‘America’s Got Talent’ is a competition that has consistently provided a stage for talented individuals to demonstrate their extraordinary abilities and awe national audiences for years. From vocalists to dancers, magicians to painters, the show’s contestants have had a substantial impact on its legacy. The eighth season of the show featured a diverse collection of individuals who displayed their unique abilities and advanced to the season’s finals. Let’s take a look at the incredible journeys of the finalists following the conclusion of the programme.
Where is Cami Bradley Now?
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Cami Bradley is a singer-songwriter from Spokane, Washington, whose hauntingly beautiful voice and heartfelt performances enabled her to make an impression on the show during its eighth season. Her soulful renditions of the song demonstrated her acting versatility and propelled her into the finals. Despite not achieving first place, her talent and charisma garnered her a devoted fan base. After the show concluded, she continued her music career with a two-month tour with the show’s finalists and by performing ‘The Prayer’ live at Carnegie Hall on FORTE’s debut album.
Whitney Dean collaborated with her in 2014 after discovering her talent on the programme. They co-wrote eight songs and released a self-titled EP in September 2014, following a successful encounter. The duo went on to release their debut album, Rise & Fall, in August 2015. Additionally, they collaborated on a number of other albums, including ‘Covers, Ch.1,’ the EP ‘Winter’s Call,’ ‘Merrier Days,’ ‘Rise & Fall (Deluxe Version),’ and the EP ‘Sleepwalking’. The duo had planned to release a new album in 2018, but due to unknown circumstances, they took a protracted break.
In 2019, Bradley took on a second musical endeavour with a darker, experimental sound and collaborated with producer Nico Rebsher in LA. In 2015 and 2016, Bradley was dubbed the Best Singer-Songwriter by Inlander after a reader poll. She and her spouse Eric formerly resided in Spokane, Washington, but have since relocated to Los Angeles. She is also a professional photographer and frequently showcases her abilities on Instagram.
Where is Collins Key Now?
Collins Key is a young Californian magician who captivated his audience with his charismatic stage presence and remarkable sleight of hand. Utilising both magic and humour, he was able to maintain his popularity throughout the season. Although he didn’t take home the title, his charisma and talent secured him a well-deserved place in the finals. Since the programme, he has expanded his career to include YouTube and social media platforms. With over 23 million subscribers, he shares conjuring tutorials, entertaining content, and collaborations with other creators on his YouTube channel.
In addition to his YouTube career, he has created a web series entitled ‘The Disappearing Girl’, which has won a Short Award, a Cannes Lions Award, a Streamy Award, and an AdWeek Arc Award. 2017 marked his debut as the first digital creator to produce interstitial content for Disney Channel. Collins opened for Demi on her Neon Lights Tour and has appeared in an episode of ‘Girl Meets World’. The University of Santa Barbara invited the young illusionist to deliver a TEDx lecture in which he discussed his life experiences. In 2018, he was nominated for Teen Choice Awards for Choice Comedy Web Star and Choice Male Web Star, and he had the honour of headlining the YouTube FanFest concert in Mumbai, India.
Where is FORTE Now?
FORTE is a classic crossover trio ensemble with operatic tenors like Sean Panikkar, Fernando Varela, and Josh Page. Sean Pannikkar wasn’t a founding member of the team and had to replace Hana Ryu due to visa issues. They demonstrated the strength of their vocals on the ‘AGT’ stage by fusing classical and contemporary styles.
Through their performances, they were able to demonstrate their vocal prowess and conclude the season in fourth place. Almost immediately after appearing on the programme, they were signed by Columbia Records and released their self-titled album in November of 2001, which peaked at number three on the Billboard Classical Albums chart. They have also performed at the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the White House and the Music of Hope concert at Carnegie Hall.
Fernando began a solo tour in 2014 while continuing to perform with FORTE. Hana Ryu, the group’s founding member, was welcomed back in 2015, after which they began working on their second album, titled ‘The Future Classics’. They have collaborated with Broadway and Hollywood artists on the charity single ‘With a Little Help from My Friends’. In addition to headlining the Grand Rally for Music Education at the NAMM Show, they also performed with Four Divo to benefit earthquake victims in Puerto Rico.
Where is Jimmy Rose Now?
Jimmy Rose, a country singer from Kentucky, moved the emotions of millions of viewers with his sincere and genuine performances. His original song ‘Coal Keeps the Lights On,’ in which he pays tribute to his coal-mining origins, struck a chord with many listeners. Due to the strength of his voice, he was able to reach the finals and take third. His time on ‘AGT’ was instrumental in launching his music career, and he continued to perform and interact with his admirers afterward. Jimmy had little interest in the other aspects of being a musician.
In an interview with the Claiborne Progress, he stated, “I loved the AGT experience, but I learned that there is a facet I never considered or gave much consideration to, such as all the behind-the-scenes activities. It is sometimes difficult to deal with hair, makeup, promotions, and the like, but looking back, it was a wonderful experience.” He continued, “I still pick up the guitar and notepad, but I play primarily for family and friends, which I enjoy doing.” He and his wife Heather now operate Rose Taxidermy in Middlesboro, Kentucky, where they create high-quality mounts of various animals, including deer, boar, fish, and bear.
Where is Kenichi Ebina Now?
Kenichi Ebini, a Japanese dancer and performer, displayed a unique and mesmerising style of dance during Season 8 of “America’s Got Talent.” His unique combination of dance, technology, and storytelling produced a visual spectacle that had never been seen on the show before. He won the competition and earned both the title and the $1 million first-place reward. Following his victory on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ Kenichi continued to perform and tour the globe, showcasing his exceptional talent. Approximately one year later, he was invited to perform in the quarterfinals of the ninth season of ‘AGT.’ In addition, he has appeared in television specials such as ‘Crossroad,’ ‘Home & Family,’ and ‘Jonetsu Tairiku’.
Kenichi has also performed at Cirque du Soleil Special Shows, NBA Basketball Halftime Show Tours, and private gatherings attended by Madonna and Simon Cowell. Additionally, the Japanese performer has published a book titled “You Can Win the World with Just One Presentation.” Ebina is a respected figure in the dance and entertainment industries, having directed initiatives for dance and theatre companies and taught dance in more than thirty nations. During the first season of ‘Japan’s Got Talent,’ his ensembles UniCircle Flow and AIRFOOTWORKS were quite successful.
Where is Taylor Williamson Now?
Taylor Williamson is a stand-up comedian who advanced to the finals of season 8 of ‘AGT’ with his eccentric demeanour and self-deprecating humour. Fans and evaluators alike were impressed by his comedic style, which was comprised of relatable anecdotes and witty one-liners. His second-place finish in the season was due to his ability to engage the audience through humour. Although he narrowly missed first place, his comedic timing has continued to flourish in the world of comedy.
Taylor moved on to perform in theatres and comedy clubs across the nation and even make late-night talk show appearances. In the 10-year ‘AGT Anniversary Special’, Judge Heidi Klum named him her favourite performer. He also appeared as a guest on seasons 9 and 16 of ‘America’s Got Talent’. Taylor returned to the stage in 2019 for ‘America’s Got Talent: The Champions,’ but was unable to advance to the finals.
