The votes are in and America has chosen magician Dustin Tavella as the winner of “America’s Got Talent” season 16. Tavella wins the show’s $1 million grand prize and will join “America’s Got Talent Las Vegas LIVE” stage show at Luxor Hotel and Casino. Tavella’s specific performance dates in Las Vegas, as well as the other season 16 fan favorites that will be joining, will be announced soon. Rounding out the Top 5 was runner up Aidan Bryant, 3rd place comedian Josh Blue, 4th place singer Brooke Simpson and 5th place quick change artist Lea Kyle.
Tavella won America’s hearts and votes through magic with his inspirational performances tapping into stories from his personal life including his wedding day and his sons’ adoptions. His final emotionally charged act showcased his art of storytelling with the spirit of philanthropy, using magic to spread his message of the power of giving.
Judge and Executive Producer Simon Cowell said, “I’m so happy for Dustin, this will change his life and his family’s life. Next stop… Vegas!”
Born and raised in Pottsdown, Penn., he grew up going to magic shows with his grandparents in Atlantic City and fell in love with the art of connecting and entertaining people through magic. With a personal motto of always living life with purpose, Tavella has worked with numerous humanitarian organizations aiding the homeless, mentoring in youth programs and helping women in crisis. He is a magician who aims to inspire audiences by using magic to connect with people from all different walks of life. He now resides in Virginia Beach, Va., with his wife, Kari, and their adopted sons, Xander and Sylas.
Season 16 of “America’s Got Talent” concluded tonight with a remarkable finale at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood with judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum and host Terry Crews. The show’s top 10 finalists performed along with guests singers Idina Menzel, Pentatonix, Bishop Briggs; actor and comedian George Lopez; actor Rico Rodriguez; Olympic silver medal gymnasts Jordan Chiles and MyKayla Skinner. “AGT” season nine winner and Las Vegas headliner Mat Franco also returned and performed a finale act with Tavella.
This summer “America’s Got Talent” has reached more than 60 million viewers across linear and digital platforms. The series is the most-watched summer program for the eighth consecutive year and is the most-watched summer broadcast unscripted program for the 16th consecutive year.
The “Got Talent” format has had more than a billion global viewers since it began airing in 2006 in America and has aired in 194 territories worldwide. “Got Talent” holds the Guinness World Records title as the Most Successful Reality Television Format, with more than 70 local versions produced across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.
“America’s Got Talent Las Vegas LIVE” opens Nov 4 and will run Wednesday – Sunday at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. inside Luxor Theater. Tickets starting at $49, plus tax and applicable fees, are on sale now and can be purchased at mgmresorts.com, luxor.com and AGTVegasLive.com or by visiting any MGM Resorts International box office. An exclusive “AGT Las VegasLIVEVIP Backstage Tour and Meet & Greet” package, starting at $159, features a backstage tour, a meet and greet with select cast members and more.
Auditions for the next season of “America’s Got Talent,” as well as the new “AGT: Extreme,” are currently underway. Interested acts can visit www.AGTAuditions.com to register for an upcoming audition city or to submit a video online.
