“America’s Got Talent” has launched the careers of many popular acts. Going into its 15th season this Summer, “AGT” showcases how talented (or not so talented) people in the USA are.
With so many seasons under its belt, “AGT” has many contestants you may have forgotten auditioned and got their start on the show. Many of the contestants become famous overnight and tour the globe because they win or make it to the finals and become a fan favorite. But there are some people whose careers have taken off way past “AGT” and have become a household name.
Here are the top 5 stars who got their start on “America’s Got Talent” and are now a household name.
America’s Got Talent Contestants – Sky Katz
Before starring in “Raven’s Home,” (the spinoff to “That’s So Raven”) Sky Katz auditioned for “America’s Got Talent” in 2016. At just 11 years old, Katz rapped an original song called “Fresh”. In the Judge Cuts round, Katz sang another original song called “Party Ain’t a Party,” but was ultimately eliminated.
Since then, Katz has released multiple singles under Walt Disney Records. Now, she plays a friend and neighbor on the Disney Channel show, “Raven’s Home.”
America’s Got Talent Contestants – Isaac Ryan Brown
One year later, Isaac Ryan Brown sung and danced onstage to The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” and melted the hearts of America. He already had a star personality at such a young age. He was eliminated in the Vegas Round after singing “Blame It on the Boogie.”
Along with Katz, Brown is now one of the stars on “Raven’s Home.” He plays Raven’s son, Booker, who has a twin sister, Nia.
America’s Got Talent Contestants – Grace Vanderwaal
One of the most popular “AGT” contestants ever, Vanderwaal wowed the judges on Season 11 by singing an original song, “I Don’t Know My Name” and playing the ukulele and was a golden buzzer act. She ultimately took home the grand prize of $1 million and the title of winner, who gets a headlining show in Las Vegas.
After she won, you couldn’t watch a talk show without seeing her on it. She signed a recording deal with Columbia Records in 2016 and released an EP that debuted on the Billboard 200 albums charts at number 9. She released another EP and a full-length album.
Now, she will play the lead in the Disney+ original movie, “Stargirl,” based on the novel by Jerry Spinelli.
Melissa Villasenor
Villasenor is a comedian, singer, and voice impressionist. She auditioned for season 6 of “America’s Got Talent” as a comedic impressionist. Her most popular impression is Owen Wilson. Villasenor made it to the semi-finals before leaving the competition.
Now, Villasenor is a cast member on “Saturday Night Live.” She joined the 42nd season. Villasenor also played the voice of Karen Beverly in “Toy Story 4.”
Lindsey Sterling
Many people forget that Stirling got her start on “AGT” in season 5. She is a violinist who has embarked on multiple sold-out tours. Along with playing violin, Stirling incorporates dancing into her act. She made it to the quarterfinals where she received an “X” from Piers Morgan.
She has garnered over 675 million views on YouTube, Billboard chart-topping hits, and sold-out tours worldwide.
Stirling competed on the 25th season of “Dancing with the Stars.” She was partnered with two-time mirror ball champion and choreography king, Mark Ballas. Stirling is the first “AGT” contestant who has ever competed on the show. She placed 2nd.