The eighth season finale of “America’s Got Talent” took place at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall on Sept. 18, 2013. Illusionist dancer Kenichi Ebina was named the winner. He gets the grand prize of $1 million and a headlining show in Las Vegas.
Guest entertainers in the season finale included Luke Bryan, Icona Pop, Dierks Bentley, Josh Groban, Il Divo, Heather Headley, Gavin DeGraw, James Lipton and Earth, Wind & Fire. Also there were the season’s top six finalists: Ebina, comedian Taylor Williamson, singer Jimmy Rose, magician Collins Key, operatic trio Forte and singer Cami Bradley.
The "America's Got Talent" judges (Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Mel B and Howie Mandel) and host (Nick Cannon) were among those who walked the red carpet backstage after the show. Here is what Cannon said when I caught up him for a brief interview on the red carpet.
How are you going to relax now that this season of "America's Got Talent" is over?
Yeah, my Tuesdays and Wednesdays are freed up a little bit. I'm off to the next project, the next thing. That's the beauty of having a loving and understanding wife who's also just as busy. We balance it well. I was fixing breakfast this morning, and I'm off to L.A. tonight. I'm literally going to L.A. for a day and a half. I'm doing ["The Ellen DeGeneres Show"] and then I come back here [to New York City].
And how are your twins, who turned 2 years old this year? Have they reached any child-development milestones recently?
They're great. They're amazing. My daughter can look at a map and point out California and New York and know where she lives. She can point out Florida and Texas. I can't even do that! They say girls are more advanced than boys.
My son, he's a brawler, he's a boxer, he plays the drums, and he's adorable. They're best friends. All they do is worry about each other. It's great.
You mentioned that you and your wife, Mariah Carey, are very busy. When was the last time you two had a date night?
What do you consider a date night? Because date night for us is watching DVDs in bed with popcorn. That's the best time. The other night, the whole family got ice cream at midnight before she went to the studio. We went uptown. It was pretty cool.
What are your upcoming projects?
"Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," "Soul Train," a Showtime comedy special. In November, I'm working on my next album. My album drops April 1 [in 2014]. There's a bunch of stuff. Teen Nick, the Halo Awards that I'm producing.
What does your next album sound like?
My album is crazy! My album is called "White People Party Music." That in itself, you can imagine what it sounds like.
Bethenny Frankel said that her dream guest on her TV talk show is Amanda Bynes, your former co-star in "All That." Do you think that would be a good fit for Amanda?
I do. I think it will take a little time, obviously, for Amanda to get back solid on her feet, but hopefully, she'll be up for those hard-hitting Bethenny questions.
You've said a lot of supportive things about Amanda during her recent troubles. Did you hear from her after you said those things before she was involuntarily hospitalized?
We were communicating before that. I'm looking forward to when she gets better. I would love to tlak to her. I probably want to talk to her in private. And when she's ready, I'll talk to her in public.
For more info: "America's Got Talent" website
