Opera singer wins 'America's Got Talent'

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Opera singer wins 'America's Got Talent'

In this Sept. 24, 2008 file image released by NBC, opera singer Neal E. Boyd, an insurance salesman from Sikeston, Mo., performs on an episode of the NBC talent competition, "America's Got Talent," in Studio City, Calif. Boyd won the competition Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008. (AP Photo/NBC, Chris Haston)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Oct 2, 2008 at 7:16 AM EST

Story Updated: Oct 2, 2008 at 9:40 AM EST

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Sikeston native and opera singer Neal E. Boyd is $1 million richer after winning NBC's "America's Got Talent" competition.

The 32-year-old tenor beat four other semifinalists. He won fans with his powerful voice and ability to make opera accessible to a mass audience.

Famed tenor Placido Domingo recorded a segment congratulating Boyd and predicting a brilliant career for the singer, who now lives in suburban St. Louis and sells insurance.

Boyd cried as the results were televised live Wednesday night, asking, "What has happened to my life?"

Boyd's friends from Sikeston and a former music teacher say they're thrilled his talent is being widely recognized.

Friday, Oct 3 at 1:10 AM Jean Valgean wrote ...

Very well done. This brief moment made network TV just a little "less miserable".

Thursday, Oct 2 at 6:04 PM Laurie wrote ...

All of the top 5 were great this year. I did also think that he didn't compare to Paul Potts' talent, and the other contestants were more "marketable".

Thursday, Oct 2 at 5:54 PM Fran H. wrote ...

Way to go Neal, you are a wonderful singer and I hope you go on to do a lot more.

Thursday, Oct 2 at 12:32 PM Mimi wrote ...

I am so disappointed that the little cry baby won. The acts that can in second and third had far more talent. He was just trying to copy Paul Potts from England and he is a far cry from Paul's talent.

Thursday, Oct 2 at 11:30 AM texman wrote ...

congratulations on a job well done

Thursday, Oct 2 at 7:47 AM ANDREA wrote ...

I AM SO HAPPY NEAL E. BOYD WON THE AMERICAS MOST TALENT I AM SO HAPPY FOR HIM GREAT JOB NEIL E BOYD

Thursday, Oct 2 at 7:43 AM Jan wrote ...

Bravo - Neal, job well done. I would love to see you perform in Las Vegas.

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