Who Won America's Got Talent in 2016
The winner of America's Got Talent in 2016 was Grace VanderWaal, an American singer-songwriter who gained widespread attention for her original compositions and ukulele performances. VanderWaal won the eleventh season of the show, which aired on NBC, and her victory was confirmed by the official AGT broadcast and subsequent media coverage. Her win marked a significant moment for young artists on reality competition formats, and her career has since expanded into music releases, tours, and brand partnerships. For details on her post-AGT trajectory, see her official profile and interviews Forbes.
Runner-up in the 2016 season was the Irish dance troupe The Clairvoyants, known for their theatrical and illusion-based performances. The competition also featured strong finalists such as comedian and singer Jon Dorenbos, magician duo The Clairvoyants, and singer Sofie Dossi, all of whom contributed to high viewership ratings during the season. The season finale took place in September 2016 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, and the results were determined by a combination of audience votes and judge evaluations. Official season data and voting summaries are available through the show's broadcast records and NBC press releases NBC.
Key Performances and Judging Criteria
Grace VanderWaal advanced through multiple rounds with performances that emphasized original songwriting, vocal delivery, and stage presence. Judges, including Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum, and Simon Cowell, frequently highlighted her authenticity and composure relative to other contestants. Her audition tape, which went viral, showcased her ability to connect with audiences through stripped-down, emotionally resonant performances. The show's format emphasizes a mix of vocal talent, stagecraft, and audience appeal, and VanderWaal's consistent top rankings reflected these criteria NBC.
The Clairvoyants, the runner-up act, combined magic, dance, and narrative storytelling in their routines, earning high scores for creativity and technical execution. Other notable acts from the season included Jon Dorenbos, a former NFL long snapper who performed card tricks and motivational storytelling, and Sofie Dossi, a contortionist and singer who integrated handstand-based choreography into her sets. The season's judging panel focused on originality, technical skill, and emotional impact, and the live shows featured guest performances and themed weeks that shaped the overall competition structure NBC.
Post Victory Impact and Public Record
After winning AGT in 2016, Grace VanderWaal released her debut EP, "Perfectly Imperfect," and subsequent singles that charted on Billboard and other music industry trackers. She has performed at major events, collaborated with established artists, and appeared in film and television projects, expanding her profile beyond the competition. Industry coverage has consistently cited her AGT victory as a catalyst for her career, and her public record includes multiple album releases, tour announcements, and brand partnerships Forbes.
The 2016 season of America's Got Talent remains a widely referenced case study in talent competition outcomes, with public records including voting