10 ‘America’s Got Talent’ Contestants Who Were Already Famous
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Some of the biggest America’s Got Talent stars were actually already famous before they came to compete on the show. Talent shows allow contestants to audition for multiple opportunities even after they have found global success.
1. Daneliya Tuleshova
Before she was competing on America’s Got Talent in 2020, Daneliya Tuleshova competed on The Voice Kids in 2017. The judges predicted that she would go viral with her audition and win the show. They turned out to be right. Daneliya grew a huge global fanbase when she went on to represent Kazakhstan in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2018. This was followed by a Top 8 finish on The World’s Best in 2019. She went viral once again with her Season 15 AGT audition that solidified her status as one of the best kid singers in the competition. She made it all the way to the finale and has grown an even larger fanbase ever since.
2. The Sacred Riana
The Sacred Riana is an Indonesian magician and illusionist who gained a huge following from winning Asia’s Got Talent in 2017. Everyone thought she would receive a ton of votes when she made it to the live shows of Season 13 of America’s Got Talent. Her performances on America’s Got Talent garnered over 60 million views on YouTube. Fans were shocked beyond belief when she was eliminated in the Quarterfinals.
3. BAD Salsa
Indian dancing duo BAD Salsa competed on Season 4 of India’s Got Talent in 2012. This appearance made them well known as one of the best dancing duos in India. They won the competition after performing their jaw-dropping routines every week. They also got to meet their idol Shah Rukh Khan. Fans of Bad Salsa were delighted to see them audition for Season 15 of America’s Got Talent. Their awesome stunts propelled them all the way to the finale.
4. Les Beaux Freres
French duo Les Beaux Freres auditioned with their famous towel act on France’s Got Talent in 2014. Though they didn’t win the show, the novelty of strategically placing towels on their bodies was a hit with viewers at home. They brought this act to Season 16 of America’s Got Talent. The judges thought it was absolutely hilarious and decided to send them through to the next round.
5. Courtney Hadwin
In 2017, Courtney Hadwin auditioned for The Voice Kids UK and impressed the audience with her unique style. Who could forget those awesome dance moves that she busted out during her time on the show? She made it all the way to the finale and it became clear it was only the beginning for her. The following year, Courtney auditioned for Season 13 of America’s Got Talent. Howie Mandel gave her his Golden Buzzer. She made it all the way to the finale and became a fan-favorite contestant online.
6. Zurcaroh
Acrobatic group Zurcaroh earned the Golden Buzzer on France’s Got Talent in 2017. They made it to the finale with their death-defying stunts and colorful routines. When they auditioned for America’s Got Talent in 2018, they impressed host Tyra Banks. She gave them her Golden Buzzer which sent Zurcaroh straight through to the live shows. They finished the competition in second place behind winner Shin Lim.
7. Matt Johnson
Matt Johnson scared everyone with his risky 2018 Britain’s Got Talent audition. He locked himself in an underwater tank and had to sort through a batch of keys to unlock himself. He was featured on The World’s Best in 2019 where he made it to the Battle Rounds. Matt reunited with Simon Cowell on America’s Got Talent Season 16 with another frightening trick that nearly left him sawed in half.
8. Benicio Bryant
Kid singer Benicio Bryant had all of the judges turning their chairs on The Voice Kids Germany in 2018. He chose to be on Max Giesinger’s team and made it all the way to the finale. In 2019, Benicio auditioned for America’s Got Talent. The judges were huge fans of his captivating voice and humble personality. He made it to the finale where he got to perform with Ozuna.
9. Colin Cloud
Scottish mentalist Colin Cloud brought his crazy mind tricks to Britain’s Got Talent in 2012. He competed under the name Colin Mcleod at the time. Colin reemerged onto the talent show circuit when he auditioned for America’s Got Talent in 2017. He landed in the Dunkin’ Save in the Semifinals but did not receive enough votes to move on in the competition.
10. Laura Bretan
Opera singer Laura Bretan won Season 6 of Romania’s Got Talent in 2016. Her talent was unmatched by anyone else in the competition. She went on to audition for Season 11 of America’s Got Talent where her performance of “Nessun dorma” earned Mel B’s Golden Buzzer. Laura made it all the way to the finale with the support of Mel B throughout the competition.
