A contestant from reality show "America's Got Talent" has been crowned a winner on the Wednesday third season finale. Opera singer Neal E. Boyd becomes a favorite and finishes first after standing side by side to other finalist singer/pianist Eli Mattson as the last two standing.
Host Jerry Springer announced on the seconds leading to the revelation that there was less than one half of one percent between the final votes. When Boyd's name was called, the ex-salesman cried the tears of joy and said, "I love you, Mom. I love you, Sikeston. I love you, Missouri." He is consequently entitled to the $1 million prize.
In third place is violinists Nuttin But Stringz, fourth place singer Donald Braswell and last place of the top five, singer Queen Emily.
Boyd started singing at the age of 13 and went to the New England Conservatory in Boston to study opera. "I started mimicking (Luciano) Pavarotti and (Placido) Domingo. I wore that CD out," Boyd recounts.
The audition for the fourth season is open. For further information, log on to NBC.com.
Preview of the final five performances:
 |   Live Your Life T.I. |
 | If I Were a Boy Beyonce Knowles |
 | Hot n Cold Katy Perry |
 | So What Pink |
 | Love Lockdown Kanye West |
 | Womanizer Britney Spears |
 | Just Dance Lady GaGa |
 | Whatever You Like T.I. |
 | Miss Independent Ne-Yo |
 | Disturbia Rihanna |
Post Your Comments
I wish my dad was still here te loved to listen to really good opera singers and I'm sure he would have loved to listen to you . Thankyou it was great to hear such great talent.
from the first moment i heard Neil sing, i knew he was the winner, your the best, many many congrats.xxx
Congrats!!!
Congrats!!!
Wow! I can't believe he won! I would never pay to sit through that for an hour! I wouldn't sit through it for free! Well, maybe if he cried alot like he did on the show.. hehhee, now that would be funny!
great job, not a better person could have won. good luck with your future
NBS was fantastic! Please do a tour! Neal was also fantastic. I couldn't choose between them because both acts performed with all their heart and soul. Congratulations to Neal !!!! I'll pay to hear your CD. Hope you have one out SOON. God Bless you !! Suzy
PAAleeeze! Seems the power of the suit has spilled from Idol to AGT... no way this young man is going to make it in Vegas. Season 2 of the orignal reality show Idol SHOULD have soured me to these shows. Looks like even TV has an electoral college.... personally?? I'm done... good luck to "Queen" and the other fabulous singers who "lost".... YOU are who I will be looking for!
I CRYED WITH HAPPINESS FOR NEIL, I HAVE NEVER SEEN A MORE HUMBLE PERSON.I NEVER LISTENED TO OPERA BEFOR BUT I ABSOLUTLY LOVED THE WAY HE MADE ME FEEL.I KNOW HE WILL NEVER CHANGE. WAY TO GO, NEIL.
Im so HAPPY Neal won he fully deserved to win he sang with his whole heart he was amazing! Who would've thought an insurance salesman could be an amazing opera singer he totally stole my heart.(and no nuttin but stringz should not have won they have already preformed with a rap singer in like 2004 or something and they already have a cd)Im so happy for you neal your gunna go far! :)
i don't thimk neal should have won it.What a disaster my 10 yr. old sister sings better than him.i think either nbs or queen emily should have won.
Neal has a nice voice, but please! A Las Vegas act he is not. I thought NBS should have won. What a fabulous act for Las Vegas.
Congratulations to Neal. However, I thought the idea was to be a LV show stopper or at least fill seats? The Elvis guy was more to LV styling than Opera. Good Luck to you. Make good choices and don't let the bright lights erode your passion. ie: other celebrities who thought they were in for the love of music. I sure didn't win 1 million dollars so who's to say here you didn't deserve it!
I thought Nuttin but Strings were an exceptional act.
I missed the final show due to illness but am thrilled neil won. the others were ok but not alot of real talent this year.
