10 ‘America’s Got Talent’ contestants who did not win show but went on to have successful careers
10 'AGT' contestants who found fame despite not winning show
'America's Got Talent' (AGT), the beloved reality competition where contestants showcase their talents to a panel of judges, is currently in its 19th season. Each season, one contestant walks away with the title and a $1 million prize. However, history shows that sometimes the biggest winners aren’t those who take home the trophy. Over the years, many contestants who didn’t win the title still managed to carve out successful careers. These stars, who may not have even reached the finals, have become household names, gracing our screens, stages, and online platforms. Here are 10 'AGT' contestants who have made significant impact despite not winning the competition.
1. Melissa Villasenor
Melissa Villasenor auditioned for AGT's sixth season, captivating audiences with her spot-on celebrity impressions. Although she was eliminated in the semifinals, her comedic prowess did not go unnoticed. After 'AGT', Villasenor honed her craft at the Laugh Factory Comedy Camp and pursued a full-time comedy career. In 2016, she achieved a major milestone by joining the cast of 'Saturday Night Live', where she continues to entertain viewers with her unique brand of humor.
2. Piff The Magic Dragon
'AGT' Season 10 saw the rise of Piff The Magic Dragon, a magician and comedian who combined humor with impressive magic tricks. Making it to the top 10, Piff’s quirky persona and clever acts left a lasting impression. Despite not winning, he returned for 'AGT: The Champions' and has since appeared multiple times on 'Penn & Teller: Fool Us.' Piff now headlines sold-out shows across the country, enchanting audiences with his whimsical performances.
3. Jon Dorenbos
Former Philadelphia Eagles long snapper Jon Dorenbos wowed the judges and audiences with his magical talents in Season 11, securing a third-place finish. After retiring from football due to heart surgery, Dorenbos channeled his energy into magic, returning for 'AGT: The Champions' and advancing to the finals as a wild card. His inspiring story and captivating tricks have made him a beloved figure in the magic community.
4. Jackie Evancho
Jackie Evancho’s opera performance at just 10 years of age during Season 5 captivated viewers, earning her a second-place finish. She went on to release several chart-topping albums and returned for 'AGT: The Champions,' receiving a standing ovation. Although she didn't make it to the top 3, Evancho remains a notable artist, recently competing in Season 3 of 'The Masked Singer' and continuing to be the youngest artist with a platinum album.
5. Lindsey Stirling
Violinist Lindsey Stirling introduced a fresh take on the violin by playing hip-hop tunes during her Season 5 audition. Eliminated in the quarterfinals, Stirling didn't let that stop her. She released multiple albums, sold out international tours, and was named by Forbes as the fourth highest-earning YouTube star. Stirling also showcased her dancing prowess, finishing second on 'Dancing With The Stars' Season 25.
6. Brian Justin Crum
Brian Justin Crum stood out in Season 11 with his Broadway-trained voice and charismatic presence, ultimately getting placed fourth. Returning for 'AGT: The Champions,' he landed in the bottom 7 of the top 12. Crum has since performed extensively across the US, especially at LGBTQ+ events, and his cover of Robyn's 'Show Me Love' secured a spot on the Billboard Dance Charts.
7. JabbaWockeeZ
In AGT's second season, hip-hop dance crew JabbaWockeeZ didn't make it past the Vegas round. However, they found massive success by winning the first season of 'America's Best Dance Crew'. This victory propelled them into global tours and further appearances, including competing on the first season of 'World of Dance'.
8. Sam Wills (Tape Face)
Known for his silent comedy and tape-covered mouth, Sam Wills, aka Tape Face, made it to the top 10 in Season 11 with his unique and hilarious performances. Returning for 'AGT: The Champions,' he tied for third place and also competed on 'Britain's Got Talent: The Champions' and 'France's Got Talent: Battle of the Judges.' Wills enjoyed a successful three-year residency in Las Vegas, where his inventive act continued to draw crowds.
9. Collins Key
Young magician Collins Key impressed everyone in Season 8, finishing in fifth place as the first magic act to reach the top 5. After 'AGT', he opened for Demi Lovato’s Neon Lights Tour and became a successful YouTuber with his brother Devan, amassing 21 million subscribers. Key has won several awards, including a Streamy Award, and delivered a TEDx Talk in 2017, cementing his status as a modern magic sensation.
10. Issac Ryan Brown
Issac Ryan Brown charmed America in Season 7 of 'AGT' with his singing and dancing, despite being eliminated in the Vegas round. Undeterred, Brown transitioned into acting and has built a flourishing career in Hollywood. He is best known for his role as Booker on the Disney Channel show 'Raven's Home,' where he stars alongside fellow 'AGT' alumnus Skylar Katz.
