Who Won America's Got Talent Season 5
The winner of season 5 was singer and dancer Michael Grimm, who secured the top spot after a strong run through the live shows. He beat out runner up Jackie Evancho, a classical crossover vocalist, and finished ahead of other finalists including fighting dog act Frank Miles and comedian Tom Cotter. The season aired on NBC in 2010, with judges Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne, and Howie Mandel evaluating performances across multiple stages of competition.
Michael Grimm's victory was decided by public votes during the live finale, which took place after weeks of televised performances and judge eliminations. His win marked a milestone for the series, reinforcing the show's format in which audience voting directly determines the champion. The finale lineup highlighted a mix of musical acts, novelty performances, and variety artists competing for the title and a headline residency at a major Las Vegas venue.
Season 5 Format and Broadcast Details
Auditions and Live Shows
Season 5 featured open auditions in multiple cities, followed by judge cuts and live show episodes broadcast from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Contestants advanced through rounds based on judge decisions and public votes, with each live episode showcasing a new set of acts and eliminations. The broadcast schedule followed the standard AGT structure of performance shows, results shows, and a final live event where the winner was crowned.
Judging Panel and Voting
The judging panel for season 5 included Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne, and Howie Mandel, who provided feedback and decided which acts moved to the live rounds. Viewers voted via phone, text, and online platforms to save their favorite acts, with the lowest vote getters eliminated each week until the final three remained. This public voting mechanism shaped the outcome and determined which performers reached the finale and ultimately won the competition.
Post Victory and Career Impact
Winner's Career After AGT
After winning, Michael Grimm signed with Epic Records and released his debut album, continuing to perform in venues across the United States. His AGT victory helped expand his audience and led to appearances on talk shows and other entertainment programs. The win also positioned him as a representative of the show's ability to launch music careers through national exposure and public support.
Runner Up and Other Finalists
Jackie Evancho, the runner up, went on to release multiple albums and tour internationally, building a strong following in the classical crossover genre. Other finalists from the season pursued varied paths in entertainment, with some continuing in live performance, comedy, and media appearances. The season demonstrated how AGT serves as a platform for diverse talent, connecting performers with audiences and industry opportunities beyond the competition.