'AGT: Fantasy League': Who is Cillian O' Connor? Autistic teen magician reached the finale of 'Britain's Got Talent'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Cillian O'Connor is an Irish magician and finalist in 'Britain's Got Talent' 2023 who will be a part of 'AGT: Fantasy League'.
'AGT: Fantasy League released on January 1, 2024 at 8/7 c on NBC.
This 14-year-old magician has autism and dyspraxia but that did not deter him from reaching the zenith of success. He not only entertains his audience with magic tricks but also inspires other autistic children to not stop dreaming.
As he appeared on 'Britain's Got Talent', several autistic children watched the show and Cillian's mother Elaine Peppard O'Connor said that they had been getting emails and letters.
As reported by Irish Mirror, one woman said that his son was nonverbal and after seeing Cillian perform, kept uttering 'Cillian, Cillian and Cillian'. The nine-year-old autistic child asks his mother to put Cillian's magic show on the TV for him.
Cillian O'Connor, residing in Donacarney near Mornington, lives with his parents Elaine Peppard, Richie, and younger sister Casey.
Despite facing autism, Cillian, the youngest member of the Society of Irish Magicians, is part of The Young Magicians Club and The Society of Young Magicians.
As a junior ambassador of Marvin's Magic, he won the 2021 Argos/Marvin's Magic competition. The Society of Irish Magicians honored him with a special award of merit in May 2023.
Cillian's magical journey led him to the finale of 'Britain's Got Talent' Season 16, securing a third-place finish in 2023. His social skills, impacted by autism, improved through magic.
Cillian's achievements include an appearance on CBBC's 'Saturday Mash-Up: Live in the United Kingdom' in July 2023. With approximately 23.5K Instagram followers, Cillian's magical journey continues to captivate and inspire.
Was Cillian O'Connor the finalist of 'Britain's Got Talent'?
In the audition round of 'Britain's Got Talent', Cillian O'Connor showcased a series of magic tricks, expressing his passion for magic and boosting his confidence as an autistic person.
Asking Simon Cowell to choose his favorite sweets, Cillian accurately predicted Jelly Beans, even revealing a gift package containing them.
Impressively, he guessed the exact number of Jelly Beans in a jar. Concluding with a card game, Simon and the judges were amazed.
In the semifinals, Cillian amazed with hand tricks, vanishing on stage, and re-appearing inside a cardboard box. The judges, thoroughly impressed, advanced him to the finals through the public vote.
As a 'Britain's Got Talent' finalist, Cillian continued to mesmerize. His final performance included hand tricks with cards and making host Ant McPartlin disappear from the stage. Simon praised Cillian's genuine surprise, while Amanda acknowledged his peak performance in the finale.
Simon remarked, "One of the things I love most about your performance is how surprised you are at the end."
Amanda added that Cillian with the finale performance "was at the top of his game".
Cillian O'Connor impresses judges with spectacular magic tricks in 'Britain's Got Talent'
In the audition round of 'Britain's Got Talent' Season 16, Cillian O'Connor showcased a series of amazing magic tricks.
The Irish schoolboy, who revealed he had struggled socially due to autism before discovering magic, received a standing ovation from the judges and secured four yeses.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Cillian burst into tears as he hugged his mother.
Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon were left speechless and in tears.
Amanda said, "You've made me and Alesha a mess."
Alesha added, "I loved everything about it, and especially you. It's clear how much this means to you, which makes it extra special."
Even Bruno Tonioli and Simon Cowell were moved by the performance.
Whose team is Cillian O'Connor in 'AGT: Fantasy League?
Cillian O'Connor found a place in Simon Cowell's team in 'AGT: Fantasy League'.
Simon was impressed by Cillian's mind-reading skills during the audition round of 'Britain's Got Talent' Season 16.
The judges, including Mel B, Howie Mandel, and Heidi Klum, have the opportunity to snatch Cillian for their team and potentially help him reach the finale by pressing the Golden Buzzer.
Each celebrity will mentor acts, and the ultimate winner stands to take home a grand prize of $250,000.
'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League' airs its next episode on Monday, January 22, 2024, on NBC at 8 pm ET/PT.