I didn't like that the producers billed Barbara Padilla as the cancer survivor that learned to sing opera on the beach with her mother. They never mentioned she had a Masters in Voice Performance at U of Houston and has been teaching & performing for many years. She always acted so shocked that people thought she was great. So for that I'm glad she didn't win.

I think the Texas Tenors or Recycled Percussion should have won. Who would buy a ticket to see in Las Vegas?

I can't believe kevin won. I think there must be a million people who can sing like him.He didn't strike me as someone special who I would pay to see in Vegas.. JMHO
I thought Barbara Padilla was far more talented worthy of winning.

Tonight it was not AGT it was America Got Sympathy. I am shocked at people who are claiming it to be the good ending. Even their supporting argument is based on his story which for them is "American Story".

God bless the country where talent is overwritten by sympathy at such big scale. True American story should be based on merit not color of the skin with sympathy.

It is an insult to the REAL talent. The man can't sing!! Who voted for him?

If this the best talent America has, I think the country is in real trouble.

Even "Kenya Got Talent" would produce far better results than this.

Are you kidding me?!!! Americans have NO TASTE. Don't get me wrong, Drew Stevyns is a nice guy who sings a bit, but really?! The winner of "AGT?" The American people don't know what actual talent is...but that probably speaks volumes for a lot of things in this country.

SKK: Drew Stevyns didn't win. Kevin Skinner did.

The show is called Americas got talent. Who had more talent than Barbara Padilla? Answer... No one. Not to take anything away from Leonard Skinner, is their anyone who truly believes that anyone in the finals had more talent than Barbara Padilla. The result was a TRAGEDY. It makes me feel like not watching the show again.

This was unbelievable. Skinner, the crying cowboy, was ok, but not good enough even to make the finals. Padilla was amazing and should have won. She's a true superstar. This is Idol all over again. It seems like only hokey Southerners can win anything, not true talent like Adam Lambert and Barbara Padilla. I guess Southerners vote more than anyone else. Very discouraging.

I think that Kevin Skinner won to night was for once people voted with there hearts. No I think is last song was a bad song to sing with the talent he had on his first song. I voted for Kevin all the way through

couldnt have picked a better winner...you ROCK kevin!!!! i am so happy for you.

I am so done with AGT. What a bust! None of the acts that really can sustain a Las Vegas act got through. What a disaster. Bet Vegas wil lose money on this guy...

This is my last year watching...in other words...stick a fork in me...I;m done.

Kevin has a great story and was the best winner. As for Barbara she will get a contract and will do her singing

I was not surprised. Barbara has a career ready for the taking. I am not sure it is Vegas as Piers said on the last show. she needs a different venue and she will have an agent tomorrow I am sure. However Kevin has all the makings of a star. He has a gritty haunting voice and so much "curb appeal". He is the modern American man who is an honest, family man and out of work. He needs some training and he will pack them in in Vegas and then in Nashville. He has a voice similarly to Willie Nelson. This is exactly what happened with Susan Boyles and her second. This gives both the finalists the chance at fame.

I agree, Barbara got robbed. Skinner is a cartoon.

This is America Got Pity not talent. It simply can never be called AGT by a sane person.

I agree, Barbara got robbed. Skinner is a cartoon.

I am in total shock. I did not believe he deserved to be in the top ten based on his vocals. His back story was heart warming, but so were many others. I would not pay to see him in Las Vegas or anywhere else.

Glad Kevin won, however, would have liked to hear him sing, Blake Shelton, I Want To Go Home. His choice of song this week was off key, pitch problems and just not him. Don't think he would have stayed on the program had that been his first song. He allowed the people on the program to change him, his style, appearance, choice of song, including standing vs. sitting, all those endearing things that won the audience. To be successful in Las Vegas he needs to keep his individuality and emotional appeal and stick to songs suited for him.

What a complete embarrassment! Kevin Skinner's only solid performance was in the audition. Every song subsequent to that was an absolute farce. Flat, out of tune, over produced, garbage. I guess the slack jawed yokels win again. America, you should be ashamed tonight because you proved just how backward you've become. I feel sorry for you...

America got it wrong. Kevin Skinner cannot sing, cannot perform and I wouldn't pay five cents to see him in a show. With truly talented acts like Recycled Percussion, Lawrence Beaman and Barbara Padilla to choose from, what was America thinking? Hmmm, I guess they weren't thinking.

I think Kevin Skinner will go a long way. He could be another Johnny Cash. He is soulful and humble. And like Johnny Cash, he isn't the greatest singer but so what. As to Barbara Padilla, she screeches--something like chalk on a blackboard.

