Today, Manuel resides in Sydney, Australia, where he continues to release original music—such as his 2022 EP Younger Skin and the 2025 single "Molotov"—on his own terms. You can follow his current projects on his official Instagram . Johnny Manuel America's Got Talent 2017 Audition｜GTF
: Following his semifinal elimination on AGT , Manuel represented Bulgaria in the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest as part of the group Equinox and later finished as the runner-up on The Voice Australia in 2020.
: After being dropped from his label at 16, his career stalled for years until his appearance on America's Got Talent . Today, Manuel resides in Sydney, Australia, where he
: Manuel opted for a high-register delivery typically associated with female powerhouse vocalists like Jennifer Hudson. His ability to hit the song's massive notes with precision led Simon Cowell to remark that if he were producing a Broadway show, Manuel would be his choice for a "big male diva vocal lead".
: The performance was noted for its emotional intensity and "blown-off-the-roof" power, solidifying Manuel as a frontrunner during the live shows. Johnny Manuel’s Musical Journey : After being dropped from his label at
Johnny Manuel ’s performance of during the Season 12 quarterfinals of America’s Got Talent in 2017 remains one of the show's most iconic vocal displays. The Flint, Michigan native, who was 28 at the time, delivered a rendition of the Dreamgirls classic that earned a rare standing ovation from all four judges: Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel. Performance Highlights
: He signed his first major recording contract with Warner Records at age 14. : The performance was noted for its emotional
Before his AGT breakthrough, Manuel’s career had seen significant highs and lows:
