'AGT' Season 18: Viewers call finale results 'hacked' after dog act Adrian Stoica and Hurricane takes home $1M

Adrian Stoica and Hurricane defeated the Ramadhani Brothers, Putri Ariani, Anna DeGuzman and Murmuration to win the 'AGT' title
Adrian Stoica and Hurricane are the Season 18 winners of 'America's Got Talent' (Instagram/@adrianstoica.dogcoach)
Adrian Stoica and Hurricane are the Season 18 winners of 'America's Got Talent' (Instagram/@adrianstoica.dogcoach)

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: A new champion has been crowned on 'AGT.' After weeks of heated competition, trainer Adrian Stoica and his dog Hurricane were proclaimed the Season 18 winners on the much-anticipated NBC finale on September 27.

As exciting as the news may seem, many 'America's Got Talent' viewers rushed to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the outcome.

The dog trainer and his loyal canine buddy won a $1 million grand prize and a headline spot in the 'AGT' Presents Superstars Live performance at the Luxor Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Adrian and his border collie were a big favorite from the start of their 'AGT' tour.

Adrian Stoica and Hurricane announced 'AGT' Season 18 winner (Instagram/adrianstoica.dogcoach)
Adrian Stoica and Hurricane were announced 'AGT' Season 18 winner (Instagram/@adrianstoica.dogcoach)

The dynamic duo, who have performed together all over the world, put on a show of several astounding maneuvers set to Meghan Trainor's 'Better When I'm Dancing' for their audition.

They wowed the judges once more during the live event, when they did a routine set to Smash Mouth's song 'I'm a Believer' and Cyndi Lauper's 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.' They garnered standing ovations and universal acclaim.

Then, in the season finale on September 26, the team pulled out all the stops for a performance set to Queen's 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love,' and even enlisted the aid of Vergara.

Internet disappointed over Adrian Stoica and Hurricane's win on 'AGT'

On X, angry fans wrote, "Wow America YALL voted for the man with the dog and the card magic lady be in the finals … f*** wrong with y’all eyes."

Another user chimed in, "Murmuration was freaking robbed… can’t believe it. Though I guess I should, so many AGT fans are weirdly obsessed with dogs and magicians."

Others sighed, "That amazing magician lost to a fucking dog? Seriously America? This is why we can't have nice things."

A user wondered, "How did the dog act and anna make it further than the ramadhani brothers."



 



 



 



 

On Reddit, fans quipped, "So a dog is about to win $1Million. sounds about right this season."

One user asked, "were the results hacked? a dog act and a magician? something is upside down." Another viewer confessed, "Most memorable season because of the sheer unpredictability. Haven’t laughed this maniacally in awhile than hearing the dog winning. Voted for her, but I was not expecting this."

One user further added, "Hahaha. All the talent and a dog wins? Don't get me wrong, he is an amazing trainer and Hurricane is an amazing Doggo, but, come'on."

Adrian Stoica and Hurricane on 'AGT' Season 18 (NBC)
Adrian Stoica and Hurricane on 'AGT' Season 18 (NBC)

Who did Adrian Stoica and Hurricane beat to win 'AGT' Season 18?

Ten talented competitors, including synchronized dance troupe Murmuration, stand-up comedian Ahren Belisle, singer-musician Putri Ariani, the Ramadhani Brothers, head-balancing magicians Anna DeGuzman and Lavender Darcangelo, dance troupe Chibi Unity, the Mzansi Youth Choir, the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus, and the all-female Japanese dance troupe Avantgardey, competed against Adrian and Hurricane.

The Ramadhani Brothers, Putri Ariani, Adrian Stoica & Hurricane, Anna DeGuzman, and Murmuration were named the Top 5 performers during Wednesday's finals.

Mzansi Youth Choir found out that Coldplay had offered them to sing alongside them live at their forthcoming concert immediately after they were eliminated, despite the fact that they did not place in the Top 5.

From there, the magician Anna DeGuzman finished in second, followed by Murmuration in third, Putri Ariani in fourth, and Ramadhani Brothers in fifth.



 

Who were the guest performers on 'AGT' Season 18 Finale?

In addition to the hopefuls, the Wednesday finale episode featured a number of noteworthy performers, including pop and R&B artist Jason Derulo, musician John Batiste, singer Leona Lewis, Iron Chef Cat Cora, renowned composer Diane Warren, the band Thirty Seconds to Mars, and 'AGT' season 17 winner The Mayyas.

On the 'AGT' stage, each participant had the opportunity to make one last performance with one of the guests.

Will there be 'AGT' Season 19?

The eighteenth season of 'AGT' is about to wrap up, and it appears that a new season has been ordered, as the auditions are already open.

Potential competitors can sign up for a virtual or video audition on the official 'AGT' auditions website.

One of the most watched shows on American television, reality competition shows have a long history of rewarding seasons and spin-offs that are well-liked by fans.

Given its popularity, 'AGT' is returning, although the precise release date is yet unknown. The program and NBC will have to wait before providing further information to viewers.

In light of this, audiences may anticipate the debut of 'AGT' Season 19 somewhere in the middle of 2024. Based on the knowledge we have as of this writing, we have estimated this date.

You can watch the whole 18th season of 'America's Got Talent' on Hulu.

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