All I can say is that the judges need to take credit for this (or should I say blame)? They gave all the performances rave reviews on Monday night, when several were below par. Kevin is endearing, but his 15 mts of fame won't last 5 in Las Vegas with that voice. It's a shame. If I was him, I would be embarassed and ashamed that one of the only 2 deserving acts didn't make it-Barbara or Recycled Percussion. Just pitiful. This is not a "who's got the biggest heart" contest...I mean, his heart won't be performing on stage and I certainly won't want to spend 90 mts with his voice. I feel sorry for him. But especially the ones who could have and should have won, if only the judges weren't such dingbats. I'm done with this. Terry Fator gave the show credit for me...I saw his show in Vegas. It was fantastic. But now, it's just a joke.

I thought it was a great ending. Kevin had no formal training so the fact that he made it as far as he did was amazing.

This is "America's Best Sob Story" show. Look how the judges play the story more than the talent. Look how the contestants learned quickly to cry and bring sad stories. I feel sorry for these acts who kept their story clean, like the EriAm Sisters, talented kids but not sad story. I think AGT should stop airing stories as part of the talent competition. they should let us know the story after one has been eliminated or has won.

America may have talent, but they sure don't know it when they see it. Barbara should have won this by a long shot.

My wife and I were thrilled with Kevin Skinner being the winner. No training and he is great. Barbara was also great but has a M.A. in music.

I was for the underdog. He deserved to win it. When he lst came on the judges and audience seem to laugh at him and look down on him until he began to sing.

He is America's Susan Boyle.

I loved Kevin Skinner right from the start.
There's no doubt that Barbara Padilla is
talented....maybe a bit too talanted for this venue. Kevin brought something a bit more special, though... pure emotion from his soul.

Total hogwash...Top 5 should have been Drew, Barbara, Recycled Percussion, Texas Tenors, and well, I don't really care about the fifth. I'll give Kevin credit for getting out there and going as far as he did, but he doesn't have near the amount of talent as the others...

BARBARA PADILLA GOT ROBBED.
COUNTRY SINGER OVER PADILLA IS GOT TO BE A JOKE
MAYBE BEAMON BUT NOT KEVIN SKINNER.. HE WAS GOOD BUT NOT GREAT
I WAS EVEN MORE SURPRISED VOICES OF GLORY GOT IN FINAL 5 OVER FAB 5
ALL ABOUT SINGERS THIS YEAR
PADILLA WON...

The voters were idoits I can not believe it he was horrific America does not have talent if that's it.

The quality of Kevin Skinner's voice and overall talent paled in comparison to Barbara Padilla's, but Skinner is like the rags to riches story that Americans seem to love. We just love the underdog, and Skinner was the underdog from day one. It helped, I think, that Piers Morgan heaped praises on his "heartfelt and soulful" presentations. And you really can't help but like this humble country boy from Kentucky. While I will believe to my dying day the the premiere talent in the show was Barbara Padilla, Skinner captured the heart of the American people, and in the final analysis, the aim of the show is to let the American viewers select the talent they like the most. If the show were being solely judged by professionals, Padilla and Recyled Percussion would have been the final two contestants, and Skinner probably would have not made it into the top 10. I like Skinner, and I hope his moment of fame will bring security to him and his family. You can be certain that Padilla will be able to cash in on her enormous talent.

Barbara Padilla was the class of the season. Kevin Skinner is a hack.

Barbara Padilla should've won!!

I agree - Barbara was the most talented, and I don't think Kevin should have even been in the finals. But Barbara deserves to be singing in Carnegie hall rather than a casino anyhow, and I think she will be very soon!

What a farce! This guy could barely carry a tune. How sad that this brings down Americas Got Talent to an unrespectable show.

Barbara was robbed

Kevin deserved to win BIG TIME!!

Have to agree with you. Kevin was nice but Barbara was unreal. But Oh well... that's life, I guess. Sure she'll do great anyways after all that exposition.

I was pulling for the Texas Tenors because I thought they would pull in a Vegas audience right away. Kevin Skinner has a long way to go to get that polished but people love him. and Barbara Padilla will be a huge opera star no matter what, but I did expect her to win!!!!

I am thrilled Kevin Skinner won. Barbara Padilla doesn't need AGT to succeed in life. With that voice, she can get an opera gig anywhere. But Kevin Skinner is the heart of America. Coming from meager beginnings as a chicken catcher, unemployed, trying to provide for his family. He really deserves it.

