Top 10 Youngest Acts on ‘America’s Got Talent’ Ranked
NBC Reading Time: 5 minutes
The America’s Got Talent stage has been host to all walks of life over the years. Some of its biggest talents however, come from the youngest contestants. Age has no limit on skill, and the following acts proved just that. All under 16-years-old, here are the top 10 youngest acts on America’s Got Talent ranked.
10. The Amazing Shoji
This nine-year-old magician appeared on season 16 of America’s Got Talent. Inspired by magician David Roth, the young performer specializes in close-up magic. For his audition, The Amazing Shoji demonstrated a series of coin and card tricks. He even used a deck designed by Shin Lim in his act. Impressed by the skill-level of such a young magician, all four judges voted him through to the next round. Unfortunately, he was not selected in the Judge Cuts, and was ultimately eliminated from the competition.
9. Kaitlyn Maher
Four-year-old singer Kaitlyn Maher holds the title of youngest contestant ever on America’s Got Talent. She auditioned for the show back on season three, and sang “Somewhere Out There” from the movie An American Tail. The crowd praised Kaitlyn with a standing ovation following her adorable performance.
Judge Sharon Osbourne even praised the young star for remembering the lyrics and following the melody. She received three yeses and made it all the way to the top 10. Throughout her journey, she sang songs like “What a Wonderful World” and “Beauty and the Beast.” She is definitely one of the cutest contestants to ever grace the AGT stage.
8. Quintavious Johnson
Powerhouse vocalist, Quintavious Johnson, auditioned for America’s Got Talent at just 12-years-old. Known for his soulful voice and mature technique, Quintavious made it all the way to the finale on season nine. In his audition, he blew the judges away with his rendition of Beyonce’s “Listen.” He also received multiple standing ovations throughout the competition and even performed with Jennifer Hudson in the final round. Together, they sang “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” Although he finished fifth in the competition, he was one of the only contestants to receive a consolation prize to Universal Studios.
7. Peter Rosalita
Season 16 contestant, Peter Rosalita is a ten-year-old vocalist who took the stage with his rendition of “All By Myself.” His astounding vocals earned him four yeses from the judges and led to his place in the Semifinals. Here, he performed Mariah Carey’s “Without You” and even managed to make Simon Cowell a bit emotional. However, he did not receive enough votes to advance to the finals. As a fan favorite, his elimination came with great shock and disappointment.
6. Celine Tam
This nine-year-old Hong Kong Native auditioned for AGT on season 12. Prior to her audition, the adorable singer joked with Cowell about her Celine Dion obsession. Naturally, Celine decided to deliver a powerful rendition of “My Heart Will Go On.” Her beautiful voice blew the judges away, and an unanimous “yes” vote got her to the next round. In the Judge Cuts, Celine sang Michael Bolton’s “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You.” Her rendition was moving enough to receive the Golden Buzzer from guest judge, Laverne Cox, sending her straight to the Quarterfinals. Ultimately, Celine made it to the Semifinal round before being eliminated.
5. Angelica Hale
On season 12 of America’s Got Talent, nine-year-old singer Angelica Hale took the AGT stage. With a dream to be “the next Whitney Houston” the young powerhouse blew everyone away with her rendition of “Rise Up” by Andra Day. With unanimous “yes” votes, Angelica moved on to the Judge Cuts round. It was here that the competition changed forever.
After her performance of Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire” she received the Golden Buzzer from guest judge Chris Hardwick. She was sent straight to the Quarterfinals and continued to impress week after week before the finale. At this stage, she sang “What doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger” with Kelly Clarkson, and ended up walking away in second place. In 2019, she returned for AGT Champions where she received yet another Golden Buzzer.
4. Jackie Evancho
One of the most memorable young stars to emerge from the realm of AGT is none other than Jackie Evancho. The Opera singer auditioned for season five via YouTube with her rendition of “Panis Angelicus” at just ten-years-old. Receiving the most votes out of every online audition, she was invited to sing live for the judges. Her seemingly adult voice shocked everyone and she was sent straight to the Quarterfinals. Ultimately, Jackie made it all the way to the Finale where she performed “Time to Say Goodbye” with Sarah Brightman. While she was definitely a fan favorite, she took second place behind contestant Michael Grimm.
3. Bianca Ryan
America’s Got Talent’s first ever winner, Bianca Ryan, was just 11-years-old when she took home the million dollar prize. On season one, Bianca sang “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” in her audition. Blown away by the maturity in her voice, Piers Morgan, Brandy, and David Hasselhoff all voted “yes.” In the finals, Bianca was mentored by celebrity coach, Yolanda Adams and performed “I Am Changing.”
In the end, Bianca beat out all the other contestants and landed in first place. Recently, Bianca appeared on the AGT stage once again for The Champions. Here, she was voted in the top three before being eliminated.
2. Darci Lynne Farmer
Astounding singing ventriloquist Darci Lynne Farmer won season 12 of America’s Got Talent at just 12-years-old. In her audition, she sang George Gershwin’s “Summertime” accompanied by her rabbit puppet. Moved by her performance, judge Mel B pressed her Golden Buzzer and sent her straight to the Quarterfinals.
Darci Lynne’s skills impressed week after week and came with a number of standing ovations. In the finale, she performed “Anything You Can Do” from Annie Get Your Gun alongside AGT alum Terry Fator. In the end, Darci Lynne won the million dollar prize and went on to headline her own show in Las Vegas. Later on, she competed again for The Champions, coming in second place behind Shin Lim.
1. Grace Vanderwaal
This unique indie singer took home the championship on season 11 of America’s Got Talent. In her audition she sang her original song “I Don’t Know My Name” while strumming along to the ukulele. Astounded by her performance, judge Howie Mandel pressed his Golden Buzzer, sending Grace on to the live shows. Cowell later commented that she could be “the next Taylor Swift.”
In the finals, Grace performed yet another original song and received a standing ovation from all the judges. In the end, Grace reigned victorious and went on to release her debut EP, Perfectly Imperfect a short time after.
I’ve been a super fan of Bianca Ryan. I still listen to her CD. Then came Darci Lynne. Wow. I’m not sure I could choose a winner if I had to, so I’ll just go on loving them both. I hope I get to see them IRL someday. Now THAT would complete my bucket list.