Current:Home > ContactWho won 'AGT'? Dog trainer Adrian Stoica, furry friend Hurricane claim victory in Season 18 finale -WealthPro Academy
Who won 'AGT'? Dog trainer Adrian Stoica, furry friend Hurricane claim victory in Season 18 finale
View
Date:2025-04-18 22:06:18
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! (13)
Related
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- When a prison sentence becomes a death sentence
- Coal Boss Takes Climate Change Denial to the Extreme
- Why Are Hurricanes Like Dorian Stalling, and Is Global Warming Involved?
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- New Samsung Galaxy devices are coming—this is your last chance to pre-order and get $50 off
- Unraveling a hidden cause of UTIs — plus how to prevent them
- Kourtney Kardashian Ends Her Blonde Era: See Her New Hair Transformation
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Exxon Promises to Cut Methane Leaks from U.S. Shale Oil and Gas Operations
Ranking
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- Vanderpump Rules' Ariana Madix Ready to Dip Out of Her and Tom Sandoval's $2 Million Home
- Climate Change Is Shifting Europe’s Flood Patterns, and These Regions Are Feeling the Consequences
- Tracking health threats, one sewage sample at a time
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- An overlooked brain system helps you grab a coffee — and plan your next cup
- Jonathan Majors' domestic violence trial scheduled for August in New York City
- U.S. Coast Guard search for American Ryan Proulx suspended after he went missing near Bahamas shipwreck
Recommendation
The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
Australia Cuts Outlook for Great Barrier Reef to ‘Very Poor’ for First Time, Citing Climate Change
Music program aims to increase diversity in college music departments
Basketball powers Kansas and North Carolina will face each other in home-and-home series
Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
A Smart Grid Primer: Complex and Costly, but Vital to a Warming World
Fugitive Carlos Ghosn files $1 billion lawsuit against Nissan
Mass. Governor Spearheads the ‘Costco’ of Wind Energy Development