Season 14 Overview and Broadcast Details
Season 14 of America's Got Talent aired on NBC in 2019 as part of the long-running reality competition series. The season featured a new judge, singer and actress Kelly Clarkson, who joined returning judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Sofia Vergara. Auditions took place in multiple cities across the United States, with the live shows filmed at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. The season concluded with a two-hour finale broadcast on September 18, 2019, drawing an average of around 10 million viewers, according to Nielsen data reported by industry sources like Forbes.
The season introduced several format adjustments to the live shows, including a new "Golden Buzzer" twist that allowed each judge to send an act directly to the finals. The host for the season remained Terry Crews, who continued his role from previous seasons. Production was handled by Fremantle and Syco Entertainment, with Simon Cowell's Syco Entertainment serving as the primary production company behind the format. The season's theme music and stage design were updated to reflect a modernized look for the franchise.
Winner, Runner-Up, and Final Standings
The winner of Season 14 was Korean-born magician and mentalist Choi "Daniel" Yu, who performed under the stage name Daniel Emmet. He won the $1 million prize and the headlining residency at the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The runner-up was singer and guitarist Kodi Lee, a blind and autistic performer who gained widespread attention for his emotional renditions of classic songs. Third place went to the dance group V.Unbeatable, known for their acrobatic routines set to music.
Final standings were determined by a combination of audience votes cast through the NBC app, website, and phone lines during the live finale. The results were announced live on the same broadcast, with host Terry Crews revealing each placement in reverse order. The finale also featured guest performances from previous winners and notable acts from the season, including singer and guitarist Emanne Beasha, who finished in fourth place. The season's winner, Daniel Emmet, went on to perform in Las Vegas residencies and continued to tour with the America's Got Talent live tour.
Judges, Hosts, and Notable Contestants
The judging panel for Season 14 consisted of Simon Cowell, known for his blunt critiques; Howie Mandel, the comedian and actor; Sofia Vergara, the Colombian actress; and Kelly Clarkson, the pop singer and American Idol winner. Kelly Clarkson joined the panel as a replacement for former judge Mel B, bringing a music industry perspective to the evaluations. Terry Crews returned as the sole host, managing live show transitions and interacting with contestants backstage.
Notable contestants beyond the top four included singer and guitarist Emanne Beasha, who received the Golden Buzzer from Simon Cowell for her operatic performance of "Nessun Dorma." The dance duo Lights Crew impressed judges with their synchronized street dance routines. Singer and rapper Joseph Allen, known as "Joseph Allen," also gained attention for his original compositions. The season featured a wide range of acts, from singers and dancers to magicians, comedians, and novelty performers, reflecting the broad talent scope of the franchise. For more details on the show's format and history, visit the official NBC America's Got Talent page.