Current:Home > reviewsWho won 'AGT'? Dog trainer Adrian Stoica, furry friend Hurricane claim victory in Season 18 finale -FundCenter
Who won 'AGT'? Dog trainer Adrian Stoica, furry friend Hurricane claim victory in Season 18 finale
View
Date:2025-04-17 21:14:14
Forget tears of joy. The winner of "America’s Got Talent" is wagging its tail.
Dog owner duo Adrian Stoica and Hurricane, which charmed viewers all season with its adorable physical comedy, was crowned the winner of the NBC talent competition during the Season 18 finale Wednesday night.
Stoica and his furry companion went head-to-head with magician Anna Deguzman before host Terry Crews revealed the pair had won a $1 million prize and a headline act in Las Vegas.
Going into the finale, Stoica and Hurricane gunned for "AGT" victory with a sweet date-night routine that saw Hurricane serve as wing-pooch while Stoica prepared for a faux romantic outing with judge Sofía Vergara.
"It was like the dog was acting and performing," judge Simon Cowell said Tuesday. "We watched 'Beverly Hills Chihuahua' last night, and Hurricane is better than any of the dogs in that movie. So, she should be in a movie or a musical because she's a star."
Here's what else happened on Wednesday's finale.
Lavender Darcangelo sings her heart out with 'legendary' Diane Warren
Lavender Darcangelo's soaring voice has taken her to the upper echelons of pop balladry.
Darcangelo hit the stage with Grammy-winning songwriter Diane Warren for a stirring performance of Warren’s soul pop ballad "Only Love Can Hurt Like This," originally performed by English singer Paloma Faith. Warren accompanied Darcangelo on the piano.
"Keep singing like that, Lavender," Warren told the singer afterward. "That was an amazing performance."
The performance proved to be an emotional moment for judge Heidi Klum, who awarded her Golden Buzzer to Darcangelo earlier in the season.
"I'm losing my lashes because tears are coming out of my eyes," said Klum, referring to her makeup. "This was wonderful what you just did, and especially with the legendary Diane Warren."
Murmuration, Anna Deguzman get their groove on with Jason Derulo
Murmuration and Anna Deguzman don't need magic to make their showbiz dreams come true.
The French dance troupe and magician performed alongside pop star Jason Derulo, who delivered a vibrant medley of his songs "Hands on Me" and "Take You Dancing" on the "AGT" stage.
Deguzman introduced Derulo's performance with her signature card magic, while Murmuration complemented Derulo's dance moves with their sharp arm choreography.
The pairing of Murmuration with Derulo made perfect sense to judge Howie Mandel, who chose the dance group as his Golden Buzzer act.
"I think they’re superstars. I think Jason is a superstar," Mandel said. "They were invited to perform at the same level as this superstar. I’m excited."
Former 'AGT' judge Mel B to replace Sofía Vergara on spinoff 'AGT: Fantasy League'
Vergara is taking a raincheck on the next "AGT" adventure, but she has the perfect backup to spice things up.
Vergara will not be joining her fellow judges on the franchise's upcoming spinoff "AGT: Fantasy League." Taking her place is Spice Girls singer Mel B. (The singer-songwriter previously served as a judge on the reality talent competition series from 2013-2018.)
"I had other things to do," Vergara joked of her absence. "But I’m going to leave you in good hands. I found the perfect replacement."
On "AGT: Fantasy League," set to premiere in January 2024, the judges will each assemble their fantasy roster of fan-favorite acts from "AGT" and other "Got Talent" franchises from around the world. Judges will compete among themselves as they mentor and guide their contestants to victory.
"I’ve always wanted to beat Heidi and Mel, not physically, competitively," Mandel joked, to which Klum replied, "I’m going to win in any case. I’m super competitive."
Viewers can help the judges create their "Fantasy League" teams by nominating their favorite acts on the "AGT" app.
Leona Lewis calls Putri Ariani 'an absolute gift' after emotional duet
Putri Ariani is carrying the torch of the Cowell protégés that came before her.
Ariani, who won Cowell's Golden Buzzer at the start of the season, performed an emotional duet with Leona Lewis. Lewis won the British singing competition "The X Factor" in 2006 under Cowell’s mentorship.
Ariani and Lewis combined their soulful voices for a tender rendition of Lewis’ "Run."
"You’re just incredible, and you’re an absolute gift to the world," Lewis told Ariani afterward. "You inspire me with your voice, and I’m so honored that I get to sing with you."
Lewis also had a humorous piece of advice to share with Ariani on working with the British entertainment mogul.
"Don’t listen to anything Simon has to say," Lewis joked. "Just ignore him."
'AGT':Judge Simon Cowell says singer Putri Ariani deserves to win season
'America needs you':82nd Airborne Division Chorus wins over judges, lands spot in 'AGT' finale
veryGood! (53)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Biden envoy to meet with Abbas as the US floats a possible Palestinian security role in postwar Gaza
- Prosecutors say NYC courthouse fire suspect burned papers with complaints about criminal justice
- Coca-Cola recalls 2,000 Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta Orange soda packs
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- Apology letters by Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro in Georgia election case are one sentence long
- The Sweet Way Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker Are Incorporating Son Rocky Into Holiday Traditions
- Fontana police shoot and kill man during chase and recover gun
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Emma Stone's Cute Moment With Ex Andrew Garfield Will Have Your Spidey Senses Tingling
Ranking
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- Vanderpump Villa: Meet the Staff of Lisa Vanderpump's New Reality Show
- Boston mayor defends decision to host a holiday party for elected officials of color
- Jury deliberations begin in the trial of actor Jonathan Majors
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- Author James Patterson gives $500 holiday bonuses to hundreds of US bookstore workers
- COP28 climate summit OK's controversial pact that gathering's leader calls historic
- Pennsylvania passes laws to overhaul probation system, allow courts to seal more criminal records
Recommendation
NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
Trevor Noah returns to host 2024 Grammy Awards for 4th year in a row
Brazil’s Congress overrides president’s veto to reinstate legislation threatening Indigenous rights
NFL free agency: How top signees have fared on their new teams this season
Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
JetBlue pilot says he took off quickly to avoid head-on crash with incoming plane: I hope you don't hit us
Man acquitted of killing three in Minnesota is convicted in unrelated kidnapping, shooting
You can watch 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' for free this weekend. Here's how to stream it.