Branson’s Got 2 in “America’s Got Talent”
After making it through the initial auditions, the short list and finally to the twenty semifinalists for NBC’s hit television show America’s Got Talent, Branson’s Dutton Family and Johnny Lonestar are ready to proceed toward winning the grand prize of $1,000,000.
Dean Dutton, family patriarch of the talented group of seven siblings, mom and dad, exclaimed, “Our family is so excited with being able to participate in America’s Got Talent. We were blessed to make the semifinals and look forward to the rest of the competition.†Featuring a wide array of musical genres, The Duttons combine beautiful vocal harmonies, instrumental virtuosity, high-energy dancing, and heartwarming comedy. Each Dutton plays at least six different instruments.
Gun-slingin’, rope-twirlin’, bull-whippin’ cowboy Johnny Lonestar, with Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, is on his way to the next round. Raised in Smithtown, NY, he started trick-roping at the age of 15. At 17, he won the “Will Rogers Rookie of the Year†award. By age 20, he received his first professional job on the Las Vegas strip performing rope-twirling, gun-spinning and whip-cracking. Johnny brought his act to Branson, and has been here for the past 13 years.
“America’s Got Talent is bringing the variety format back to the forefront of American culture. With the performances of Johnny Lonestar and The Duttons showcased on national television, the high caliber of Branson talent was well-represented,†said Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley.
“Starting with the semifinal performance episodes, the judging will be turned over to the American viewing audience who will vote each week for their favorites,†according to Ross Summers, President/CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We hope that all their fans will vote for their Branson favorites.†The series culminates with a live finale where one act will walk away with a million dollar prize.