Hmmmmm, it seems to be not so much the talent, but perhaps sympathy that won the big bucks. Kevin has a lot of heart and is extremely likeable, but his voice was not the million dollar voice. My votes actually went to Drew Stevyns, smooth , even tone.

I was extremely disappointed that Barbara Padilla did not win the big prize. She certainly was the most professional singer I have heard in a long time. Hopefully, this exposure will give her the opportunity to perform on other stages.

America knows talent when they see it, hear it, feel it, however w/a slight margin, Barbara will probably pick up from other music industries to actually record music.

Kevin on the other hand has demonstrated humility and inno-sense...a sense that you relate to his lyrics, a sense of comfort, intimacy. If Barbara (fantastic marvel)does sing just "opera" than it would be more specific to that type of audiences.

Kevin..my man..YOU ROCK!!

This was not talent. It was a sob story the producers shoved down our throats. We must have better talent in America than Kevin. Barbara has talent, The Texas Tenors have talent and on and on. Kevin will not last at PH and who would spend that money to see him. I will NOT watch this show next year.

I AM IN SHOCK...BARBARA IS FAR AWAY A BETTER SINGER AND PERFORMER THEN KEVIN...WHO CANT HOLDS HIS NOTES...LACKS REAL VOLUME AND CONFIDENCE...THE LIST CAN GO ON AND ON AND ON.
BARBARA IS WAY BETTER...PERIOD!

I think Kevin Skinner deserved to win as he has a VERY UNIQUE style of country singing. His singing captivated the audiences as he truly sings from his heart with genuine feelings which makes the listener wanting to hear more. I think his best songs are those like the "Old Country" singers use to sing with a story and strong emotions. My favorite during the competition was "Your Always On My Mind". I could listen to this man's voice all day.
Jean Johnson (Las Vegas)

america is a country about feelings, the creator of country music. When barbara beat out the young porr little torras guy she did not ackniledge him at all. he waited to give her a hug, but she was all about herself. God's Blessing to her for her rude self. she thought she was all that. now she knows she is not. i think it is God talking to her.

I love you, Kevin Skinner. Congratulation!!!! You've moved me every time when you sang. I couldn't help but cry because of the expression of your face. You're such a down to earth and honest looking person and I've never missed the show. From the moment I heard you sang, watched the audience how much they like you and listened to Pier's positive comments how he admires your talent. I know then that you'd be the winner. I hope you will not change. What I meant by this is, I hope you'll be humble for the rest of your life. God loves you for it and so with your fans. We (my family in the States, Middle East and in Asia) loved you. I can't wait to buy your CDs. Sincerely, Maryam

Shocking winner! Yes, Kevin Skinner appears to be a good, honest, hard working man. Yes, his first performance was very emotionally moving, but...talented enough to be the winner with a headliner in Vegas? Not so much. His Aerosmith performance and his performance with Thelma Houston showed his weakness. His win can, however, really carry the "dream come true" statement. I do wish him great successes. (Oh, by the way...Kevin has been on Youtube since 2004.) Drew Stevyns is someone to watch. Man oh Man, watching him belt it out with Thelma Houston was excellent!!!

He is a an excellent singer with plenty of soul, but on the night he faltered, probably through nerves and Barbara was nothing short of brilliant, so I am disappointed that she missed out.
However I am sure she will have a great future along the way.

Two different types of singing,for a headlining act I believe that Kevin Skinner had the edge, but Barbara Padilla was just beautiful

I absolutely felt Kevin Skinner should have won. If you would have seen his first two performances you would understand why he won. The first two performances were before the people at AGT got a hold of him and added background singers and loud background music. He is a down-to-earth country boy with a beautiful voice. I would definitely sit and listen to him sing for an hour and a half and walk away wanting more.

Well, I saw both of these two singers each time they sang and I could not believe Kevin Sikker made it to the next round. He was horrible singing. I don't care if he's porr of whatever reason people gave for voting for him, he stinks. Barbara Padilla was far and away the best singer the show has ever had

I think America got it really wrong. Kevin was not the most talented person on that show. The Texas Tenors, Barbara Padilla, and Lawrence Beamer were all better signers.

America certainly has plenty of talent, but it obviously is NOT able to identify it!

I'm not sure that Barbara should necessarily look to Vegas for the best place for her to perform, but she was clearly head and shoulders (and waist and knees...) above the competition.

Kevin's has a great story,but he should have never made it past the quarter finals base only on talent. (Sorry, Kevin.)

