Kenichi Ebina was crowned champion of NBC's "America's Got Talent" show on Wednesday, impressing the judges with his dance moves and subsequently claiming a $1 million prize.
US Weekly reported that the 38-year-old Ebina “wowed the audience with his unique blend of pop-and-lock, mime, jazz, and contemporary and traditional Japanese dance, and his consistency throughout the season made him a bonafide star in judge Howard Stern’s eyes.”
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Stern told the magazine that all contestants “gave it their all, but Kenichi is one of a kind and I said, ‘Let’s find a super star,’ and I think we did.”
Many users on Twitter agreed.
"Kenichi’s performances were nothing short of brilliant,” tweeted @KidsWithTalent. “Well deserved winner.”
"We’re so proud of our good friend @KenichiEbina. We have worked in many shows over the years and he is a good soul and a true champion,” tweeted @KristefBrothers.
“Congratulations @KenichiEbina. You deserve it!!” tweeted supermodel Heidi Klum.
Ebina was not unknown in show business before the season began.
HollywoodLife.com reported, “Madonna is among the celebrities who have paid for one of Kenichi’s private performances – and now we wouldn’t be surprised to see him pop up in one of her music videos!”
He had taken part in competitions like Los Angeles’ "Kollaboration" Season 9 and "Singapore’s Best Dance Crew," along with a performance at the F-1 Monaco Grand Prix 2011 in Monte Carlo.
Other finalists on Wednesday’s concluding episode included 25-year-old singer Cami Bradley, 16-year-old magician Collins Key, 26-year-old comedian Taylor Williamson, the opera trio "Forte," and 32-year-old singer and Marine veteran Jimmy Rose.
“I really do think Kenichi really deserves to win,” Stern told SiriusXM’s AGT All Access before the final episode was broadcast. “I think the guy is an incredible talent, and for two reasons he deserves to win.”
“Number one, he was great all season. And number two, he creates (his own material) ... with singers who sing other people’s songs, half the challenge is over,” he said.
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