SEVERAL America's Got Talent contestants have become more famous than the season winners they competed against despite losing the televised competition. From the youngest platinum-selling solo artist Jackie Evancho to YouTube musical sensation Lindsey Stirling, the contestants were too talented to be denied. America's Got Talent , created by Simon Cowell , 64, sees a variety of talented participants from across the United States, compete for a cash prize and a chance to headline a show on the Las Vegas Strip.
The acts included singing, dancing, comedy, magic, stunts, and more variety. Participants attempt to secure a place in the live episodes of a season, by impressing a panel of judges - whose seats are currently filled by Simon, Howie Mandel , 68; Heidi Klum , 50; and Sofia Vergara , 51 - with their audition. The acts that reach the live episodes compete against each other for the judges and the public's vote to reach the live final where the season winner will be voted on.
Here are the finalists, runner-ups, and participants who found fame despite failing to secure the big win. In 2010, classical crossover singer Jackie Evancho , 24, competed in the fifth season of the televised talent competition, finishing runner-up to soul singer, Michael Grimm, 45. The highly-anticipated season finale was the most watched in the reality program's history with approximately 16.
41 million viewers. Even though the then-10-year-old Jackie lost in the finale, the holiday release of her O H.