America's Got Talent has a new winner. Magician Shin Lim has emerged as the ultimate victor in this season's edition of the famous reality show.
Magician Wins Top Prize
Shin won $1 million in the finals night held at Dolby Theater in Hollywood. The 26-year old beat out its competitors Zurcaroh, an acrobatic dance group that finished in second place, and Bring King Joseph, an electric violinist who was awarded third place.
The magician also beat Glennis Grace, Vicki Barbalok, Samuel J. Comroe, Duo Transcend, Michael Ketterer, Daniel Emmet, and British teen singer Courtney Hadwin. Lim is the second magician to win the talent competition following ninth season winner, Mat Franco.
"When you told me at 16 that an awkward, shy kid would one day be performing at the Dolby Theatre performing on America's Got Talent, I wouldn't have believed them. To compete on AGT, it means the world to me," said the magician.
Phenomenal Audition In 'America's Got Talent'
Notably, the magician has gotten people's attention since his phenomenal audition where he left all four judges, including Tyra Banks, amazed with his magic tricks. The performer upped his game in his other performances. In one of his performances, Olivia Munn, who served as a guest judge, was floored with his amazing talent.
For his final act, the magician showed a card trick with Banks, and American Ninja Warrior hosts Akbar Gbaja-Biamila and Matt Iseman. According to the judges, Shin was the best close-up magician that they have ever seen perform.
"You're the only one that makes me believe that magic is possible," added another judge.
Shin Lim's Life
The magician was born to Singaporean parents in Canada but reportedly spent some years in Singapore growing up. He did not originally set his sights on being a magician. He first pursued playing the piano at the age of 9.
He started practicing magic as a hobby when he was just 16. YouTube videos played a significant role in developing Lim's skills. However, when he was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, he changed his focus to the craft. He even discontinued studying at the School of Music at Lee University, Tennessee.
The Massachusetts-based performer also appeared in Penn Jillette and Teller's magic television program, Penn & Teller: Fool Us. His performance on the show has garnered an astonishing 52 million views since it was posted three years ago.
Additionally, he also performed several times out of the country in New Zealand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Sweden, Scandinavia, Singapore, Germany, Canada, China, Australia, France, Spain, and Hong Kong.
The judges on the show are iconic supermodel Heidi Klum, producer Simon Cowell, famous musician Mel B, and actor Howie Mandel.
