to the television that August 10th evening. I had not been impressed with what I had seen prior. Then I heard the "voice." Whoa! I turned to see who was singing, and I remember saying out loud, "What the...? You're kidding! No way!"
Yes, way. A little wisp of a girl singing a classic with more feeling and emotion than I'd ever heard. With a voice that was jaw-dropping, and more pleasant to my ears than anyone I'd ever heard.
I've seen her live in concert eight times since then. Every time she somehow brings even more to the audience.
Grace VanderWaal is a singer-songwriter who won Season 11 of America's Got Talent at the age of 12. She is known for her distinctive voice and original songs, which she performed while playing the ukulele. After the show, she signed with Columbia Records and released the EP Perfectly Imperfect. Best is subjective, so I am judging "best" to include "unique" as a primary criterion. If best includes "unique" plus record sales, worldwide notoriety, number of YouTube views, number of social media followers, record-breaking AGT viewership, Las Vegas show attendance, personality, multi-talented, and one-of-a-kind vocals, then that only leaves Grace VanderWaal.
There is no one else who can do what Grace can, in or out of AGT competition. Her personality and heartfelt original songs are amazing, and her covers are stunning. It's only been four months since Grace won AGT, and her debut EP is a worldwide hit.
I like many of the other acts - singers and other performers. None moved me to tears but Grace.
He made me laugh so hard I wanted to cry. Then I heard his voice, and I was like, "No way!"
Saw Mat in Vegas last year, and he's even more exciting in person! #1
He should be at the top of this list!
He is a hilarious comedian, a genius skit writer, and an amazing ventriloquist! I love this guy!
Darci Lynne is a ventriloquist and singer who won Season 12 of America's Got Talent. She performed with multiple puppet characters, showcasing both comedic and musical talent. After winning, she toured nationally and appeared in television specials. Come on, she sings super great. Although Grace sings well and definitely deserves the spot she has, I can tell she needs voice lessons, which she did have because you can tell how much she improved when she sang Dancing in the Moonlight.
But anyway, Darci is double trouble. She sings and you cannot really see her mouth move. That's impressive! I am not just saying this because she won, but let's not forget that and the golden buzzer!
She is very talented! Her facial expressions are great, and boy was I shocked when she sang with her mouth closed. Tell me that's not impressive.
Tape Face, whose real name is Sam Wills, is a comedian and mime artist who performed on Season 11 of America's Got Talent. His act consists of silent, prop-based comedy routines set to music. He advanced to the finals and later launched a successful residency in Las Vegas. He says nothing but somehow speaks a language for all of his fans to understand. The fact that he almost made $1,000,000 without saying a word proves his talent in turning some inanimate object into an entertaining performance for people to appreciate. #StayWeird
He can make something out of nothing, and that something is hilarious! He always brings me a smile with his clever originality.
He was hilarious and should have won the whole show. Loved him!
The Newcomers
The wild-haired contestant who won in 2009 and became the keyboardist of Metal Maffia.
He without a doubt should've been on here long ago. Too bad COVID-19 defeated him on December 3, 2021. He was only 30. R.I.P. (1991-2021).
AGT's bias against singer-songwriters hurt Anna on the show. Had she been allowed to sing her original songs, she would have been in the top three at least. She went independent, now owns her own label, and is about to release her second album. Her first would be gold or platinum if she had signed with a major label - she's that good.
Jackie Evancho gets my nod for best AGT contestant and vocalist, but Anna Graceman got my vote simply because she is an all-around better musician, and therefore scores more got talent points with me.
Lindsey Stirling is a violinist and performance artist who competed on Season 5 of America's Got Talent. She combines electronic music with choreographed violin performances. Despite being eliminated in the quarterfinals, she later gained international success through YouTube and live performances. I saw her in concert last year. Absolutely amazing! Better than some of the major acts I have seen. The best part is that she made herself successful, creating (or bringing into mainstream) a genre of music of her own, music which the record companies rejected.
She got knocked down at the quarterfinals but came back stronger than ever on YouTube. You can just see by the look on her face that she absolutely loves playing that violin. It's the kind of passion that people wish they could find in something they enjoy.
ARE YOU KIDDING?! Jackie Evancho #1? She's great within her realm of singing, but you have to remember this is not just a singing competition. It's a national talent contest. There needs to be way more than just singers. Hence, Kenichi Ebina. The human robot.
He moves like he's a computer-generated being. You'd think what he does onstage is practically impossible, but Kenichi has proven that wrong. Some of the most amazing routines ever seen on this show were performed by him. He should be #1.
Kenichi, below Grace, Jackie, and Anna? Come on.
She's become so well-known that she's known more for other things she does besides AGT. Most contestants are just known for their appearance on AGT.
Unbelievable talent and voice! His music is timeless and appeals to all ages. He is so humble and displays no egotism. He is simply filled with passion when he sings and performs.
Fabulous voice and stage presence.
He is awesome. His latest album is great. I wish he could get more promotion.
This man is absolutely amazing! Similar to a lot of other acts in 'interesting' costumes, he caught everyone's attention. What's different is that he kept that attention on him. I watched him live whenever possible, and I even voted - I had never done that for any other act.
Many people say that Prince Poppycock would have won that season if he had not done such a serious and "simplistic" performance. Honestly, I agree to an extent.
When I'm a bit bored on YouTube and don't like any of the suggested videos, I like to watch Prince Poppycock. It is very hard to be bored while watching him.
HOW did he get 6th?! Mr. Piffles, though.
That's right, Piers, your most favorite act in the world is on here.
I once saw these guys live, and it was more amazing than seeing them on TV.
By far the best and most talented of all the contestants over the years!
Not even close. This guy is much more successful than anyone who has ever appeared on AGT, and for a good reason.
Best contestants ever. I have been following AGT for the last six years, and none of the performances are as memorable as their first audition. I still go back and watch their AGT performances and feel like nothing on the show has ever been this great.
They didn't win because until 2010, singing acts were more popular. If they were competing now, they would've won. But I have to say that I was glad they lost to Michael Grimm (a singer who probably won the show with his first performance alone) and glad that Jackie Evancho didn't win as Piers was pushing for that.
Loved their voices and performances!