'AGT: All-Stars' finale recap: Which finalist won it all?

Erin Jensen, USA TODAY
·4 min read
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The “America’s Got Talent: All-Stars” panel of super-fans has crowned aerialist Aidan Bryant the best of the best during Monday's finale.

The Season 16 runner-up shared his shock after being announced the winner as pyrotechnics illuminated the stage. "This experience is crazy," said Bryant, 18. "I am so thankful. This is so crazy, y’all. This meant so much to me."

Judge Simon Cowell congratulated Bryant and consoled the panel's pick for second place, saxophonist Avery Dixon.

"There is no loser tonight," said Cowell. "Both of you are winners, genuinely … I want to congratulate you (Bryant) for formally winning. I want to congratulate you, Avery, for also winning. Talent has won tonight!"

In Monday's finale, Adam Lambert sang as aerialist Aidan Bryant and balancing act the Bello Sisters showcased their talents.
In Monday's finale, Adam Lambert sang as aerialist Aidan Bryant and balancing act the Bello Sisters showcased their talents.

Bryant beat 10 other finalists who competed on "AGT" or on one of its global franchises. The competition, which kicked off in January, brought 60 (mostly sensational) acts together to fight for a sizeable golden trophy.

"There is no prize other than the biggest prize, which is you will be crowned the best of the best," Cowell said on last week’s episode.

Aidan Bryant's journey on 'America's Got Talent'

Bryant lost in 2021 to magician Dustin Tavella. When Bryant auditioned for "All-Stars," he made it known that he intended to come out on top.

"I want to win so bad, and I’m here to prove it,"  the Virginia native said at the time. "I have grown so much: my flexibility, my lines, choreography. So, let’s do it.”

And he did it. Bryant's performance in the finals rendered Cowell speechless.

"I am literally searching for words right now," Cowell said. "I have never, ever, ever on a movie, on this show, anywhere seen anything so incredible as that and so dangerous and so brilliant and so well-coordinated."

"AGT: All-Stars" contestants Kodi Lee and Light Balance Kids perform on the finale.
"AGT: All-Stars" contestants Kodi Lee and Light Balance Kids perform on the finale.

Avery Dixon comes in second place, dance group Light Balance Kids gets third, plus more 'AGT' highlights

Bryant, a self-taught aerialist, beat saxophonist Dixon, Season 14 winner singer Kodi Lee, teen ventriloquist Ana-Maria Mărgean (fourth place), child magician Aidan McCann (fifth place), comedian Mike E. Winfield, dance group Light Balance Kids (third place), Detroit Youth Choir, singer Tom Ball, balancing act the Bello Sisters and aerialists Power Duo.

Earlier during Monday's two-hour finale, the finalists performed for one last time in mashups.

"American Idol" alum Adam Lambert also made a surprise appearance and performed Sia’s "Chandelier," accompanied on stage by Bryant and the Bello Sisters. Ball and the Voices of Hope Children's Choir sang Queen’s "Who Wants to Live Forever."

Lee belted out Avicii’s "Wake Me Up" as the Light Balance Kids danced. Lee, donning his own jacket with lights, also danced with the crew.

The Detroit Youth Choir and Weezer collaborated on a special rendition of the band’s 2005 hit "Beverly Hills." Winfield and show host Terry Crews filmed a sketch about Winfield attempting to fill Crews’ shoes. McCann and his fellow magician Mat Franco, winner of "AGT" Season 9, had some tricks up their sleeves for the judges.

Babyface joined "AGT: All-Stars" contestant, saxophonist Avery Dixon.
Babyface joined "AGT: All-Stars" contestant, saxophonist Avery Dixon.

Mărgean performed with the man who inspired her to get into ventriloquism, Terry Fator. Fator won Season 2 of NBC’s competition but failed to progress past "All-Stars" auditions. The two, along with their puppets, performed "A Little Less Conversation" by Elvis Presley.

Mărgean described the experience as "another dream coming true."

Dixon and Babyface performed Bobby Brown’s "Every Little Step," while Power Duo took to the air as former "AGT" contestant, electronic violinist/dancer Lindsey Stirling played.

It was an incredible end to an incredible season.

How the season played out:

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'AGT: All-Stars' winner: Which of the remaining finalists won it all?