The biggest talent show in America—and the world—named a winner Wednesday night.
Jazz singer Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. took home the title of “America’s Got Talent” champ—beating out PopLyfe, The Silhouettes and Team iLumniate.
When host Nick Cannon announced his name (after an extremely long pause), Landau covered his face with his hands while the audience—and judges—gave him a standing ovation.
“Thank you so much for just believing in me,” he said to his fans and voters.
“It’s been a long hard journey,” he continued, “I’ve been busting my butt out here doing this for so long…ever since I was a kid, it’s finally paying off.”
“From a car washer to a million dollar crooner,” said Cannon, who embraced Landau with a hug.
“That’s right,” responded the talent show winner, “that’s right.”
After he spoke to Cannon, The Silhouettes surrounded Landau and gave him a huge hug.
From NBC.com:
The West Virginia-native is now going from performing for local charities to a headlining gig in Las Vegas.
And it looks like he won’t have to wash cars anymore to support his family because Landau took home $1 million after beating out dozens of other contestants throughout the show.
Votes were casted after Tuesday night’s performance show, in which Landau sang Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.”
America’s decision was announced during the two-hour finale that included acts from stars like Def Leppard and Stevie Wonder.
Other stars making appearances included: Patti LaBelle (with Landau) OneRepublic, Cobra Starship, Tony Bennett, and LeAnn Rimes.
