America's Got Talent

Oh, the things that happen to those who win something like America's Got Talent.  Winning a million dollars, as well as a show in Las Vegas, is surely something that will change an amateur performer's life forever.  At the beginning of this month, opera singer Neal E. Boyd was named the winner after a nationwide vote, and since then he has gone leaps and bounds.

The performer had a show last week at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and it was a well-attended affair, with around 5,000 people paying to watch him.  Outside of shows, the Missouri native is talking with managers and record labels, pretty much leaving no time for himself.  He almost didn't make it, even, to ceremonies that his alma mater, Southeast Missouri State University, organized in his honor.

“My schedule, and the new people in my life, the handlers, are really, are taking advantage of the moment, and it's important that they do, or it could all go away real quick, as quick as it came,” Boyd said.  Thankfully, he was given a chance to take a little breather and attend the said ceremony.  He said he was supposed to meet with a record label, but fortunately they gave him a week-long break so he can spend time with his family.

“This weekend I get to ... touch base again,” he said.  “I get to see Mom, I get to see my brother and his kids.  The main thing really was specifically to get back for SEMO's Homecoming.”

The speech communication graduate is slated to receive a Distinguished Service Award, an honor given to SEMO alumni who have made an impact in the region, and to the United States as a whole.  Boyd is intent to use the event to thank all those who supported him during his America's Got Talent run.  If possible, he'd even like to make a public appearance in his hometown, Sikeston. However, he won't be able to perform for them. As Boyd pointed out, contractual obligations prevent him from doing just that.


-Henrik Batallones, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Southeast Missourian
(Image courtesy of NBC)