The I.B.M. Blog & Articles

The International Brotherhood of Magicians

19 Feb

Shin Lim wins AGT, AGAIN!

Category: Blog   Posted by: C. DENNIS SCHICK

Magician Shin Lim is the Champion of Champions!

On Tuesday, February 18, 2019, Shin Lim was named the winner over eleven other finalists in the first "America's Got Talent: The Champions."  Since he won the regular season of America's Got Talent last year, he is the first -- and only -- two-time winner of the popular talent competition.

He had to beat 49 Got Talent finalists and winner from around the world to take the title of Champion of Champions.

True to form, he stuck with his playing card illusions throughout the competition. After all, that is what got him through the various stages of the competition last year. Why change a good thing? He has developed into one of the finest card magicians of all time.

He used variations of cards appearing and disappearing, changing places, changing colors, etc. He added smoke coming out of his mouth, smoke coming out of individual cards, and smoke coming out of a decks of cards. There were card predictions, card transpositions, and even card levitations. He used technology and music to enhance his sleight-of-hand. All this along with his sultry looks, magnetism, and sheer likeability led to his win,

Obviously the voters of America -- "Super Fans" this time -- were impressed with his sheer sleight-of-hands skills, as well as the creativity and originality of this twenty-seven-year-old.

Lim won over four other "Top Five" finalists. Preacher Lawson, a comedian, won fifth place, followed by opera singer Cristina Ramos, Kseniya Simonova, a sand artist (you had to see her working), and kid ventriloquist, Darcy Lynne Farmer (the winner in 2017).

Magic was well-represented in the AGT: The Champions. Another magician -- ex-professional football player Jon (Jonathan) Dorenbos -- was one of the finalists. He was a finalist in Season Eleven of AGT. In addition, The Clairvoyants --  Thommy Ten and Amelie van Tass -- performed on the finals show. They finished second on Season 11 of AGT.

There will be somewhat of a new look for Season 14 of America's Got Talent this Summer. Actresses Julianne Hough and Gabrielle Union will replace current judges Mel B and Heidi Klum. Host of America's Got Talent: The Champions Terry Crews will replace Tyra Banks as emcee. Returning as judges will be comedian Howie Mandel, and Simon Cowell (who is producer and founder of the show.)

Shin Lim has another challenge in August. He is getting married. In fact, he gives his fiancee, Casey, credit for talking him into competing in the regular competion last year, as well as in this year’s The Champions competition. Both worked out well for him (them).


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