![Opera Singer Crowned 'America's Got Talent' Winner](/images/news-thumb/2008/10/00018763.jpg)
Neal E. Boyd got his 1 million dollars prize after announced as the champion of 'America's Got Talent' season three.
- Oct 2, 2008
AceShowbiz - A contestant from reality show "America's Got Talent" has been crowned a winner on the Wednesday third season finale. Opera singer Neal E. Boyd becomes a favorite and finishes first after standing side by side to other finalist singer/pianist Eli Mattson as the last two standing.
Host Jerry Springer announced on the seconds leading to the revelation that there was less than one half of one percent between the final votes. When Boyd's name was called, the ex-salesman cried the tears of joy and said, "I love you, Mom. I love you, Sikeston. I love you, Missouri." He is consequently entitled to the $1 million prize.
In third place is violinists Nuttin But Stringz, fourth place singer Donald Braswell and last place of the top five, singer Queen Emily.
Boyd started singing at the age of 13 and went to the New England Conservatory in Boston to study opera. "I started mimicking (Luciano) Pavarotti and (Placido) Domingo. I wore that CD out," Boyd recounts.
The audition for the fourth season is open. For further information, log on to NBC.com.
Preview of the final five performances: