FANS were furious after magician Dustin Tavella was announced as the season 16 champion, as they believed Aidan Bryant was ‘robbed’ from the number one spot.
The America’s Got Talent star wowed the audience and the judges with his touching story and incredible magic act.
Fans showed outrage when Dustin Tavella, 35, was announced as the season winner, and acrobat Aidan Bryant was left as runner-up.
Many stormed social media outlets to express their disdain for the decision, as they claimed the magician was a “joke.”
“BOOOOOO,” one savagely wrote, while a second asserted: “Should’ve been aidan.”
“What a joke…..” another agreed, while a fourth yelled: “AIDEN GOT ROBBED.”
One user commented: “Congrats to Dustin, but we all know who the true winner is…”, while a final slammed: “AGT blew it two years in a row!!!! They named another storyteller the winner. So disappointing.”
MAGICAL ENDING
Dustin was declared the winner of AGT on Wednesday night after inspiring viewers with his homeless ministry and magic talent.
The Philadelphia native aimed to inspire audiences by using magic to connect with people from all different walks of life.
The performer currently resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with his wife, Kari, and their two adopted sons.
Not only has Dustin worked with the homeless, but he has also donated his time to crisis pregnancy ministry.
During the first round of season 16, the father of two received a standing ovation from the judges and the audience following a special card trick that involved his family.
The part-time musician spoke to Entertainment Tonight, after his win saying: “[So I’d like to] say thank you to all of the judges for every word of encouragement they’ve spoken.
“I have held all of these words like so close to my heart.”
When asked what the next season of auditioners should know, he said confidently: “Be you.”
“Find out what you love, what you’re good at. You’re gonna enjoy doing what you love more than you enjoy trying to be like someone else.”
He encouraged: “Keep going and don’t give up. This was not my first season auditioning for America’s Got Talent.”
‘NATURAL TALENT’
Dustin’s closing performance was against finalist Aidan Bryant, a self-taught aerialist also from Virginia.
The 16-year-old competitor only began learning the skill two years prior to auditioning, by using his grandmother’s bedsheet and a tree in their front yard.
According to NBC, Aidan “mastered contortion, hand balancing, and even archery without any dance or gymnastics experience,” and his natural talent sent him roaring to the finals.
After his win, Dustin will receive a massive cash prize of $1M – which is paid out over the course of 40 years.
He will also get the opportunity to headline a residency at Luxor in Las Vegas.
The publicity from the show has also served as a prize in the past, as it will help launch his career even further.
Dustin touched the hearts of Americans when he and his wife Kari were able to adopt two biological siblings.
After his final performance, judge Simon Cowell told the magician: “You are a good storyteller.”
“I think you just gave yourself a shot on winning this game.”
