Geno Ploeger

Season 21 · Runner-Up

Geno Ploeger on America's Got Talent

At ten years old, Geno watched Mat Franco become the first magician to win America's Got Talent. Twelve years later, he walked onto that same stage — and finished as the runner-up of Season 21.

Geno Ploeger revealing a card to the judges on America's Got Talent

From Audition to the Final Two

Geno — a Phoenix-based magician and Arizona State University senior — auditioned with a fast-paced card routine telling the story of the Mat Franco win that inspired him, the same Mat Franco he had interned under two years earlier. All four judges said yes.

From there he advanced through the quarterfinals and semifinals without a Golden Buzzer, carried entirely by America's vote. In the finale he performed solo, then joined Mat Franco for a duet, before finishing second overall.

Every Performance

What the Judges Said

“The most superb magic I have ever actually seen.”
— Mel B, Judge
“You have this incredible enthusiasm, love for magic — you can see it in your eyes.”
— Simon Cowell, Judge
“That was brilliant, entertaining, magical.”
— Mel B, Judge, after Geno's audition
“Something I have never seen. You did you.”
— Howie Mandel, Judge

In the News

  • NBC Insider

    Geno Ploeger Channeled His Idol, AGT Winner Mat Franco, in His AGT Audition

  • Parade

    Watch This 'Brilliant' 'America's Got Talent' Magician Who Learned From a Former Winner

  • TV Insider

    'AGT's Geno Ploeger on New Career Goal, Magic Future Plans, and More

  • Arizona's Family

    'Dream Come True': Arizona Magician Finishes as Runner-Up on 'America's Got Talent'

Read all press coverage →

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