Neal Boyd Wins!
More than 200,000 acts auditioned for “America’s Got Talent,” but only one person could win the $1 million prize and the opportunity to headline a show in Las Vegas. That person — who won by only 1/2 a percentage point of the final vote — was Mizzou alumnus Neal E. Boyd.
The first words out of his mouth after the announcement?
“I love you, Mom. I know you’re home watching, and I love you so much. I love you, Sikeston. I love you, Missouri.”
And then, before Neal was given yet another chance to sing the song that brought him fame, he got to watch a message from Placido Domingo — one of the three tenors who originally inspired him to start singing opera.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes interview with Neal from after the season finale:
And if that’s not enough, here’s a story we published on Mizzou Wire earlier this week on Associate Professor Ann Harrell, Neal’s voice teacher while at MU. It includes an audio slideshow so that you can get a sense of the work involved in learning to sing opera.
Congratulations to our very own Neal E. Boyd. What a spectacular performance! Thank you, Neal, for bringing the beauty of opera to the public and especially to our young people.
Mary Ellen Kanak | Oct. 3, 2008
Thai people are proud of Neal E. Boyd.
Buppha K | Oct. 4, 2008
Congrats Neal! I watched every week from the beginning and would get online and put in my 10 votes every week.You brought tears to my eyes every time you sang because of the heart you put behind the music. You are GREAT and I am so proud of you (even if I don’t know you)!
Jean | Oct. 6, 2008
We watched and voted for Neil E. Boyd throughout the contest.
A great talent.
We wish him all the best!
Mark Roupe | Oct. 4, 2008
Great job. My wife and I saw you receive the approval of the judges. You have a lot of soul. Now … what was your major at MU?
Craig Roberts | Oct. 4, 2008
What a GREAT and moving voice you have! Your growth and confidence in the show were always on your sleeve! God Bless and MU Always!
See you in Vegas!
Ousama A Abuyousif | Oct. 4, 2008
Neal, you have brought glory to all who appreciate the finesse of opera and I am confident you will go very far from now on. Cheers for a great performance and all the very best to you, from a proud Malaysian MIZZOU alumus.
F H Chong | Oct. 4, 2008
Dear Neal, Hang in there buddy and keep loving your mommah. Set a good example for MU Alumni. We love you. ALA
Anita L. Allee | Oct. 5, 2008
Being an MU Alumni from “years” gone by and thinking I had relatives originally from Sikeston, I am so proud to state that I believed you should be the winner from the very first show on which you appeared. I was totally a basket case, and replayed your performance over and over and over. I was behind you all the way, and was totally elated that you were the ultimate winner. You have worked so very hard for what you have earned, and you now have a true dream to follow. Way to go, Neal.
Rick | Oct. 5, 2008
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