LOS ANGELES,None — Bluesy crooner Michael Grimm, 30, has traded his fedora for the crown on "America's Got Talent."
The Waveland, Miss., native was revealed as the winner of the NBC variety competition on its season conclusion airing Wednesday, beating out Pittsburgh native Jackie Evancho.
"I was deeply shocked," Grimm told WPXI.com's Jessica Fera. "I didn't expect to win this. I never expected to get this far. And then being up there next to Jackie. That was huge and that was one of the things I feared if I were to make it to the end. Because I knew that she would win it, and rightfully so. She is a powerhouse. I was rooting for her and I adore her," he said.
Jackie, 10, of Richland Township, came in second place.
"It was happy, because I know that I should be sad, and I was, but I was also very, very happy for Michael," Jackie told Jessica. "He is a really good singer and he deserved it. I know that I will probably get a lot of chances in my life and he really deserved it," she said.
"If Jackie had to come second to anyone, I'm glad it was Michael. Michael has been there for Jackie, throughout the whole experience they've become very close friends," Jackie's father, Mike, told Jessica. "With first place comes certain obligations and that second place person, they don't have those types of commitments. So it enables Jackie to at least go back a little bit to being a 10-year-old."
Other finalists were Prince Poppycock, the outlandishly costumed operatic creation of Los Angeles store clerk John Quale, and the performance troupe Fighting Gravity, a group of 13 fraternity brothers from Virginia Tech at Blacksburg, Va.
BLOG: See & Be Seen In LA VIDEO: Jackie Talks To WPXI After Finale Results VIDEO: Grimm's Tearful Interview With WPXI VIDEO: Winner Michael Grimm Sings With Jewel VIDEO: Jackie Performs With Sarah Brightman SLIDESHOW: Behind The Scenes At 'AGT' WEB EXTRA INTERVIEWS: Jackie's Family Fighting Gravity Prince Poppycock Jewel Judges Talk; Piers Compares Jackie To Susan Boyle
Jackie was the favorite to win the $1 million prize and headlining spot on the national tour of "AGT," but Grimm pulled off the upset. During Wednesday's results show, Jackie performed "Time To Say Goodbye" alongside singer Sarah Brightman.
"I would say this was a really good day because Sarah Brightman is one of my big idols and plus everything else that has happened today, it's awesome," Jackie said.
On Tuesday, the show's judges raved about her rendition of "Ave Maria."
"She appeals to all comers," said Piers Morgan, who added he thinks Jackie could easily sell 10 million records and enjoy a 40-year career. "You never know how people grow up, but she has a good mom and good people around her. She's down to earth, polite and unaffected by everything going on around her."
"It doesn't seem right calling you Jackie. You're a little angel," said fellow judge Sharon Osbourne, adding that she knows how difficult "Ave Maria" is to sing. "You sang it beautifully, and you sang it with emotion. What can I say, little angel?"
So what's next for Jackie?
"I'm going to be able to go home and do some school. Yes! I love school. And just relax for a little bit," Jackie said. "I'm most looking forward to going to school, being able to see my friends and my pets."
"I want to thank all of Pittsburgh for helping me get this high and for helping me get really close to my dream," she said.
The "America's Got Talent" 25-city tour, featuring the top 10 acts, is scheduled from Oct. 1 to Nov. 7, including a show at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. Detroit or Columbus are the closest options for Jackie's hometown fans.
"America's Got Talent" Prize
There had been some debate as to what the "top prize" included. WPXI.com's Jessica Fera confirmed that in addition to $1 million, the winner will headline the "America's Got Talent" Live Tour, which stops in 25 cities throughout the U.S., including Las Vegas.
"At this point, it is just one date [in Las Vegas], but it could lead to a long-term headlining show, like Terry Fator, our season two winner," said press manager Meredith Fitzpatrick.
Video: Clearing Up Confusion Around 'America's Got Talent' Prize
POST YOUR CONGRATULATIONS MESSAGES:
We know Jackie has a lot of fans out there, so scroll to the bottom and post your congratulations messages for her! The comment box may take a couple seconds to load.
MORE WEB EXTRA VIDEOS (BEFORE 'AGT'):
Jackie Talks One-On-One With WPXI Jackie Sings During WPXI Interview Jackie's Music Teacher Talks To Channel 11