Did Massillon native Zion Clark make it to the next round of 'America's Got Talent'?

Former Stark County resident Zion Clark missed advancing to the next round of "America's Got Talent."

Born without legs due to a condition called caudal regression syndrome, Clark had moved on from a group of 11 performers (who appeared on Tuesday night's television show) to five contestants. The group of five was narrowed Wednesday night to two finalists — magician Anna DeGuzman and the Chibi Unity dancers.

Viewers decided the fate of the contestants with online voting on the NBC website and "America's Got Talent" smartphone app, with the results being announced on Wednesday's broadcast. The specific vote totals weren't revealed. Next week, 11 contestants will be competing for the final two spots.

"I'm so happy for you," judge Simon Cowell told Clark during Wednesday's show before final results were announced. "(Tuesday) night ... that was a sensational performance. You really, really deserve this, and I really hope I see you in the final as well."

Wrestler, fighter, motivator: Born without legs, Zion Clark to appear again on 'America's Got Talent'

On Tuesday night, during a live show, the 25-year-old Clark again entertained and wowed the judges and audience with his athletic talent, but added a twist at the end when he climbed up a pole to a drum set, where he performed a brief but highly energetic solo.

The musical ending had followed a routine in which he hopped from box to box in a gymnastics-style course before swinging from ring to ring back and forth. At the end of the performance, Clark twirled a drumstick between his fingers as pyrotechnics went off in the background.

Zion Clark's story: No excuses: Born without legs, Zion Clark to appear again on 'America's Got Talent'

Simon Cowell was both happy and sad with Zion Clark's exit

Wednesday's edition of "America's Got Talent" kept viewers in suspense until the final results were revealed. During the wait, highlights included a musical performance by actor and singer Drake Milligan, who finished third in 2022 on season 17 of the show.

Judge Howie Mandel also offered encouragement.

"America does get it right," he said of the voting, "but when you look at this top five, that's worthy of a final. We're in a semifinal. This is going to be a spectacular year, it really is."

Cowell commended the contestants who had to bid goodbye to the show.

"I feel happy," he said of those who were advancing, "but I also feel very sad right now. I'm not going to lie, but that's a testament to the fact that we had some really, really good people tonight, and I'm very sorry to lose them."

Clark, a Massillon Washington High School graduate, was among the final group of 55 performers competing for a $1 million prize and a spot in the "America's Got Talent" Las Vegas residency.

Clark has gained the admiration and praise of judges with his impressive athletic feats performed using only his hands and upper-body strength. But they have also been moved by his inspirational message.

Clark, whose family members live both in Canton and Massillon, has used his notoriety to become a motivational speaker. On his website, he offers tips and phrases that he hopes will help boost the confidence of others. On the site's homepage, under his large name in bold, are the words "No Excuses," which are also tattooed across his back.

"America's Got Talent" host Terry Crews asked Clark how he overcame the struggles in his life, which included being moved from foster home to foster home before he was adopted as a high school senior.

"Doing things that make you happy, even when you struggle, you're still doing something you love," Clark said. "And you just learn how to get over it and push to the next thing."

Zion Clark's story: Wrestler, fighter and track star

Even before his two appearances on "America's Got Talent" this summer, Clark was overcoming obstacles, including winning a mixed martial arts fight against an abled-bodied opponent. He was also a high school track star and champion college wrestler.

Additionally, Clark set Guinness World Records, including being the fastest human on two hands in a 20-meter run at 4.78 seconds.

Victor in the cage Massillon's Zion Clark achieves MMA historical first in winning his pro debut

During a recent interview, Clark told The Canton Repository that his first appearance on the television show had given him an even bigger platform to inspire and motivate others and spread his message of "no excuses."

He also said it was leading to other opportunities, including potentially working with WWE professional wrestling in some capacity.

"I think it would be something fun," he said, "but I have spent more or so (the better part) of 20 years (in martial arts). WWE is fine, but my true passion is in the cage."

In preparation for his second MMA fight, Clark said he'll be working with UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) coaches "to see where my skill level is at."

Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com

and on X (formerly Twitter) @ebalintREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Massillon's amazing Zion Clark eliminated from "America's Got Talent"