A father son dog act from New York City, Olate Dogs, beat a comedian to win the $1 million prize and the title “the best new act in America,” according to home viewers.
The dogs had an early champion among judges in Sharon Osbourne, who shrieked in delight every time hey performed. When she first came to fame in the MTV series “The Osbournes” her house was filled with similar dogs, though less talented.
As winner, Olate Dogs wins $1 million and a gig in Las Vegas. Oddly, a dog act also won “Britain’s Got Talent” earlier this year.
It was an oddball set of finalists for “America’s Got Talent” as there was no singer, but two acts who drew for their entertainment. The runner up was a deadpan comedian, Tom Cotter, who traded barbs with Joan Rivers in the finale.
Coming in third was William Close, who played a theater-sized string instrument he called an Earth harp.
First to be cut in the two hour finale that featured performances by Justin Bieber, Green Day and Flo Rida, among others, was the young dance troupe Untouchables, some of whom began to cry.
Osbourne urged them not to be sad, since it was also her last day as well. She previously announced she’ll be quitting the show after this season.
The new addition of this season, Howard Stern, didn’t prove to be the ratings bonanza the network had hoped. On a panel rounded out by Howie Mandel, it was odd to have two of the three judges named Howard.
Wearing a tie and being effusive about the talent amassed, it seemed that Stern had completely transformed from radio rebel to mainstream show biz personality.