Nuttin but Strings were the best VEGAS style act in the final lineup. The singer/pianist was close to average, good lounge lizard or copycat act. The opera singer? Be real. I'm no judge of opera voices, but who's going to pay good money to hear one hour of opera classics, or rock done in opera style?
Neal has no operatic control to his voice. He sings flat and will probably never make it in opera. He's a wannabe. The real winner was not among the top 5.
Neil was the best opera singer in the show. He sings with his heart and the only person in the show show was very humble! He truly deserved to win. Best wishes!
I am so glad you won, You stole my heart the first time I heard you sing. America voted for you, so don't listen to all the unfriendly postings. Do great things, and be true to yourself.
neil was good, not the best and yes there are many classically trained folks out there with better control of their voices. However, he took the chance to compete. Is he destined to be an opera star? With a little more training perhaps. But he isn't ready yet. I agree with that. I studied classical voice in college and have heard folks with better control. The man seems to belt a lot and his breathing needs work. Oh, well, it's TV what else can we expect? He showed a lot of heart. Can't say he doesn't emote.
matt k. 4 prez
nuttin but stringz rocks
Emily Queen your the best, love hearing your music. And look at like this who in there right mind listens to Opera, I don't .
thank, neil for showing american, that afro american can sing opera also. god bless betty
I'm glad Neil beat out Eli, he sounded like a fake copycat Elton John, I didnt like him. I was in total shock that NBS didnt win. I'll pay to see them anyday!
I think Neil has a fantastic voice. I also think Nothin but Strinz was The best. They are so original and really put their heart and soul into what they do. I hope to see them in the big times real soon.
Nuttin but stringz should have won they were the ONLY act i would actually pay to see while in vegas they were original and very passionate! they are the winners 4 me no matter what!
Queen Emily lost any chance for me to vote for her when she fell to the floor and acted all ghetto when they told her she was going to the semi-finals. Everyone else was just as excited but she had to act a fool. I'm happy she came in 5th; she didn't deserve to be in the finals at all. Love Donald and Neal and was surprised when Strings didn't win. I'll go to Vegas and see Neal perform, and hopefully to Broadway to see Donald. Good luck to all of them, except Emily.
I still like THE RUNNER UP FROM LAST YEAR cASS hALEY AND STILL CAN'T FIND A CD FROM HIM AND HAVE LOOKED SINCE LAST YEAR ANYONE OUT THERE EVER SEE ONE?
neil e boyd is such a joke. he was put into the competition by nbc and was fake all along. go queen emily! go everyone besides neil!
This show is like all the others...a farse. Nuttin But Strings was the most original Vegas type act with Queen Emily coming in second. Opera is fabulous as is Broadway and piano bars but Vegas is another story. I predict that Neil will fade into obscurity like Fantasia and Reuben from American Idol while Nuttin but Strings and Queen Emily are going places. I get it guys...
Neil has to be an upcoming new talent on the opera scene. I ws so impressed with his heart and his voice. The song he sang in his closing has been in my head ever since! Way to go!
Great performance. Opera is not usually my cup of tea but you give me goose bumps. Will purchase your CD. Also will purchase Donald's and Eli's. Great Show!!!!!!!!
All five contestants have been blessed with a beautiful gift,but neil sounded like he was singing from all his heart to our heavenly Father our creator,neil you are an angel do not ever forget who blessed you with your beautiful voice.and keep on singing because I love your angelic voice.
Neil was great through out the show...but Nuttin but Stringz really should have won. I would fly to Vegas to see them on Ely in a heart beat.
I thought they were all winners. Only three were Vegas material. I hope we will all get to see them become successful.