I watched most of the entire season. The finale was, as you noted, bloated and stuptifying. Fortunately I watched it 30 minutes delayed on TIVO and could cut through the cr-p. In terms of talent, just about all of the finalists had more going for them than Kevin. The winner should have been Padilla. In reality she will be, for in a year or so few will know who Skinner is but Padilla, as many other runners-up, will be famous.

I was so happy that Kevin Skinner won. He is so laid back and natural and what you see is what you get. He looks like he could use the million dollars as well. I think his act will be more conducive to performing in Las Vegas than Barbara Padilla. She is an amazing operatic singer but it just doesn't seem to be the place for her to sing. She will be wondering in Carnegie hall or elsewhere. I think that Kevin is great. He reminds me so much of Willie Nelson.

I said the exact same thing, Kevin's singing wasn't all that great, Barbara was way better. However when I said that outloud, my wife made the comment that Barbara is probably going to be just fine having not won. She probably will have people knocking down her door to sign her to a contract.

I've watched this show from beginning to end and America dropped the ball big time! I think they were voting from their hearts and not from other senses like "hearing" for example. This comment is not intended to hurt anyone, it is simply just a stated fact " I've heard better kareoke in a bar" granted Kevin Skinner is a shy honest hard working man..America voted for the story not the talent! I am a professional judge of baton, dance and other avenues so I can't judge singing but, my expertise suggest the Fab 5 should have won!!!!

What was America thinking?! Kevin seems like a good man, humble, but winning over Ms. Padilla, Voices of Glory and even teh Texa Tenors??!! Recount please Simon!

Very TRUE ! He was not good at all &* definitely wont make it with an actt in Las Vegas !

It is obvious from your comments your hadn't watched the show or know the background. Kevin Skinner is an incredibly talented singer who well deserves this honor. You really shouldn't voice opinons about issues/stories where you don't have all the facts.

SKK: I have the facts in that I heard his performance on Monday night and the opinion that it wasn't strong, which leads to my further emotion of surprise that he won.

Barbara Padilla was extraordinary but I wonder if Las Vegas goers are the sort of folks who would take a break from gambling to go watch opera?

(In the same LV vein, I would never send any of the kid groups there.)

I, too, was shocked. There was no comparison between the two finalists as performers. I'm guessing everybody in Kentucky must have voted for Kevin because he had been a "chicken catcher".

He cannot sing. This result makes a farce out of this show. He does not have talent, yet he wins a talent show. What a joke!!!!

I gave all my ten votes to Kevin, He was my favorite from the beginning. Although I really liked Barbara and Lawrence I just wanted Kevin to win. Congratulations Kevin, I hope this is the start of sometiing very big for you.

I think it's great Kevin Skinner won, he deserved to be the winner.

This is not "America's got talent" it's "America's got no Taste in Talent"
there were at lest 10 acts better than Kevin S. WHAT A JOKE!

I am glad Kevin won. I think Barbara really thought she had it. But an opera singer won last year. She will go on anyway, so I believe america got it right.

I AM SO TIRED OF HEARING ABOUT HOW KEVIN SHOULD NOT HAVE WON! hE IS A MODEST TALENTED MAN WITH A GREAT VOICE. HE WON, SO AMERICA SAW SOMETHING IN HIM THAT THE HEART WANTED. SOMETHING SIMPLE AND KIND AND DOWN HOME. SOMETHING THAT OUR SOCIETY HAS MOVED AWAY FROM. ANERICA IS SEEKING A KINDER WAY AGAIN. IN THIS TIME OF TROUBLE, WE WANT THE PEACEFUL WAY OF LIFE AGAIN. SOMETHING TO MAKE US FEEL GOOD ABOUT OURSELVES AGAIN. i WANT A TICKET!! SIGN ME UP!!!

the name of the show is America's Got Talent not America Got It WRONG!Yet again

OMG...I really felt sick when Chick-Filet won. All the acts were better but my choice was Recyled Percussion for their WOW showmanship. Vegas Quality!

Only in America can someone with absolute no talent or personality win a MILLION dollars for wearing tight jeans,cowboy boots of showing off the family fishing one wearing a confederate flag t-shirt.

Kevin did a really good job and I think he is a great singer, that will go far...that just shows that money does not always win, finally someone that really needed a break in life......good going Kevin

I was stunned by practically every pairing that was standing for results. Many were nice acts, but I couldn't see sustaining a Vegas show.

Texas Tenors? Texas Tedium, more like it.

