‘Canada’s Got Talent’ winner to take home $1M
Singers, magicians and more going for the big prize at Fallsview Casino
They came to Niagara Falls last October hoping for the best.
One of them will leave town Tuesday night a millionaire.
For the eight finalists of “Canada’s Got Talent” this season, Tuesday night’s live finale could be lifechanging. Unlike the first two seasons, which featured a top prize of $150,000, Rogers is doling out $1 million for this year’s champ.
It has given the show an extra jolt, with judge Howie Mandel constantly reminding competitors throughout the season they have to be worthy of the seven-figure prize.
The matter will be settled at the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino. The final portion of the two-hour show will be live, with viewers choosing the winner.
Last season was won by Quebec dance troupe Conversion. Another Quebec act, singer Jeanick Fournier, won the 2022 season.
This year’s two Ontario finalists are hoping to break the streak.
Magician/comedian Mark Clearview of Oakville said he was initially reluctant to appear on the show, but something swayed him.
His hunch was right. After all four judges gave him a “yes” during auditions, he returned for the semifinals and was given the Golden Buzzer — a direct trip to the finals — by Mandel. It also came with a $25,000 cash prize.
It was Mandel’s second Golden Buzzer winner of the season, breaking the show’s usual mandate of just one per judge.
“When Howie stood up, I remember thinking, ‘I think this is going to be a big moment in my life,’” he said. “It was more than unbelievable because I was not even expecting it. It was a big surprise. And the best part is I realized my strange brand of magic is connecting with people.
“In a way, I’ve already won. I’ve gotten everything I wanted out of this experience.”
Still, he hopes to “bring home the win” for his dad, who died two years ago.
Clearview said it was his father who seemed to get him through the first audition.
“I ran offstage and wanted to call my dad immediately. But I kind of realized that he was there with me and channelled that energy instead.”
The other Ontario finalist, Toronto singer Natalie Morris, is no stranger to huge crowds — she’s the anthem singer for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
But unlike the Leafs, she still has something to play for Tuesday night. She was sent to the finals thanks to a Golden Buzzer pushed by all four judges — Mandel, Trish Stratus, Lilly Singh and Kardinal Offishall — after her performance of Beyoncé’s “I Was Here.”
“Howie kind of spearheaded it,” Morris said. “He talked to all the judges, they all agreed, and they came together to press that buzzer.”
Though she’s used to the high energy before Maple Leafs games, Morris knows the “Canada’s Got Talent” finale will be a whole different stress level.
“My best friend tells me to centre myself, be calm and, at that point, just have fun,” she said. “This is probably going to be the last time I’m on that stage. Just soak up every moment.”
The two-hour finale starts at 8 p.m. on Citytv.
For live audience members, taping begins at 3:30 p.m.