Magician Shin Lim ‘Went Into a State of Shock’ When He Won America’s Got Talent
Shin Lim pulled off the ultimate magic trick by winning America’s Got Talent.
The 26-year-old self-taught magician tells PEOPLE he still can’t believe co-host Tyra Banks announced him as the winner of season 13 during Wednesday’s results show.
“For me, the whole thing was kind of like a dream. When Tyra announced my name, I went into a state of shock,” says Lim, who was born in Canada and currently lives in Acton, Massachusetts.
“I couldn’t really hear anything because the cannons went off behind me. It was quite memorable. Definitely going to remember that feeling for the rest of my life,” he adds.
Less than 24 hours after hearing his name called out as the champion, Lim is getting used to the idea of winning $1 million and a headlining gig at the Paris Theater at Paris Las Vegas from Nov. 2-4.
“It’s kind of settling down now but it’s still a blur. I really can’t believe that a card magician could win AGT like this. Magicians in general struggle on the show, so for me to make it to the Top 5 was like wow,” says Lim, who ate an In-N-Out burger immediately after the results show to celebrate his victory.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better platform. I couldn’t have asked for anything more amazing than this. It’s so life-changing and so many incredible memories that I’m trying to hold on to. I don’t want to forget it,” he adds.
Looking back on his season 13 journey, Lim admits he has one regret.
“The quarterfinals, I wish that was better. I guess I wasn’t focused enough,” he says. “I think I might have been nervous. It wasn’t my best performance. I do wish that one could have been better.”
RELATED: America’s Got Talent Finale: Meet Season 13’s Top 10 Finalists
During his time on AGT, Lim opened up about his carpal tunnel syndrome, which he was diagnosed with at age 20 and is what forced him to give up his piano career.
“I think the best thing to take out of my story is there’s always another way. Even when a door closes, another one does open because there’s always another way out. I really thought my career was over when I quit playing the piano because that’s all I did,” he says. “I practiced three hours a day since I was nine. My parents, my friends, my teachers, they all thought that I was going to be a concert pianist so that was my vision as well. I thought it was all over, genuinely for a year.”
As a hobby, Lim had practiced magic, starting at age 16, but quickly realized it was his passion.
“But then magic started to somehow pick up and I started actually making money from magic. I thought, ‘Wow this is actually possible. I can make a living off of this.’ That’s what I want to tell people: you can do it,” he says.
After his big AGT win, Lim, who calls retired magic star Lance Burton his idol, looks to wow fans with even bigger close-up tricks and more sleight of hand moves.
“Something along the lines of the finale,” he teases of his Paris Theater shows. “The finale gave me hope and inspiration that I can actually continue doing stuff like that. It gave me a lot of hope.”
Tickets for Lim’s Vegas shows, featuring season 13 finalists Vicki Barbolak, Samuel J. Comroe, Brian King Joseph, Courtney Hadwin and Duo Transcend, go on sale on Friday and can be purchased at www.AGTVegas.com.
Season 14 auditions for America’s Got Talent are currently underway and interested acts can register at www.AGTAuditions.com.
11 Stars Who Got Dumped Via Text: OMG WE R DONE LOL
They may sing better than most people on the planet. Or dance. Or act. Or hit a tennis ball.
But even some of the biggest celebrities on the planet are just like the random people featured in this photo gallery: they've been dumped via text message or over the phone.
Fortunately, they've managed to pick up the pieces and move on. But these break-ups will live forever in embarrassing infamy...
1. James Harden
2. Katy Perry
3. Kevin Federline
5. Taylor Swift
6. Jennifer Aniston
7. Carrie Underwood
21 Celebrities With REALLY Weird Addictions
Everyone has a vice. Maybe it's coffee, maybe it's alcohol, or maybe it's spending too much time watching Netflix.
But these celebrities have addictions that are, well, they're pretty darn weird.
From carrot juice and tanning to eyeliner and online gaming, find out which celebrities have some very strange addictions!
1. Megan Fox
2. Anna Kendrick
3. Robert Pattinson
4. Cheryl Cole
5. Avril Lavigne
6. Michelle Williams
13 Best Reality TV Show Villains
There are a lot of villains on reality TV.
They keep viewers tuned in every single week.
Their sole purpose is to cause a whole lot of drama to keep their show in the media.
We've compiled a list of 13 of the best reality TV villains!