Neal, I just received an e-mail from our alma mater in Cape telling of your win on America's Got Talent. Although I have never watched the show, I wanted to check out Missouri's newest talent. It's been so long since a voice caused me to sit and weep when I first heard it. You could be our next Great Caruso or Mario Lonza. Does this date me or what? I look forward to your future appearances in St. Louis at Powell Symphony Hall or the Fox Theatre. I hope you read these words of encouragement. You are a blessing. With joy, a Creve Coeur, Missouri mom
Wow, I missed the last show but am so glad that enough viewers had the good sense to choose a real winner. From the first time Neil stepped on stage and opened his mouth, I melted. Pavarotti and Domingo - you did Neil superb. He listened to you and it really paid off. May you have a long and successful career, Neil.
I missed the final show but I am thrilled that Neal won. I love his voice and with appropriate coaching, he can be a superstar! This season's talent was the best I've seen. I hope that Americans everywhere will also support Eli, Donald, & Strinz, in their quest for stardom too -- they deserve it, too. I hope the talent scouts are listening. As Ed Sullivan would have said, "Great Show, really great show!" America should have enough room in her heart to embrace all of her talented citizenry.
All good acts, but Neil was by far the best. I picked him the winner very early on. Nice to se a good guy win all that money!!
All good acts, but Neil was by far the best. I picked him the winner very early on. Nice to se a good guy win all that money!!
YOU GO, BIG GUY....SO VERY PROUD OF YOU....THEY FINALLY OT ONE RIGHT.....HOPE YOU HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE !!!!!
would pay to eli perform more than once. Neal probably needs the $ more for lipo
The good Lord gave you a great gift. I loved to hear you sing. Be happy!!!!
This guy will not make anyone any money including himself. Eli much more marketing appeal. Watch you will see him again. This Opera guy?? his 15 minutes end after he was called the "winner"
All you tone deaf people need to get a hearing aide. Neal was the winner the first time he sang, Just because his music isn"t rap and crap doesn"t mean it isn"t good. I do not like opera but I like Neal and will buy his CD, Way to go Neal from KC, Mo.
Neal is certainly a winner in my book. What passion and what a voice!!!! All of the five finalists are amazing. I love you Donald and hope to see your album out soon!
Neil touched my heart every show! I am so happy for him and his family!Way to go Neil! When Neil first sang I realized I liked Opera! Can't wait to buy his CD! All the finalists were awesome and showed great character. Congratulations and best of luck to all of them!
Neil touched my heart every show! I am so happy for him and his family!Way to go Neil! When Neil first sang I realized I liked Opera! Can't wait to buy his CD! All the finalists were awesome and showed great character. Congratulations and best of luck to all of them!
Loved the show and so glad to see that Neal won. The first time I saw him, I knew he was a winner. All were GREAT and I certainly hope we hear from them again especially Donald Braswell.
Congratulations to Neal! His vocals had me in 'aw' every time. Additionally, I must say he and the others who surrounded Neal on stage were all phenominal! I hope to see all five of their names on CD's everywhere!
Again I say, Neil You are the Best....CONGRADULATIONS!! You deserve the best. God Bless You and Your Mom. Love to hear you sing morning, noon and night. Amazing, indeed.
I loved the 5, all of them..I thought "nuttin but stringZ' would win..What talent, unfortunately they could never be enjoyed on a cd but would make a great vegas show...I pray someone picks them up. The others all shined..those commenting on Neals lack of talent tsk tsk must be tone deaf he will grace the stage everywhere with help and instructions from the best...Bravo young man "BRAVO"
WHAT A NICE ENDING FOR A SHOW THAT WAS FILLED WITH SO MUCH TALENT. BEST OF LUCK TO NEAL, HE IS SO VERY TALENTED, HIS MOM WAS BE SO VERY PROUD, WHEN NEAL SINGS HE TOUCHES YOUR HEART AND INNER SOUL, AGAIN WAITING TO SEE YOUR NAME IN LIGHTS NEAL
o b driftwood, you said it best. My faith in people is restored by Neal's win. I'm so happy for him and his family. Yay, Neal!!
Congrats to Neal but Queen Emily is just as talented...you go girl!