The Gospel Kids? (whose name escapes me) The little girl had a great voice, but I dont' think any of the kid acts should be competing for a Vegas show. It may be cute on TV, but let'em grow up first.

Skinner can't carry a tune... humble demeanor will only go so far in show business.

I thought Barbara Padilla was terrific, but should be singing in an opera company somewhere, not in a Vegas show.

Now, there were a couple of other acts I would happily pay to see in Las Vegas. Number 1 on the list was Recycled Percussion. That was a feast for the eyes and the ears.

Speaking of a feast for the eyes, I'd go see the Fab 5 any time.

I'd also pay to see Grandma Lee... she was hilarious and original. It must be a trip to be one of her grandchildren!

I also liked Lawrence Beamon... I couldn't get over the richness of his voice. I may not see a show of his, but I'd buy his CDs. I hope some savvy record company snaps him up, if he's not obligated to sign with the AMG production studio.

Lastly, how 'bout some love for the opening number? I thought they did a great job in bringing everyone's talent into a single number.

Didn't know about Padillas experience - she'll do fine as runner up. Thought Skinner was off key a myriad of times during the whole show. Vegas? Recycled Percussion was my vote for a Vegas natural. Seriuosly - kids to Vegas??? 6 Utah moms in Vegas??? Let's get real.

I think the "right wing crazies" took charge of those phones and had a "mass call in". There's no way Skinner has more talent than Padilla. I was shocked, but with the racial tensions in this country,I can understand it.A "wise Latina woman" wasn't going to win again!

SKK: Really? I think there was no need to take it *there*.

I don’t know what everybody is getting so upset about. Kevin Skinner was very bad but America didn’t have much to do with it. I’m sure that the producers do look at the percentages of the voting but all they do is use that to make their decisions on who will go up with whom. The people are coming with talent but it’s really up to who the producers of the show to put together the groups of acts that they think will bring in the biggest viewer audience at home to watch with. They are selling commercials remember. Do you actual think that they are looking for America’s next big act? No way. It’s about the money. It’s just like any of these other shows like this. If you want to make yourself happy the next time, don’t watch and or don’t vote. It’s a waste of your time. If you do watch, just watch for the entertainment value and don’t take it serious because they don’t. There are all about the money. Really.

Hope this helps

I would cry in public, on tv or anywhere for a million bucks. Is that really all it takes on this show?

SOME OF YOU PEOPLE REALLY DISGUST ME WITH YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT KEVIN SKINNER... FIRST OF ALL, TALENT IS NOT JUST ABOUT WHO HAS A BETTER VOICE, IT IS ABOUT BEING ABLE TO MOVE PEOPLE EMOTIONALLY WITH WHAT YOU DO, WITH YOUR HEART, AND WITH WHO YOU REALLY ARE... IT'S THE ABILITY TO RELATE TO PEOPLE ON AN EMOTIONAL LEVEL... I CAN NAME YOU MANY, MANY SINGERS WHO ARE STARS AND CAN'T SING AS WELL AS KEVIN; (BOB DYLAN, JOHNNY CASH, WILLIE, MICK JAGGAR JUST TO NAME A FEW,) BUT THEY HAVE A CERTAIN APPEAL TO THE MASSES... IT IS THAT APPEAL THAT IS A TALENT IN ITSELF... KEVIN IS JUST THE SUCCESS STORY AMERICA NEEDS RIGHT NOW, SO WAKE UP PEOPLE AND GIVE THIS GOOD, HONEST, HUMBLE MAN HIS DUE...

JASON

Kevin Skinner can't sing; he is off-tune, flat, and nasal. I thought "America's Got Talent" was suposed to give the money to the person with the most talent, not the least.

Some comments have dismissed Barbara Padilla becasue she developed her talent. That attitude makes no sense. We should applaud and honor people who have devolped the gifts that god or nature gave to them. Are these commentatros really suggesting that contestants who have had training or performed in public before should be disqualified? That is utter nonsence.

Not everyone can be a Michael Jordon or Albert Einstein, no matter how many hours a day that person plays basketball or studies physics. Even if Kevin Skinner had received training, he would never have become a great singer.

I will not watch this show next year.

I agree that the show was too long winded and I was totally shocked by the results. I think Barbara Padilla was robbed and there were several other finalists who I think would have been more worthy of winning, if not her.

And I can't believe no one is talking about Shakira's obscene performance! Even my boyfriend thought it crossed the line. It was during prime time hours AND some of the finalists were children. I think I'm done with this show. There are other competition shows that are so much better.

