Comedian Preacher Lawson brings tour to Paramount Theatre

Losing to a 12-year old ventriloquist on "America's Got Talent" sounds like a joke. Preacher Lawson, who will perform Sunday at the Paramount Theatre, has no problem cracking wise about how he was beaten by a prepubescent during the finals of "America's Got Talent" in 2017.

But Lawson, 34, is in good company when it comes to incandescent talents losing on a reality show. Justin Timberlake was beaten on "Star Search." Country singer-songwriter Maren Morris was rejected by "The Voice," and One Direction lost on "X Factor."

Each of those entertainers became established recordings artists and got over their defeat, but Lawson riffs about it in amusing fashion.

"I lost to a 12-year-old ventriloquist," Lawson said. "She didn't open her mouth the whole time. You will never know what it feels like to lose $1,000,000 to someone who still has chores."

Even though Lawson lost to Darci Lynne Farmer, AGT has catapulted the humorist to a career onstage. Apparently Lawson was destined to speak to an audience.

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It's impossible to predict a newborn's vocation, but Lawson's mother's friend declared that the animated baby was going to be an evangelist when he was just two weeks old.

“I’m not sure what I was doing besides saying ‘goo goo, gaga’ at that point, but this woman was certain I was going to become a preacher, and that was what I’ve been called ever since,” Lawson said while calling from New York.

Lawson never became a clergyman, but he does speak before an audience every week as a comic.

“I can see the connection of being a comedian and a preacher,” Lawson said.

The late iconic comic Sam Kinison was a minister before breaking into stand-up during the '80s. Being a gifted orator made it an easy transition for Kinison to go from the ministry to comedy.

“I can see how that can happen,” Lawson said. “You get a charismatic person up there, and things can happen. And I think Sam Kinison is amazing. But we're different styles."

Lawson is much more laid back than the late Kinison, who was one of the most intense comics of all time. Kinison was a gifted orator, and the same could be said for Lawson, who is an energetic and engaging performer.

Lawson didn't come home with the grand prize but was magnetic on season 12 of “America’s Got Talent." The Portland, Oregon, native impressed such tough customers as Simon Cowell and Howie Mandel.

“They’re all fair judges,” Lawson said. “I loved Howie Mandel. He was so down to earth. He was so cool. A lot of people believe that Simon is mean. The reality is that Simon is just being honest when he’s judging.”

Lawson is happy to acknowledge that AGT put him on the map.

“I’ll always be appreciative since AGT gave me so much exposure,” Lawson said. “Once I became known due to the show, it was up to me to take it to the next level with my standup."

Lawson returned for AGT all-star seasons in 2019 and 2024.

Lawson remains humble, and it's not surprising to expect self-deprecating humor when he performs at the Paramount while on his "Dis Functional Family" tour.

"The person I’ll make fun of most is myself," Lawson said. "I love talking and more than anything making people laugh.”

Lawson was aware that he had the gift when he was in elementary school.

“I would make kids laugh so hard,” Lawson recalled. “People would tell me how funny I was. But I had no idea that it could turn into a career.”

Lawson logged countless hours to become a solid comic. He believes work ethic is part of the reason Kevin Hart is the most successful comic-actor on the circuit.

“How much he puts into comedy and well, everything is insane,” Lawson said. “I remember years ago seeing him in Montreal when I was up there (for the Just for Laughs festival). We were out late into the night and he was up at 7 a.m. working out. I saw it on his social media. The guy just goes all out with everything. He’s a role model. I’m not saying I’m trying to be Kevin Hart. I just want to be the best that I can possibly be.”

Lawson grew up admiring a number of comics, including Dave Chappelle, Brian Regan, Dane Cook and the late Patrice O'Neal.

"All of those guys had such an impact on me," Lawson said. "They're all great for different reasons. I love how Brian Regan can make people laugh by being so clean. I love how silly Dane Cook is and how theatrical Patrice O'Neal was. There is so much you can do as a comedian. It's my passion."

That's evident since Lawson is such a student of comedy that he loves the hilarious, under the radar comic Arnez J.

"I remember seeing him when I was a kid," Lawson said. "He has so much energy. I also have that energy and the desire to make people laugh."