Sept. 17 and 18 marked the final episodes of the 14th season of the beloved NBC family show, “America’s Got Talent.”
This season was filled with amazing acts and edge-of-your-seat drama; from jaw-dropping dance groups, death-defying acrobats, tear-jerking singers and more. Each show led up to what long-time judge Simon Cowell dubbed “the best final [he has] ever sat in on in [his] life.”
To make this season even more exciting, there were some brand new faces on the stage and the judge’s panel this year. Replacing long-time host Tyra Banks is former NFL player and star of TV’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” Terry Crews.
Joining already adored judges Simon Cowell and Howie Mandell were new judges Gabrielle Union and Julianna Hough. Hough is an American actress, singer and dancer. She won twice on “Dancing with the Stars” as a professional dancer. You might recognize her brother as a judge on NBC’s other talent show, “World of Dance.”
Union is an American actress, activist and author. Union wasted no time making her mark on this show by using her golden buzzer to send Kodi Lee to the finish line.
Though the competition was tough, I don’t think it came as a surprise to anyone when singing sensation Kodi Lee was named the winner of AGT this year. Kodi Lee is a blind and autistic pianist/singer. During his first audition, he stunned everybody with his amazing, soulful voice and since then its been history.
No one has been more moved than Union, who has repeatedly stated how much she believed Lee was going to change the world.
In the finals, it came down to him and the Detroit Youth Choir, which was Crews’ golden buzzer pick. The youth choir was another heart-string pulling act. The choir was made up of young people from the city of Detroit who no doubt gave everything in them to take advantage of the opportunity to share their voice.
Coming in third was Ryan Niemiller, a comedian who had the crowd laughing every time he walked on stage. In fourth place was V. Unbeatable, an Indian dance group that intertwined amazing rhythm with jaw-dropping stunts. The dance group was guest judge and Union’s husband, Miami Heat basketball player Dwayne Wade’s, golden buzzer.
Finally, in fifth place came Voices of Service, a quartet made up of veterans who began using music to cope with living with PTSD. Their ballads were enough to move the audience to tears and they were always a favorite of Cowell’s.
No matter where each act ended up, they all were able to leave their mark on America. More than just a talent show, “America’s Got Talent” has always been a way to share hope.
Viewers can watch and see people overcoming the challenges they’ve faced and following their dreams. Now that the season 14’s winner has been announced, we can look forward to seeing more dreams come true next year.
Mackenzie Tkach
Reporter