SKK: Oh, I missed that (re: Shakira). I was fast-forwarding through most of the performances trying to catch up with the show in time for the actual results.

KEVIN DESERVED THE WIN! TELL THE TRUTH..HOW MANY TICKETS TO THE OPERA ARE YOU BUYING TO SEE PROFESSIONAL SINGER BARBARA PADILLA? I ENCOURAGE HER TO CONTINUE SINGING WITH WHATEVER CLASSICAL GROUP SHE'S BEEN PERFORMING WITH FOR YEARS OR TO AUDITION WITH THE METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE. THE SOULFUL,"EVERYNMAN" KEVIN SKINNER SANG FROM THE HEART AND HAD ALL MY VOTES FROM DAY ONE! UNDERSTAND, MOST AMERICANS CARE LESS ABOUT OPERA THAN THEY DO ABOUT POPULAR MUSIC. GREAT JOB KEVIN!!!

I have a sneaking suspicion something is fishy with "Kevin Skinner" the "chicken catcher." The producers touted him from the very beginning as someone to watch, but I don't think he was as spectacular as they thought.

How many underprivileged people do you know who have such perfect teeth?

IT WAS A JOKE THAT KEVIN SKINNER WON, HE HAS NO SINGING VOICE, BARBARA PADILLA WAS THE CLEAR WINNER IN MY OPINION.

Kekin can be called a true icon for americas got talent. I
cant wait to see how well he does. The skies the limit for him know. I will be going to Vegas for one of his preformances and hope he will tour the U.S. and hopefully he will come preform our town of Odessa,Tx

Kevin Skinner is a great story and would have been a wonderful made for TV movie. I love the guy but he can't sing a lick... If anyone in this country has any concept of "talent" then Barbara Padilla should have been a landslide winner. Having said that and knowing that opera doesn't fit well in our fake, sleezy, hip-hop (Shakira, Brittany and the gang...) blah-blah-blah cluture, then I certainly would have felt better if any of the multiple talented finalists would have won. I am happy for Kevin and hope this creates comfort and opportunity for his family - it just wasn't right.

My favorite was Lawrence Beamen and since he didn't win or the Texas Tenors, I'm glad Kevin Skinner did. Everyone knows Barbara has talent but why critize the winner. Piers is an expert at talent and he said Kevin had it. I would much rather go see Kevin when I am in Vegas than any opera singer. Different people have different taste. His Willie Nelson song was fantastic. Quit the sour grapes act and just quit watching if you don't like the results.

I think personally that recycled percussion was the best act for a Vegas show and then Texas Tenors would have been my second choice. I enjoyed Kevin Skinner and am not diappointed that he won(he was the best undiscovered raw talent in the show). Barbara Padillo was far too experienced already and tried to (faked her voice training) win by deception.She is awesomely talented but not undiscovered and a raw talent.This was America's choice and America chose so lets quit our complaining support Kevin.

America Doesn't Know Talent

I am glad Kevin Skinner won... He has a great voice when he sticks to his range, which seems to me most country songs by men with deep voices... As for Barbara Padilla --- give me a break! While she can sing opera - it is just not a show I would PAY to see in Vegas!!! Go to New York or LA if you want to make it as opera singer... I voted Kevin Skinner all the way! and NO I am not a southerner ---- Northern New England thank you very much!!!!!!

No way did america vote this guy in, just read any number of forums. The outcome was designed to insult the intelligence of the viewer for ratings purposes, similar to the last Apprentice. Now we all feel sorry for this poor sap who will fail miserably in Vegas

OMG! He won? Most everyone in the rual areas of Kentucky sound like him.. Honey if he can win, then I'm going to audition next year, and I definetly know I can't sing!!

I do not think Kevin or Padilla should have won. Kevin cannot sing well enough to win a million dollars, I would not go to Las Vegas to watch Padilla. I really thought the Texas Tenors would have been good in Vegas. I think the show is fixed, I live on the west coast and kept waiting to the end of show to vote and they kept telling me voting was closed. What is up with that.

Listening to Kevin Skinner sing is like Chinese water torture. I would rather hear screams from the chickens he chases.

I'm shocked that Kevin Skinner won and shocked at some of the comments here:

"There's no doubt that Barbara Padilla is
talented....maybe a bit too talanted for this venue." - What do you mean this venue? The highest rating show in the country with $1 million and a 5-yr. contract in Vegas as the prize. How much bigger does it get?

