Mat Franco Wins America's Got Talent

By Mark Schieldrop (Patch Staff)

Newporter and magician Mat Franco won America’s Got Talent last night, securing himself a $1 million payday and the adoration of millions of fans across the country.

Those fans voted for Franco via telephone, the Internet and through mobile devices and ensured the rising star would walk away with the grand prize.

It’s the first time a magician has won the popular NBC talent competition.

“I’m so thankful and overwhelmed by the love,” Franco said in a tweet several hours after the show.

Franco, 26, grew up in Johnston, went to Johnston High School and graduated from the University of Rhode Island.

Fans from across Rhode Island cheered Franco on since his early appearances on the show, including at viewing parties on the URI campus and virtually every bar and club in the City-by-the-Sea last night.

Congrats, Mat!

Photo Credit: Peter Kramer/NBC