1. Spencer Pratt
2. Chad Johnson
3. Simon Cowell
4. Teresa Giudice
5. Scott Disick
6. The Situation
Celebrity Car Fetishes
Cars are a luxury. People may not necessarily realize it, but they are. A majority of the world gets from place to place on their own two feet or via public transit. If you have a car, you can consider yourself lucky. Especially considering the fact that they’re pricey to own, and they’re a depreciating asset.
Seeing as though cars are such a luxury and take money to own, they’re the perfect muse for celebrities to focus all of their adoration and seemingly unlimited finances upon. You’ve probably noticed how most celebrities have cars that the rest of the world is envious of. What is it about cars that begs the rich to spend their money on them only to have them sit in garages and never be driven?
The answer to that question is debatable. The fact of the matter is that celebrities have car fetishes, but at least the rest of the world can occasionally get a glance into the beauts that sit inside their guarded display rooms. If you don’t know just how fetishy the car thing can get with celebs, take a look at some of the things they own.
Dr. Dreamy’s Dreamy Ride
The man Patrick Dempsey himself has always been known to be a car lover. He’s a racecar driver, after all. Within his collection is a Jaguar XK120. The car itself was only manufactured between 1948 and 1954 and it was Jaguar’s first sports car. The body is sexy as a car can get. Dempsey also owns a Porsche GT3RS, a Mercedes Benz SLS, and a Mercedes Benz G-Wagon.
He probably owns more, but those are the car’s he’s made an appearance in public in. Who knows what he owns that doesn’t get driven because the sheer value of the car makes it so that it’s too risky to parade it on the streets.
Friends With Wheels
Matt LeBlanc off of the popular television show friends owns a Ferrari 360 Modena. The funny part is that the car only has 8,000 miles on it. That means it literally sits in his garage for him to oggle at whenever he wants. That’s all good and well, but it might be a sign you have too much money when you buy things to let them sit unused for the whole of their lives.
Simon’s Pride and Joy
Perhaps the most impressive, although not as attractive celebrity owned car is the car owned by Simon Cowell. He has a Bugatti Veyron that is valued at one million dollars. If you can afford to spend a mil on a car, you can officially call your love of cars a fetish. In any case, it looks like these celebrities don’t have to ask themselves the basic questions involved in buying cars, they don’t need to follow guidelines for purchase. They just see a car they like and they add it to their collection, no questions asked.
Simon Cowell’s Son Eric Adorably Crashes Interview with Terri Seymour
Simon Cowell‘s son Eric Philip is already getting used to the spotlight.
Eric, 20 months, toddled into a recent Extra interview as his famous dad spoke about joining America’s Got Talent as a judge, and quickly stole the show.
Eric made his dad proud as he teased Extra‘s Terri Seymour by pretending to offer her a carrot but then giving the snack back to Cowell, who high-fived him and said, “That’s my boy!”
Cowel, 56, says he and his son, whom he named after his late father, have a lot in common.
“When he just wants something, he’s like me. He says it over and over again,” he explains.
Cowell and girlfriend Lauren Silverman welcomed Eric in February 2014.
Simon Cowell Reveals His Parenting Advice for Louis Tomlinson: ‘Just Enjoy It’
Simon Cowell has embraced fatherhood — and he thinks One Direction crooner Louis Tomlinson should do the same.
In an exclusive interview with Good Morning Britain, the X Factor U.K. judge says he’s shared advice with the dad-to-be based on his own experiences with 20-month-old son Eric.
“I just said, ‘Enjoy it.’ If I had been his age and someone had said, ‘You’re going to have a baby,’ I’m not sure how I would have coped with it,” Cowell shares. “But he did call me and I said, ‘When you’ve embraced it, you’ll be amazed how much you are going to love it. It will change your life for the better.’ ”
Dave M. Benett/WireImage
Tomlinson is expecting his first child with stylist Briana Jungwirth early next year.
Cowell, 56, says his own world was rocked when he welcomed his son with Lauren Silverman in 2014. He admits parenting took some getting used to.
“I’m great with puppies, I’m not great with babies because a puppy will respond. Babies at a certain age don’t do anything,” he explains. “When he was about 5 or 6 [months old], I was like … I just don’t know what to do! Because he wasn’t reacting to me and I thought, ‘Maybe he hates me.’ ”
The star was advised to be patient with the little guy and, then, “suddenly one day they are talking, listening, responding … communicating,” Cowell shares. “It’s a whole different ball game, and also they become a bit like you.”