"My wife and I were thrilled with Kevin Skinner being the winner. No training and he is great. Barbara was also great but has a M.A. in music." - Hello! This is a TALENT show! You vote for who has the most talent, not who has the least training!

"I was for the underdog. He deserved to win it. When he lst came on the judges and audience seem to laugh at him and look down on him until he began to sing. He is America's Susan Boyle." - Um, the difference is that Susan Boyle can actually sing. Very well!

To everyone who keeps saying that Kevin Skinner is "America's Susan Boyle", I have one comment.

Susan Boyle can ACTUALLY sing!

Hello?? Is anyone home in America?

I think what a lot of people forget is this is a contest to win the right to perform in Las Vegas as well as the $1 million. Barbara has probably the best voice beyond a doubt, techinically speaking, but I do not see her packing out the house in Vegas. Kevin on the other hand, has a voice a lot like the late Keith Whitley, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and others who are not technically wonderful singers but who have a wistfullness to their force and a sincerity to their singing that makes people want to hear them. That's why songs like "When You Say Nothing At All, Walk The Line, etc. are seldom as remembered by followup groups. Kevin will be a success in Vegas and I predict a large success in Country Music.

Apparently there were alot of people who were TONE DEAF who voted for Kevin Skinner. He was embarrassing last night when he sang with Thelma Houston. So much talent, but he wasn't one of them.
Granted, Barbara belonged at the Metropolitan Opera house, not Vegas, and Drew should be picked up by a recording contract rather than putting on Vegas shows, but some of the others were "Pure Vegas".. I really thought Recycled Percussion was an act people would go to see and should probably win based on "Vegas style"

Was it FIXED?!?! Seriously - I can't believe Barbara Padilla didn't win. Did Americans REALLY not vote for Barbara?!?!?!?!

I'm confused...

Why are you so surprised that Skinner won? I personally do not like opera, nor do I listen to country music. Howerver ALL of America was voting and I would say that the majority of voters enjoyed Kevin Skinners music over Padilla's opera, something that the majority of folks, including myself, would never listen to.

I thought that Barbara was going to win but congratulations to Kevin.

vVThe world will be Barbaras oyster,she is incredible. Kevin is a natural, much like Willie Nelson as many have pointed out. What is happening in our country? So much hate. All of the top five are winners.Most people hopefully wish them all congratulations.

I am an american living in the cayman islands now! I have traveled the world and lived in the south and I have to say that everyone I know that watch the show, all agree it was fixed! Or the Anerican voters don't know talent if it bit then in the butt! It was a typical ending - the good ole boy against a mexican! The man can't even hold a tune and he gets 1 mill. and a Vagas deal - That is one show that will not last 6 months! I will not watch this show again! The UK got talent is way better and real!

Barbara had the talent, but Kevin had the heart. His heart had won America over from the start. Plus, Barbara's biggest disadvantage was her Opera music. More people listen to country music than to opera music here in the USA.

Hooray for Kevin! Glad he won. Barbra is too professional already and shouldn't have even been in this competition. Recycled Percussion is noisy and how many bands do we need to see banging up guitars and destroying them? Not entertaining to me. kevin shouldn't have been expected to be a show stopper with Thelma Houston. I felt sorry for him even having had to do that. America Got it right and I'm toatlly happy for Kevin!!!

Barbara may have talent is singing opera, but who goes to Vegas to see an opera singer?
Vegas has talent from country singers, pop singers, folks who are look-alikes and who can imitate Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, etc.
So ask yourself, when was the last time you decided to go to Vegas because you wanted to see an opera or opera singer?

i think kevin deserved to win. he sang with his heart and soul and if he didnt have talent, he wouldnt of won. people should be ashamed of themselves when they say hes a cartoon. if you think you can sing better, prove it moron.

america got pity.well i gues i wont be watching anymore barbara should of won

All I can say is that when major league baseball went on strike in 1994 and eliminated the World Series, I swore off professional baseball and have not watched a game since. After last night's results of America's Got Talent, I am now swearing off that show (which I use to enjoy). I think all of America should boycott this program!! I bet the sponsors would love that, huh?

I hate opera, and I was mesmerized by Barbara Padilla. Her voice is spectacular. I'll buy her CD, and I'll go see her perform. She made an opera lover out of me (and likely many others). To me, that's talent. I didn't look at her as an opera singer. I just closed my eyes and let the beauty of her voice fill me up. She's an amazing talent.

