Successful America's Got Talent Acts Who Didn't Win

America's Got Talent has launched many careers beyond its winners. Contestants who never took the $1 million prize have still gone on to major success in magic, singing, dance and comedy — names like Jackie Evancho, Melissa Villasenor, The Texas Tenors and the JabbaWockeeZ are now familiar in entertainment.

Melissa Villasenor, eliminated in the Semifinals of Season 6, joined the Saturday Night Live cast in 2016 and remained through 2022; she now works as a voice actor on projects including Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight, Hoppers and Toy Story 5. The Detroit Youth Choir earned the Golden Buzzer from Terry Crews in Season 14, finished second, returned for AGT: All-Stars and has performed at campaign rallies for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Jackie Evancho, just 10 on Season 5, has released 15 albums and EPs and tours each holiday season. Other alumni have built diverse careers. Troy James, sent home in Judge Cuts of Season 13, has become a feature performer in Chucky, Channel Zero, Hellboy and Robot Dracula.

United States, Detroit

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