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Fan reactions are mixed as 'America's Got Talent' crowns nonmusician as winner

On the America’s Got Talent live finale Wednesday, the top 10 were trimmed down to just two acts before a winner was finally announced by host Tyra Banks.

The winner of the $1 million and the star of the headline show in Las Vegas is …” Banks said, before the customary competition show pregnant pause. “Shin Lim!”

A sleight of hand expert and close-up magic extraordinaire, Lim beat out the acrobatic dance troupe Zurcaroh. He won the $1 million prize along with his own Las Vegas show, where he’ll try to stun people the way he did earlier in the night with American Ninja Warrior hosts Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbaja-Biamila.

With acts like fan and judge favorite Michael Ketterer not winning it all, social reactions were mixed. Tweets ranged from “America got it right” to “WHY WHY WHY WHY.” While many were just “happy it wasn’t a singer that won this year.

But most fans agree that Lim, who suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome that nearly derailed his career in magic, is ready for the next big stage.

Thank you so much to everyone,” Lim said, among falling confetti and a standing ovation from the crowd. “I love you all so much.”

America’s Got Talent aired Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC. Watch clips and full episodes of America’s Got Talent for free on Yahoo View.

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