With a broader selection of acts than it’s ABC rival, American Idol, America’s Got Talent showcases a variety of acts with the goal that the winner will be able to showcase their talent in Las Vegas. Over the years, talents have ranged from Opera singers to magicians, but occasionally a violinist (or two) decides to audition.
Below, we’ve curated a list of several of the violinists who have made an appearance on America’s Got Talent so you can enjoy as well.
Tyler Butler-Figueroa
Tyler was 11 years old when he auditioned for the 2019 America’s Got Talent. His performance of Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Stronger’ earned him Simon Cowell’s coveted Golden Buzzer sending him straight to the quarterfinals.
At just four and a half, Tyler was diagnosed with leukemia and became a target of bullies at his school. His goal before coming on America’s Got Talent was to become “the kid who plays the violin” and drop the title of “kid with cancer.”
During his run on America’s Got Talent, Tyler made it to the Finals, but did not receive enough votes to move to the final 5.
Brian King Joseph
Brian King Joseph (BKJ) is an electric violinist who starred in the 13th Season (2018) of America’s Got Talent. Nicknamed “The King of Violin,” Brian began playing the violin at age 4 and has performed with George Clinton & P Funkadelics, Machine Gun Kelly, and many others. He auditioned for AGT by playing DJ Snake’s and Major Lazer’s “Lean On.”
Brian finished the competition in 3rd place behind Shin Lim and Zurcaroh.
Below are some of his select AGT performances. The last one, where BKJ plays “Heartless” by Kanye West is absolutely stunning.
Nuttin’ But Stringz
Two brothers from Queens, Tourie and Damien Escobar, were the original violinists on America’s Got Talent. They both attended Julliard School and auditioned for the third season of America’s Got Talent. They, like BKJ above, finished 3rd overall (why can’t violinists win AGT??).
While this last video isn’t from AGT, it represents the impressive talents that this duo has.