And nwestout you are a -----hole, get a life
I voted like crazy for Neil he could be the next Pavaotti Always gave me goose bumps!James Gregory is getting ready to open for Terry Fator in Atlantic City, he has said the top 10 have their careers set.I have no doubt that A.L. Weber will hire Donald Braswell, who I loved also. Nuttun But Strings,I would love to see. They are all winners!!!! Some of you people are just so ------!!!!
since the beginning Neil has caught my eyes,His voice has capture my heart, and Every time he make it to the next level he would cry and so did I,At the end it was a tear of joys. May I say god bless you and your family,You have a brighter future ahead of you so be it make your dream come true.
congratulation Neil, you have a pleasant voice and you shall win. I was happy when your name was call can,t wait till your CD comes out.Best wishes for you and your family.
The shows name was "America's Got Talent" and America chose the winner. Those belittling the final selection of Neal Boyd should be ashamed. Though their opinion matters, they are only one compared to the millions who voted. Get over it and buy the products of your favorite finalist. Put your money where your muth is.
I love donald voice, paul, joseph the first time someone sing like elvis presley. I am from alberttown
A good voice and I'm happy for him, but to be truthful I was rooting for Donald Braswell...I would buy a cd of his in a heartbeat. Neal is good but please, as an opera lover Pavarotti is is not!
I got goosebumps all over when Neil's name was called. His passion for his music is contagious. What a thrilling finale. None of the finalists are "losers". They've left a lasting impression on America. I can't wait for Neil's first CD.
Congratulation to all of the 10 contestants kaitlyann. I am from guyana south america
I am so happy to see Neal take the prize, he had the most want for this!! I praise him and his whole family and they should all be very proud!! Hope to be able to purchase a CD someday!!!
Big Congratulations To You Neal!!! My Husband And I Were Rooting For You From The Beginning. I Think Besides Being A Beautiful Singer, You Have A likability that shines when your on stage. There is something to be said for someone with all your passion and the fact that you love & respect your Mom, adds to the whole kit-and-kaboddle. Best of luck, we will see you in Vegas! ~Janet & Tony~
Neal was good but so was nuttin but strings! They were very unique and I never seen anything like it! I think they will be very famous on day.
You are in with the Pavarotti's and all the other famous opera singers. You are the GREATEST....love your voice and personality. and....you have such a GREAT MOM.. The best of Luck. I could listen to you sing moening noon and night.
I WAS BLOWN AWAY BY NEAL, SO GLAD HE WON.I SAID IT FROM THE BEGINNING THAT HE WOULD!!
We were rooting for Neal since the audition round. I was never an opera fan, but my kids and I were mesmerized by his singing. I even got them to listen to Pavarotti's version of Nessun Dorma.
I was pleasantly surprised at the results. I wasn't expecting America to pick the best unique individual talent but rather the best Vegas showman. However, since the name of the show is "America's Got Talent" and not "America's Got Vegas Performers," it was refreshing to see America indeed choose true inspirational talent. It shows that most American's are not fooled by glitz.
America got it RIGHT!!!! What a voice! The past two years have definitely been winners. This year the last five were all great!
I weill NEVER tune in on this fiasco again. He is not trained and cannot even sing ONE WHOLE ARIA without a breath. Who are you people trying to KID. Las Vegas???? MAYBE at a carwash. Ridiculous Farce. The winning order was severely reversed.
What a digrase, all of you are confused. Do you really think he is something unique? There are hundreds of americans with his same talent! who else have you seen that even comes close to the kind of talent and performances that nothin but strings put on! YOU ARE ALL BLIND AND DEAF!!!! I might would be intrigued if he wasnt a FAT opera singer SO typical, NOT unique!!! ALmost all of you are butt pirates that ruin a good show!
Think you did a great job and hope to purchase one of your cd's soon
i am glad that neil won the show, remember to thank the one who gave it to you you might be singing for him someday