I voted for Kevine since the beginning because he touches my heart evrerytime he sings. I don't care what other people commented agains him. It was ok to comment but not to insult him. Americans who voted for him have good taste because they voted on how the singer touches their heart. He was voted as the winner and "HE DESERVED IT" GO GO GO KEVIN !!!!!!

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO THINK SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH AMERICANS,JUST LEAVE OR SHUT UP

I was very shocked at the winner this year, I think Recycled Percussion and Padilla stole the show. I would pay to see them in Vegas. They had that wow factor, Skinner does not, he has that AWWW factor, poor Kevin. Barbara may or may not think" she is all that, u don't know that. And just coz she didn't win, doesn't mean she is any less of a singer, just like Kevin winning doesn't make him a better singer. He is average at best. He won coz all the poor folks who have lost their jobs in the U.S. are hoping for their miracle too, and picked someone they identified with to win. He didn't win based on his "talent" He won coz people couldn't bare to see him lose and be even more miserable. Like the rest of us,lol. So, good for him, hopefully he will be smart and use his money wisely, better off save it and live off the interest coz Lord knows he won't have much to do after that year in Vegas when no one wants to pay to see his show. After his year, he will drop off the radar. Where r the others who won? Eh? I don't even remember their names. People wanna go to Vegas to feel good, have fun, not be reminded about their miserable lives listening to him sing, after the sob story we had shoved down our throats. I woulda rather seen Grandma Lee win! She was funny as heck! But Recycled percussion by far was the best, Padilla 2nd, if i had to call it.

Kevin Skinner did a beautiful job, and deserved to win. America got it right!

I'm not watching anymore. It's obvious not the people who voted. Skinner or the beautiful voice?? Padilla?

She has a gift from God - He is a joke - I would pay to see Johhny Cash - Skinner is no Johnny Cash.

all you people with the positive comments on kevin skinner winning YOU ROCK. all you people with negative comments YOU SUCK..kevin you are going to go a long way...you have a beautiful voice. i will definitely buy your cd...

this has to be the worst decision ever, what a joke, this guy would have been on the out taike real of American Idol and he wins this? wow I am just stunned, rigged rigged an absolute joke, anyone ANYONE in thr top ten should have beaten this tone deaf nno talent wow

Hey, Kevin may not have been the mosted talented entertainer but he won. It's Kevin's TIME. Don't hate. I would not hate if it were your TIME and I pray you don't hate when my TIME arrives. -Peace

I'm not sad Barbara lost. I'm shocked to learn that she has a MA in Vocal Performance--her Italian pronunciation was so terrible I figured she had never had diction training. I agree with people who say the judges "changed" Kevin Skinner. I think he can make if he focuses on his songwriting talent. Anyone can sing, but all the mediocre singers that Kevin is compared to were really songwriters.

I was shocked, at first, because there is no comparison in their respective talent. Barbara has a rare talent, while Kevin's can be found in most country/western bars. He then appeared on Conon O'Brien and did a good job. I think the judges should make the final decisions, though, rather than the public.

Barbara has already won!!!!
Her exposure on AGT has made her a winner. She has so much class and beauty to go with that amazing voice, you will be hearing much more of her.I'm not a big fan of Opera but I had goose bumps when she sang.
David was right when he said she will be going on to bigger and better Halls.

We will not be watching America's Got Talent after the outcome of the show. America must be tone deaf.

I am an avid watcher of idol and america's got talent. I will continue to watch idol but will never watch the other again. Kevin seemed like a really sweet guy but couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. Hope he uses the money wisely.

America didn't vote for the best talent. America voted for the person that needs the money most. Kevin is the guy that needs the money and in that respect America has voted right. If it is about talent, then AGT needs to stop telling people about the contestants life as to not influence the outcome...

I think the fact that Barbara got an MFA in music is a faulty reason to not vote for her. Seriously should someone be punished that they took every step needed to pursue their dream and it just didn't happen? In any case she had a full scholarship, she wasn't financially well-off, she was able to get that degree based on talent and effort. To say Kevin should have won because he needed the money more is a silly reason too. Vote for a talent show based on talent.

I am proud that American realized the talents of a solid and truly honest country boy from Kentucky. Barbara is classically trained and cancer does not get a sympathy vote from me

It is time for a different way to choose the winner. It appears that the judges are just there for their comments. If America is going to choose the winners, I doubt if real talent will ever win. It is time for NBC to stop airing this show. If they don't, I will certainly not be watching. It is a waste of time if you are watching, thinking that the true talent will win. I haven't been watching just for the entertainment but for what is as close to fairness as possible. This is laughable.