Michael Grimm Stuns in 'America's Got Talent' Upset

By AOL TV Editors Posted Sep 16th 2010 06:01AM

We have a winner on 'America's Got Talent'! After a summer chock full of magicians, aerialists, dance troupes and pint-sized opera singer, the winner came as a bit of a surprise. In a shocking finale outcome, singer Michael Grimm triumphed over early favorite, 10-year-old opera singer Jackie Evancho, to win the $1 million prize and a Las Vegas show.

"Is this really happening?" asked the 30-year-old singer in disbelief, then screamed, "Yes!"

Meanwhile, a disappointed but gracious Evancho raved about her 'America's Got Talent' experience. "I have loved every single moment," she said. "I just really hope I'll be able to sing for you guys again."

Black light illusionists Fighting Gravity took third place and the flamboyant opera dandy Prince Poppycock was in fourth.

Most prognosticators picked Evancho or Poppycock. After the top 4 performance night, TV Squad's own Isabelle Carreau wrote Grimm wasn't "fresh or unique enough to win." And readers voted Evancho as most likely to take the crown. Even Grimm himself seemed prepared to lose after performing, telling TV Squad that "I gave it all I could" and that at least "now, I have a fan base."

The audience gasped when the first eliminee turned out to be Poppycock (real name: John Andrew Quale), who has been the talk of the season. Still, his final competition performance may not have been his best -- at least according to judge Piers Morgan, who infamously gave him a strike Tuesday night.

After getting eliminated, Poppycock, as mysterious and strange as ever, told Morgan, "I just want to say thank you to Piers. You see, I was promised a horse but I only got two guys in horse heads, so Piers intuitively understood I needed a horse's behind."

To that, Morgan replied, "I do think I made a mistake [buzzing you]. I do ... I should've buzzed you about 10 seconds earlier. [The audience boos] I'm kidding!"

The judge continued, "You've been an incredible contestant this year and although I thought you had a bit of a bad day at the office ... when I watched you with Donna Summer on this stage, that is what you are. That is when you are at your best: when you're being camp and funny and flamboyant and outrageous and a cross between Elton John, Freddy Mercury, Liberace. That is our Prince Poppycock ... You are a star. You will be a star."

The finale featured a number of star-studded performances, including duets by Poppycock and Summer, Grimm and Jewel, Fighting Gravity and Lionel Richie and Evancho and Sarah Brightman.

Tags: americas got talent

Comments

(24)

Thursday 16 September

By american

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Finally! The right ones were picked as winners in the order they should be!

By margaret

so glad he won i was voteing the whole time for michael.. great job

By Birdy

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AWESOME!!!!! So Happy for Michael & his Grandparents.......

By Ron Rosato

What were the individual scores for each contestant that America voted.

By Linda

At least he is 100 x better than last years winner. Was my favorite from the start and deserved it.

By j gentile

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good pick with michael grimm.. the 10 year old is excellent.. however sara brightman is correct in saying ''she should save her voice be taught correctly.. she does have many years ahead of her..
michael is perfect for vegas..

By hunkindoo1

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Fixed! That little girl has way more talent considering the type of songs she sang which are extremely difficult. I dont think Americas votes really count in the end.

By David

You sir are the only one posted so far that has any concept of talent.

By Lynda

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Close your eyes and listen.......He is a Michael Bolton wanna-be. Jackie Ivanco got robbed! 10 year old superstar! When she sang with Sarah Brightman .....now there is magic! Jackie has a VERY bright future. Go Jackie!

By Mischka

Jackie was definitely the Most talented. She even sounded better than her idol Sarah Brightman. I'm looking forward to her CD which I'm sure will go platinum!

By Dottie

Michael G. was my pick from his first audition. I agree that Jackie is an extremely talented and gifted child, but is a Vegas stage really the right place for her? She's just a kid. With all the publicity surrounding A.G.T., believe me this young girl will not go unnoticed. She has an amazing career ahead of her. My favorite group was Fighting Gravity. I'm sure someone will hire these incredible guys.

By Suncatcher

This was probably the thinking of the majority of the voters.

Jackie Evancho will be a huge star on her own - let's vote for Michael Grimm.

They were both good. Too bad only one can win after all that effort!

PS - I liked that Sarah Brightman said last night for Jackie to take her time, (enjoy her childhood) - and save her voice.

By Marilyn&Richard

I also voted for Michael and am very happy that he won. I don't think any of the top 4 need to worry about careers. They were all the most talented I have seen on AGT since Terry Fator.

By Joe T.

The right person won !!!!!!!!!!!!! That's all, the little girl isn't going to pack a large room in Vegas. Would you pay 140.00 plus to see a 10 year old opera singer... I think not, if so, you're in the 3 percentile of the U.S.

By Bob Moran

Jackie was the clear winner but they couldn't give a 10 year old her own show in Vegas.

By S.Price

THE RIGHT MAN WON!! MICAHEL GRIMM WAS MY FAVCRITE FROM DAY ONE!! As far as "Jackie Evancho" goes, she is a very talented young beautiful girl and she has a bright FUTURE AHEAD OF HER but right now I dont think she is ready or mature enough for Vegas!!! BUT LIKE Howie said Micahel Grimm was his favorite from day one toooo AND HE IS READY FOR VEGAS!!! AND I KNOW AT LEAST 50 OR MORE PEOPLE HERE IN MYRTLE BEACH,SC THAT WILL PAY ALOT OF MONEY TO WATCH MICHAEL GRIMM SING!!....( WAY TO GO MICHAEL GRIMM!!! YOU DESERVE TO WIN!!

By Bleu

My wife would have died if Michael hadn't won. I think she's his biggest fan. He is a great singer!

By Kimberly

Michael Grimm is a humble man and deserved to win! His soulful voice and beautiful spirit captured America. I am thrilled for this guy! From the moment I heard him sing I knew he would win. I only hope that the sadness in his eyes will be replaced with joy and happiness that he and his family deserve!

By Veri

I agree with Dottie. Jackie is really a gifted child but I also believe she is much too young for Vegas. With her talent, I know she will go very far, but for now she needs to enjoy her childhood. I am happy Michael won and I am sure his grandparents are too.

By garry

to be honest, grimm is good but he sings like so many others,lang,bolton,etc. jackie has a voice that will or will not stay with her. i think poppy is the best for vegas.but i voted for jackie, she can just take your breath away with her singing,her smile, and her just being there.shes an honest star, who i would pay to see sing.she was never down,nor in bad form. she would have wowed them in vegas.i dont think it was rigged, but im sure 20,000,000 voters are disapointed??????

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