Nick Cannon promised an "insane night." And it was.
Six acts were vying for America's Got Talent Season 7's top prize - $1 million and a Vegas show.
But
before a winner could be crowned Thursday, NBC packed the two-hour
finale with clips of bad past talent, judges' quips from throughout the
season, a surprise visit from Joan Rivers, a farewell from Sharon
Osbourne and lots of star performances, including Justin Bieber, live
from Newark.
Judges Howard Stern, Howie Mandel and Osbourne, who
were all dressed up for the occasion, had the best job of the night. All
they had to do was sit in their judges' seats, front and center, and
watch all the fun.
"Look, this was the first season for me," said
Stern. "I never would have imagined when we started this journey
together that here we would be with such incredible talent. When we
first started I said, 'I don't know. Are we going to find anybody?' But
we've found some incredible people. And it's been an honor to be here
for this first season."
Interspersed with walks down memory lane from the judges, the finalists teamed with star acts for duets.
Flo Rida sang his single I Cry while David Garibaldi and his CMYK's knocked out a cool painting of the rapper/singer.
Ne-Yo danced and sang Let Me Love You.
William Close caressed his giant earth harp as accompaniment to One Republic performing Feel Again.
Olate
Dogs and The Untouchables performed while Frankie J (just back from
touring with Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias) sang.
Grandfather of rap Burton Crane performed his Watcha Gonna Do with Nick Cannon.
"It's
been an amazing year," said Mandel. "Especially with our new judge
Howard Stern. It was a thrill. I wanted to do something special as a
gift for him. I wanted to surprise him." He then played video of
eliminated contestant Big Barry, 70, known as the little guy with the
big heart, surprising Howard backstage. (It wasn't hilarious.)
Blue Man Group unveiled a new electronica act filled with lights and giant floating balls.
Comedian Tom Cotter then "roasted" the judges.
"Who
are these guys to judge us?" he said, digging into the trio.
"Seriously. You've got a germophobic game show host, the bride of the
Prince of Darkness, and Fartman. Please."
He continued, "What do
we know about them? We know that Howie lives in L.A., that Howard lives
in New York City, Sharon lives in a castle in England. And Nick lives in
Mariah Carey's house."
He was then interrupted by Joan Rivers. "You're too nice," she told
Cotter, pushing him aside. "So let me show you how to do it."
Said
Rivers, "Look at this panel. If I want to see three people who make
tons of money and have no talent, I will not watch you guys. I will
watch the Kardashians."
She told Stern they'd been friends a long
time. "I go back with you to when you were funnier than Imus." That
brought boos and groans from the audience.
Next up: Joe Castillo
created a piece of sand art, showing a globe that became a child's face,
as members of the P.S. 22 elementary school chorus performed Edge of Glory.
Finally,
eliminations began. First act to go home: The Untouchables kid dance
troupe. "Don't be sad, little one," said Osbourne, as the camera cut to
weeping dancer Ruby, "because it's my last show too. So we're both
leaving together. Hand-in-hand."
Second act to go home: Joe Castillo. He smiled and graciously thanked the show and fans.
"The shame of tonight is that there can only be one winner," said Mandel.
Third act to go home: David Garibaldi and his CMYK's.
Next up: Justin Bieber, surrounded by dancers, sang As Long As You Love Me to shrieks from the crowd and help from rapper Big Sean. They were followed by Green Day, who performed Oh Love.
Third
place finisher: Gasp! William Close, the giant earth harpist. The crowd
was stunned and unhappy. But Close was cool. He said, "I made it to
third place on this amazing stage, and that rocks."
So it came down to comedian Tom Cotter and the Olate Dogs.
Richard
Olate, 55, held one of his dogs tightly, burying his head in the
pooch's fur at times. So cute! His son, Nick Olate, held and petted a
smaller dog as they waited for the announcement.
At last the winner was named: Gasp again! It's Olate Dogs!
Confetti rained down, covering the dogs and everyone else. Hugs were shared all around as all the acts came back on stage.
Tom
Cotter went out with a final joke, saying the experience was "great.
And I'm going to fall down the stairs to get my own million dollars
tonight."
USA Today