‘America’s Got Talent’ 2016 finale recap: Grace VanderWaal, Tape Face acts most viewed on YouTube [VIDEO]
If YouTube views would translate to votes, Grace VanderWaal and Tape Face are leading the race to become “America’s Got Talent” season 11 winner.
The Ukulele-playing 12-year-old singer-songwriter from New York earned over 27,000 views on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” YouTube channel exactly an hour after her AGT final act was published on the video-sharing website. VanderWaal performed another original composition, titled “Clay,” Tuesday night live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Without even saying a word, Tape Face garnered 22,500 views on AGT’s YouTube channel for making fun of Spice Girls member Mel B during his finale act. As part of the Kiwi mime’s toilet humour, Tape Face placed a toilet seat on the well-dressed and elegant AGT judge.
Philadelphia Eagles long snapper Jon Dorenbos trailed with 12,500 views of his magic card trick an hour after it was posted online. The 35-year-old NFL veteran even included an inspirational speech on how magic helped him go through his life’s struggles.
Another crowd favourite, Brian Justin Crum followed with 11,600 views since his AGT finale act went online on YouTube. The 28-year-old pop singer from San Diego, California performed a unique cover of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” during the AGT Finale night Tuesday.
The mentalist duo The Clairvoyants ranked fifth with 9,800 views. Austrian couple Thommy Ten and Amelie Van Tass showed off their superb mind-reading skills even with an underwater act.
Meanwhile, Linkin Bridge got 9,000 views on its finale act wherein the boy band performed a different rendition of Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again.”
Heidi Klum’s favourite, Sal Valentinetti, followed with 8,000 views for the first one hour since his finale act was published on YouTube. The 20-year-old singer from New York sang Frank Sinatra’s “Mack the Knife.”
Teen contortionist Sofie Dossi’s finale act gained 7,000 views as her head-spinning performance induced audience to seek a replay.
Viktor Kee followed with 6,800 views. The theatrical juggler went blindfolded for his final act and elevated his AGT Finale performance.
Of the 10 AGT finalists, opera singer Laura Bretan earned the least YouTube videos as her finale act only invited 5,900 viewers an hour since it went online. The 13-year-old soprano delivered an impressive performance of “O Mio Babbino Caro” (“Oh My Beloved Father”).
Voting for “America’s Got Talent” 2016 winner ends Wednesday when NBC announces the winner of the US$1 million (AU$1.3 million) prize.
The winner of NBC’s top-rated talent search will perform at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on Oct. 27 to 29.
“America’s Got Talent” airs in the US every Tuesday and Wednesday on NBC and every Saturday in Australia on FOX8.