Cowell jokes that he isn’t sure if “funny little thing” Eric picking up his personality is necessarily a “good thing” though.
The tiny tot has at least one of his dad’s good qualities — an ear for good music.
“He loves music, and when I say loves it, loves it!” he says. “Fortunately, one of the first records I got on tape of him playing along to was a One Direction record, so he’s got good taste.”
Watch the full interview on Good Morning Britain, Thursday starting at 6 a.m.
– Lindsay Kimble
9 Stars Who Got Dumped Via Phone: WE R DONE LOL
They may sing better than most people on the planet. Or dance. Or act. Or hit a tennis ball.
But even some of the biggest celebrities on the planet are just like the random people featured in this photo gallery: they've been dumped via text message or over the phone.
Fortunately, they've managed to pick up the pieces and move on. But these break-ups will live forever in embarrassing infamy...
1. Katy Perry
2. Kevin Federline
3. Caroline Wozniacki
4. Taylor Swift
5. Jennifer Aniston
6. Carrie Underwood
9 Stars Who Got Dumped Via Phone: WE R DONE LOL
They may sing better than most people on the planet. Or dance. Or act. Or hit a tennis ball.
But even some of the biggest celebrities on the planet are just like the random people featured in this photo gallery: they've been dumped via text message or over the phone.
Fortunately, they've managed to pick up the pieces and move on. But these break-ups will live forever in embarrassing infamy...
1. Katy Perry
2. Kevin Federline
3. Caroline Wozniacki
4. Taylor Swift
5. Jennifer Aniston
6. Carrie Underwood
Simon Cowell Is ‘Absolutely Delighted’ Louis Tomlinson Is Going to Be a Dad
Dave M. Benett/WireImage
Simon Cowell was one of the first people to hear Louis Tomlinson‘s baby news, PEOPLE confirms.
One Direction heartthrob Tomlinson, 23, called Cowell three weeks ago to break the news that Briana Jungwirth is expecting their first child, a friend confirms.
“Simon was one of the first people Louis called after he’d told his family. Louis was so excited and he wanted to tell Simon himself,” the source tells PEOPLE.
The music mogul, 55, and Tomlinson are good friends and partners in their work.
Cowell is the man behind One Direction, and earlier this year, Tomlinson launched a new record label under Syco, his mentor’s company.
“Simon was absolutely delighted for Louis and told him that becoming a dad was the best thing that had ever happened to him. He told him if he ever needed any advice to let him know,” the source says.
Cowell became a father for the first time on Valentine’s Day 2014 when his girlfriend Lauren Silverman gave birth to their son Eric.
Despite being overjoyed with fatherhood, Cowell has confessed to never changing a diaper!
“Simon knows Louis already has lots of experience with babies and adores kids,” adds the source.
“Louis’ youngest twin brother and sister are only 17 months old and he’s incredibly close to all of his seven siblings — and his mum is a midwife.
“But adjusting to being a dad will be a change, of course, so having Simon’s advice when he needs it means a lot to Louis.”
With Briana – AKM-GSI
Meanwhile, Tomlinson’s friends believe he will find it “relatively easy” adjusting to being a dad — and say he can’t wait to experience daddy duty.
“Simon has even offered to give Louis a ride on his private plane anytime he needs to fly between the U.K. and the U.S. to see their baby,” the friend says.
Cowell regularly commutes by private jet between his international offices in the U.K. and the U.S.
Tomlinson is currently looking for an L.A. home close to Jungwirth so he can spend as much time as possible with his baby.
After Tomlinson shared his exciting news with Cowell, the mogul kept the secret to himself, and despite his excitement for the boy-band star, he didn’t tell his closest friends.
“It was early days and Simon was overjoyed for Louis, but he said it was Louis’ news to tell his colleagues and friends in time,” the source explains.
Cowell has spent the past few weeks in mourning for his beloved mom Julie Cowell, who recently passed away.
15 Top Reality TV Salaries: Who’s Making the Biggest Bucks Just For Being Themselves?
They may get criticized for lacking talent or offering up fraudulent versions of their lives and personalities, but the reality TV stars who help score the big ratings also bring in the big bucks.
Kris Jenner and her brood just earned $100 million for four more seasons of Keeping Up With the Kadashians. The imprisoned Teresa Giudice made $700,000 for her final year of filming The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
Not bad salaries for a bunch of non-college grads who can't sing, act, dance or play sports, but you know what's really shocking?None of those folks are even in the top five when it comes to reality show earners.
