America's Got Talent Finalist,Michael Grimm during interview just prior to leaving Branson for his live AGT performances.
“The caliber of the vocal and instrumental performers in Branson’s live shows is second to none,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Day to day, in terms of quality, diversity of choice and excitement, Branson’s live shows provide some of the best entertainment available anywhere.”
Johnson points out that until a couple of months ago, visitors to Branson would have seen Michael Grimm, as the guitar player and vocalist with the “Righteous Brother Bill Medley Show” in Branson. On September 7 and 8, with millions watching on national TV, Grimm competed and was selected as one of the four finalists on the NBC prime time hit show “America’s Got Talent (AGT).”
The other finalists are “Prince Poppy Cock,” basically a singer who presents his songs in his own unusual, but extremely entertaining way; “Fighting Gravity,” a black light show with great visual appeal and Jackie Evanco an 11 year old young lady with an operatic voice that is unbelievable. They will be competing for the $1 million dollar prize and other career changing opportunities including a National Tour and being the headliner of a Las Vegas Show, on Tuesday night, September 14 with the results being announced on Wednesday night September 15.
At the time of the airing of the taped audition show that started Grimm on his journey he was playing in the Righteous Brother Bill Medley show in Branson. Within a week of that airing, after his June 5th performance with the show, he left Branson to devote full time to the AGT competition.
Two comments come to mind that seem particularly appropriate as Grimm goes into the AGT Finals. One was the almost prophetic statement made by AGT host Nick Cannon, after watching Grimm’s initial audition performance, when he said, “That’s a Super Star’s voice right there.” The other two were made by Grimm himself during an exclusive interview with this writer for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, two days before his final Branson performance, when he said, “I just want to get as far as I can get. It would be an honor if I can make it a couple of rounds, open some doors for my career, and make enough money to build my Grandma a new house.”
Grimm,s relationship with his “Grandma” is special and dates back to when he was four and she took over the raising of him and his sister after their parents separated. He credits her with his interest in music and the start of his professional career saying, “My grandma is my inspiration.” Grandma Laura Butters was sitting in the audience as he performed for the finals on Tuesday night and on Wednesday night when his selection to the Final Four was announced.
Grimm also said during the interview that he would be coming back to Branson. When asked “Even if you win?” Shaking on it he said that there are wonderful people here, he had a great experience in Branson and would be back whether he wins or not.
“While it would be nice if Grimm does come back to Branson to perform, the great news for Branson visitors,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson, “is that many performers of his caliber are performing in Branson’s live shows on a daily basis”. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.