Netflix has revealed the first winner of its “Star Search” reboot.
For the past five weeks, host Anthony Anderson has introduced viewers across the world to contestants showing off their vocal chops, dance moves, sleight of hand or other unique skills. After performing live, the contestants received feedback from the three judges — Chrissy Teigen, Jelly Roll and Sarah Michelle Gellar — who rated them on a scale of one to five stars. Then, fans watching at home also voted on the acts in real-time.
Anderson revealed after an intense hour of competition that magician TJ Salta was the winner, taking home the $500,000 prize. He saved his best trick for last, making the judges’ rings disappear and reappear in a variety of ways, including being flown in by a bird.
At the start of the finale on Tuesday, Feb. 17, eight acts in eight different categories remained, all hoping to win the cash prize. Some have been entertaining viewers since the season began, and others just earned their place in the finale last week after successfully dethroning the previous champions.
Read on for a recap of the finale, below.
What happened during the semi-finals?
For the first time this season, all of the acts went head-to-head. The second twist: The judges commented on every act, but only the audience could vote on the performances.
Here are the eight finalists and which category they represented:
- Dance: Movement 55
- Music Solo: Spud Howard
- Junior Variety: Harry Merlin Piper
- Variety: Duo Vespertilio
- Juniors Music: Madison Lauren
- Music Group: H3rizon
- Comedy: Janine Harouni
- Variety: TJ Salta
Movement 55, who last performed a routine to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” have been champions for four weeks in a row. Teenage sensation Harry Merlin Piper, 15, has also defeated his challengers four times with his captivating bait and switch magic routine. Acrobats Duo Vespertilio took their aerial routine to another level last week, continuing their four-week winning streak. Trio H3rizon switched it up to secure a spot in the finale by performing the ballad “Free” from “KPop Demon Hunters.” Rounding out the list of four-time champions is magician TJ Salta, who incorporated music into his trick in the semi-finals episode.
Spud Howard challenged Sophie Saylor last week and became the champion thanks to his soulful rendition of “Help!” by The Beatles. Along with Howard, Madison Lauren, 11, also pulled off a surprise upset in the semi-finals and was named the champion after her flawless performance of “A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman.” The final new champion is Janine Harold, whose jokes about her husband proposing to her made the audience laugh.
What happened during the finale?
After four head-to-head competitions in the first round of the finale, viewers voted for the winner from the top four. Then, the champion was crowned. Here’s a breakdown of the two rounds.
Round 1:
Madison Lauren vs. Harry Merlin Piper
Madison Lauren receives 3.79 stars.
Harry Merlin Piper receives 4.3 stars.
Winner: Harry Merlin Piper
Duo Vespertilio vs. Movement 55
Duo Vespertilio receive 3.95 stars.
Movement 55 receive 3.67 stars.
Winner: Duo Vespertilio
Spud Howard vs. H3rizon
Spud Howard receives 3.98 stars.
H3rizon receive 3.70 stars.
Winner: Spud Howard
Janine Harouni vs. TJ Salta
Janine Harouni receives 3.49 stars.
TJ Salta receives 4.32 stars.
Winner: TJ Salta
Round 2:
Top 4 Acts
Harry Merlin Piper
Duo Vespertilio
Spud Howard
TJ Salta
And the winner is…
Fourth place: Duo Vespertilio
Third place: Spud Howard
Second place: Harry Merlin Piper
First place: TJ Salta
After hearing he was named the “Star Search” grand champion, Salta dropped to his knees in disbelief. He said he was feeling “blessed” and so “grateful.”
“This is real magic right here,” Salta added.
This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:
