Texas Tenors place in talent show's Top 5

By Diana Nollen

The Gazette

The viewers have spoken. The singing Texas Tenors, which includes University of Northern Iowa graduate John Hagen, placed fourth on “America's Got Talent.”

Winners were announced Wednesday night on a live TV broadcast from Hollywood. The song and dance extravaganza featured such stars as Shakira, Rascal Flatts and “Britain's Got Talent” singing sensation Susan Boyle.

The trio sang “My Way” on Monday night's Top 10 final competition. Celebrity judge Piers Morgan, who had chided the group for choosing “cheesy” songs during all phases of the contest, declared Monday night's performance “fabulous cheese.”

“This is the cheesiest thing ever,” Morgan said. “... You have become my guilty pleasure.”

Viewers were then invited to place their votes via phone or online.

After the Texas Tenors were named to the Top Five on Wednesday, judge David Hasselhoff said, “Let me buy a ticket to your show. You're well on your way.”

Country singer Kevin Skinner, a chicken catcher from Mayfield, Ky., grabbed the $1 million grand prize and a headlining slot at a Las Vegas show.

Rounding out season four's Top Five were 2. opera singer Barbara Padilla of Houston; 3. Recycled Percussion from Goffstown, N.H.; 4. Texas Tenors from Houston; and 5. singing siblings Voices of Glory from Highland, N.Y.