America's Got Talent winner grew up in Singapore

Magician Shin Lim was born in Canada and reportedly grew up in Singapore between the ages of two and 11.
Magician Shin Lim was born in Canada and reportedly grew up in Singapore between the ages of two and 11. PHOTO: AXN

Magician Shin Lim, who has a connection to Singapore, has won the 13th season of America's Got Talent.

He wins US$1 million (S$1.37 million) and a three-night residency in Las Vegas.

The 26-year-old Canadian-American was born in Canada and reportedly grew up in Singapore between the ages of two and 11.

He had harboured dreams of being a pianist until he was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and decided to pursue magic as a career.

His appearance on the magic competition television programme Penn & Teller: Fool Us has received more than 52 million views on YouTube since it was posted in 2015.

The results were announced by host Tyra Banks during the live finale on Wednesday from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

As second-placed Austrian acrobatic group Zurcaroh bore him aloft, Banks exclaimed: "Shin Lim, the sexiest magician on the planet."

Remote video URL

A visibly moved Lim said: "Thank you so much to everyone, I love you all so much... I can't speak right now."

The judges on America's Got Talent were comedian and actor Howie Mandel, singer Mel B, model Heidi Klum and TV titan Simon Cowell.

•The final live show aired on AXN (StarHub Channel 511 and Singtel TV Channel 304) yesterday. The results show will be aired tonight at 6pm with an encore telecast at 8pm.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 21, 2018, with the headline America's Got Talent winner grew up in Singapore. Subscribe