Check out the list below to see who's really getting rich from what's arguably America's favorite kind of entertainment:
15. Simon Cowell
14. Howard Stern
13. Ryan Seacrest
12. Christina Aguilera
11. Adam Levine
10. The Kardashians
Simon Cowell: ‘I Still Haven’t Changed’ My Son’s Diaper
Simon Cowell may have finally met his match: a dirty diaper.
Although the first-time father welcomed son Eric Philip on Valentine’s Day in 2014, he admits that he has yet to tackle that aspect of daddy duty.
“I still haven’t changed a nappy, but I love being a dad,” Cowell, 55, tells Hello! magazine of his 15-month-old baby boy.
“I never expected to be a father, but I love it. Eric makes me laugh. He and I communicate very well because we basically like the same things — Scooby Doo, Disney movies, laughing at the dogs.”
Courtesy Simon Cowell
But Cowell and his son aren’t the only ones constantly cracking up in their home. The Britain’s Got Talent judge’s girlfriend Lauren Silverman — who is also mom to 9-year-old Adam — can barely keep a straight face in front of Cowell.
“Simon’s house is now a family home,” she shares. “I have three boys now, including him. He’s lots of fun, he makes us all laugh a lot.”
She continues, “I think Simon has changed me. He makes me laugh all the time. I can’t get angry with him because when I’m trying to be cross, he just makes me laugh.”
Although Silverman is the leading lady among her bunch, the couple are looking forward to expanding their family — hopefully with a touch of pink!
“It would be lovely to have two and, yes, I would like to have a little girl,” Cowell shares.
No Eric. I said White shirt not t shirt pic.twitter.com/9065tM6C5g
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) May 23, 2015
Fortunately, due to a mix up during Silverman’s pregnancy with Eric, the proud parents have already decided on a name for a future daughter.
“When I was pregnant with Eric I was told by the doctors he was a girl,” says Silverman. “But he just fooled them. There were a few names floating around, but we had our name picked out and it would be lovely to have a girl.”
She jokingly adds, “The only problem is that I will feel sorry for her when she is older because she won’t be able to leave the house, and no man would dare come near here because Simon would be so protective.”
— Anya Leon
Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson React to American Idol Cancellation
Well-known for his sharp tongue and harsh criticism, Simon Cowell surprised American Idols fans with something nice to say. Whoa.
After Fox announced on May 11 that American Idol is canceled, Simon, 55, tweeted fond sentiments about his experience as a judge on the reality TV talent show.
He tweeted, “Looking back at my time on American Idol we had a great time. We found great artists. Had fun. And to America. Thank you. It was a blast."
Cowell left the insanely popular show in 2010 to serve as a judge on The X Factor.
The concept for American Idol was originally developed in the UK. And with Cowell’s help, the show was brought to the U.S. in 2002, one year after the U.K. version catapulted One Direction to fame.
Simon shared the judges' table with Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.
Of the three original judges, Jackson, 58, stayed on the show the longest.
Jackson also responded to the cancelation of American Idol. "One of greatest talent shows ever. Gave us all huge careers and birthed sooooo many stars of today. #idol," he tweeted.
He added, "Many have tried to imitate it but there will never be anything like #idol Thanks fans & talent Yall made it possible. Lets b bout the future."
The show will have one more winner before its final curtain call. American Idol launched amateur singers to stardom over its 14 years on air. Past winners include mega-stars such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks, and Phillip Phillips.
The 15th and final season will premiere January 2016. It promises to "pay tribute to the past 14 seasons of amazingly talented contestants and the millions of fans who tweeted, texted and championed their Idols.”
Simon Cowell Reacts To AMERICAN IDOL’s Cancellation!
“American Idol” will finally be singing its swan song!
With 14 years and 15 seasons under its belt, no timing could be better for the hit singing competition to bid farewell than now, especially when so much newer trends are taking over small screens.
Simon Cowell, though not with the show anymore since 2010, couldn’t help being nostalgic and emotional about the decision.
“We had a blast! Me, Paula, Randy Ryan—and not forgetting Brian. Thanks to the fans we were able to make some great shows and found some amazing artists. Fox took a risk on a brand new show and I want to thank them for giving us the opportunity. They really were great times.”
A sad news, but everyone agrees that it’s truly about time for AI to end.
More Idol news!
Amber Riley Of “Glee” Was Rejected By American Idol
Stephen King’s ‘Desperation’ Furious Over AI
American Idol Reject Sues Show For Third Time
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