Try GOLD - Free
The stars were aligned for me
The Journal
|June 13, 2025
VENTRILOQUIST PAUL ZERDIN TELLS MARION MCMULLEN HOW WINNING AMERICA'S GOT TALENT BACK IN 2015 CHANGED HIS LIFE
-
What was it like getting the golden buzzer when you appeared on America's Got Talent?
It came during what they call the judge's cut and winning it, well, I didn’t see that coming at all. I worked really hard and my aim was to get to the finals and get some exposure. I didn’t expect to win it. I was just making sure if I got through to another round I had it mapped out what I was doing and it was all planned in my head. (Laughs) I think the stars were aligned for me.
Did you get much time to celebrate the 2015 win?
Not really. The press office at NBC move in and march you around for the next three days doing back-to-back interviews and there was not much time to celebrate.
It was an intense time and then I came home to the UK because I had commitments. It was just a bonkers time.
I was playing in Vegas and Nigel Havers came over to heckle me. It was very funny. We are great friends, he’s a bit like an older, naughty brother, and I knew he was coming, but had no idea what he had planned. He had never been to Vegas before and couldn't believe it.
Is your time now split between the UK and America?
This story is from the June 13, 2025 edition of The Journal.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Journal
The Journal
We won't risk Gordon unless fit, vows Tuchel
ENGLAND manager Thomas Tuchel has promised Newcastle United that he won’t risk Anthony Gordon unless he is convinced of his fitness.
1 min
November 08, 2025
The Journal
Graeme Whitfield
As someone who tries to be as positive as possible about the political process, a thing that drives me mad is the way that politicians hold their opponents to a higher standard than their own colleagues.
2 mins
November 08, 2025
The Journal
Scotland's dreaming of making history
RUGBY Sione Tuipulotu and Scotland are relishing the challenge of trying to mark 100 years of Murrayfield by conquering the All Blacks for the first time ever today.
1 mins
November 08, 2025
The Journal
Big home improvements are needed for the Heed
GATESHEAD manager Alun Armstrong has set his sights on improving his side’s dismal home record as they meet Solihull Moors at the International Stadium.
2 mins
November 08, 2025
The Journal
Gunners boss praise for 'one of the best' signings this summer
ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has hailed Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka as “one of the best” signings this summer ahead of today's reunion.
1 mins
November 08, 2025
The Journal
Drink-driver who crashed his car into a tree banned
A DRINK-DRIVER was caught when he ploughed his car into a tree in a busy Northumberland town.
1 min
November 08, 2025
The Journal
Beat the burglars
Protect your property during the darker nights, says SAM WYLIE-HARRIS
2 mins
November 08, 2025
The Journal
Pep joins the 1000 club with Sir Alex
SIR Alex Ferguson has congratulated Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola ahead of his 1,000th match as a manager.
1 mins
November 08, 2025
The Journal
Higher tax required for online betting, say MPs
THE Government should not “cave in to industry scaremongering” and tax online betting games at a rate that reflects their harm, MPs have said.
1 mins
November 08, 2025
The Journal
Prepare for the depths of winter
NOW IS THE TIME TO LOOK AFTER YOUR POND - OR EVEN START BUILDING ONE
2 mins
November 08, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size
