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Dustin Tavella wins season 16 of America's Got Talent

Congratulations!

Ahad Sanwari
Ahad Sanwari - New York
Senior WriterNew York
Updated: September 15, 2021
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Well, we've made it! After 21 episodes, eight auditions, three quarter-finals, two semi-finals, and a grand finale, we have a winner!

MORE: Sofia Vergara and Heidi Klum show off their spectacular AGT finale outfits

In a grand finale episode chock full of celebrity cameos and roof-raising performances, the show announced the winner of the newest season.

WATCH: Sofia Vergara teases AGT in new TV promo

It's official: the latest America's Got Talent finally revealed that magician Dustin Tavella was named the winner of the 16th season of the competition show, with aerialist Aidan Bryant as the runner-up and comedian Josh Blue in third place.

The Virginia native proved to be a major frontrunner since the very beginning of the season, constantly wowing the judges and audiences with his powerful performances.

MORE: Simon Cowell makes rare revelation about fatherhood

Dustin's routines usually involved a deep connection to his own personal story and his family, often making emotion a vital part of his performance, which the judges greatly resonated with.

agt dustin tavella one© Photo: Getty Images

Dustin Tavella was announced as the winner of America's Got Talent season 16

When announced as the winner in front of the crowd, he got emotional and immediately started crying as the judges got up out of their seats and cheered him on.

After the announcement was made, he said through tears, "Thank you guys so much, thank you to everyone who voted for me. I never believed I would get here, this is crazy!"

MORE: Heidi Klum's green mini-dress will leave you completely wowed

The season finale was a star-studded affair, including show-stopping performances from the likes of Idina Menzel and Pentatonix, along with displays by members of the USA Olympic gymnastics team Jordan Chiles and Mykayla Skinner.

MORE: AGT's Nightbirde shares exciting news with fans on social media

All season long, AGT brought some incredible moments to fans, ranging from candid confessions courtesy of Simon and Howie Mandel, to Sofia and Heidi Klum's jaw-dropping fashion statements.

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Dustin Tavella's AGT finale performance

And one of the show's breakout stars only made an appearance in one of the very first episodes before having to bow out, singer-songwriter Jane Marczewski aka Nightbirde.

Her performance of the original song It's OK, along with her inspiring story of overcoming her health problems, resulted in a golden buzzer from Simon and an audition that's been viewed over 34 million times.

agt dustin tavella two© Photo: Getty Images

The magician's performances often involved stories about his family

While there's no word yet on whether the series will return for a 17th season, we're sure it won't be too long before we find out.

And in the meantime, the show will be returning for a spin-off titled AGT: Extreme, which will spotlight performances from daredevil acts.

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