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Learn more- In what host Jerry Springer called the closest vote the show has ever had, a champion for the third season of "America's Got Talent" was crowned Wednesday night.
The finalists -- singers Donald Braswell, Eli Mattson, Neal E. Boyd and Queen Emily, along with violinists Nuttin' But Stringz, brother Damien and Tourie Escobar -- had the judges baffled as to who would win.
David Hasselhoff said it was impossible to call a winner before Springer introduced the top 10 finalists first-ever joint performance. They all contributed to a rendition of Kelly Clarkson's winning "American Idol" song "A Moment Like This." It started and ended with 4-year-old Kaitlyn Maher singing solo.
Sharon Osbourne said all of the people on the stage would go on to have amazing careers in the entertainment industry.
Leona Lewis, a Simon Cowell discovery, stopped by to perform her single, "Better in Time."
Terry Fator, this season's winner and "all of your favorites" from Season 3 will perform together on Oct. 17 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Springer introduced special messages for each of the finalists, and the first was from the members of Il Divo, who congratulated opera singer Neal E. Boyd on his success and told him they especially enjoyed his version of their song, "Mama." He just about passed out.
Brian McKnight, a Queen Emily fan, wished her luck and suggested that one day they might work together. She looked a little confused at first, but flashed a huge smile when she figured out what was going on. Marc Cohn was rooting for Eli Mattson, who previously sang his song "Walking in Memphis." Cohn said that when Mattson gets a record deal, he'd write a song for him.
Andrew Lloyd Webber had a message for this season's big-voiced Donald Braswell, who sang Webber's "Music of the Night." Webber said he'd love to work with Braswell and noted that the Phantom's new show is in Las Vegas. Wyclef Jean, a producer and former member of the Black-Eyed Peas, had a shout out for Nuttin' But Stringz. "Let's take it home, baby," Jean told them.
As another time-killer, er, touching flashback on the season, Springer introduced the "America's Got Talent" audition all-stars, which included Ozzy Osbourne, Rod Stewart and Dionne Warwick impersonators, hula-hoop dancers, and way too much more.
To the results: After a montage that ran through the long summer, Springer announced that the fifth-place finisher was Queen Emily.
The fourth-place finisher was Donald Braswell. He mouthed, "Oh, man" as his name was called. The man who the fans brought back after he was left out of the final 40 had a wild ride to the finale, and seemed satisfied with a fourth-place finish.
Finishing in third place was Nuttin' But Stringz. The Hoff just about fell out of his chair, and Piers Morgan looked a little angry as Springer read the result. "We didn't even think we could get this far, and we made violin cool and we brought a new culture of music to America," one of them said.They looked a bit sad and disappointed as they watch highlights of their journey on the show.
That brought it down to Eli Mattson and Neal E. Boyd for the $1 million prize and headlining show in Las Vegas.
Neal said, "It would change my life. This competition, coming in, I didn't think that I would make it this far. I didn't think people would respond to opera, but they have. And I love America so much for getting me to this point."
Eli said, "It means I can take care of my family, and I can do what I love for the rest of my life. And, no matter what, Neal's going to be around forever."
Neal cried as he watched his highlight reel before the announcement was made. His hands shook and face crinkled. Eli, who shook with nerves when he landed in the top two, smiled as he watched his journey on the "Talent" stage.
From more than 200,000 acts, it came down to two. There was less than one-half of one percent between the two singers. Springer finally announced that the winner of $1 million, the headlining show in Las Vegas and the title of "best new act in America" is ... Neal E. Boyd.
"I love you, Mom. I love you Sikeston. I love you, Missouri," Neal said.
Placido Domingo had a special, pre-taped message for Neal, telling him that he should be proud to have brought opera to America's ears.
"What has happened to my life?" Boyd said, laughing at the thought that Placido Domingo had just congratulated him on winning $1 million and a new career in opera.
That's exactly what he did moments after being crowned, singing what's now his signature song, "Nessun dorma."
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