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Mat Franco (born May 10, 1988) is an American magician best known for his personality-driven, skill-based sleight of hand magic. He was the first magician to win America's Got Talent, in the show's ninth season. Franco went on to produce and star in his own primetime TV specials on NBC, Mat Franco’s Got Magic. In 2015, he created and debuted his live stage show in Las Vegas, Mat Franco - Magic Reinvented Nightly. Franco is currently headlining at The LINQ Hotel + Experience at the Mat Franco Theater.[1][2] In addition to winning "Best Magic Show" at the Best of Vegas Awards,[3] Franco's live production was the top-rated magic show in Las Vegas according to Billboard.com in 2021.[4][5] Mat Franco - Magic Reinvented Nightly was awarded Best Show on the Las Vegas Strip again in 2022.[6]

Key Information

Background

[edit]

Franco was born in Johnston, Rhode Island. After he saw magic on TV when he was four, he begged his parents to get him a magic set. He then began performing tricks in his kindergarten class. One of his greatest influences and the first assistant was his grandmother, who used to read magic instructions to Mat when he was too young to read for himself.

Franco continued studying magic as a child and performed any chance he could. When he was 12, he had saved enough money from local shows to fly to Las Vegas to study performance art with some of his idols, including Jeff McBride.[7]

Franco graduated from Johnston High School in 2006.[citation needed] He studied at the University of Rhode Island, receiving a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Communication Studies.[8]

Early career

[edit]

In 2003, at age 15, Franco was invited to perform onstage at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, as part of a show hosted by the Society of American Magicians called "Stars of Tomorrow".

After graduating from college in 2010, Franco performed his one-man show on college campuses throughout the U.S., touring six months out of the year, for four years. He was nominated for "Fastest Rising Star" in 2012, and in 2013 was awarded "Best College Performer" by Campus Activities Magazine (based in Prosperity, South Carolina) in their Reader's Choice Awards. He would frequently return to the University of Rhode Island, his alma mater, to perform at student orientations.

Franco was always encouraged by his grandmother, Eleanor Campellone, who told an interviewer, "His mother was always working and he couldn't show her everything -- look mom, look mom. So the grandma was there and I had all the time in the world. I'd spend hours watching his tricks."[9]

America's Got Talent

[edit]

In 2014/2015, Franco achieved mainstream success as the winner of America's Got Talent.

AGT appearances

[edit]
  • June 17, 2014: Audition – In Los Angeles, during Episode 904, Franco used card manipulation to impress the judges (Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Mel B and Howie Mandel). With a shuffled deck of cards he told a story that he wrote about America's Got Talent. (The audition was recorded in April in the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.[10]) And got a standing ovation.
  • July 22, 2014: Judgment Week – In Episode 907, Franco performed a visual interactive card trick where he painted a picture of Howie Mandel on the Judges' desk, using just a deck of cards. This performance earned four Yes votes again.
  • August 5, 2014: Quarterfinals – Franco appeared in Episode 911 and used Heidi Klum as his assistant. His tricks with fire and with disappearing and reappearing cards earned him four Yes votes and standing ovations.[11]
  • August 6, 2014: Quarterfinals – In Episode 912 in New York, Franco was one among five acts to proceed to the Semifinals.
  • September 2, 2014: Semifinals – In Episode 919, Franco was one of twelve acts competing for six opportunities in the Top 12 Finals. After having Howie, Howard, and Heidi choose three random cards (6, 4, and 2), he borrowed Mel B's phone; dropped it into liquid; vanished the phone using a hair dryer; and then moved into the middle of the audience at Radio City Music Hall to cut open seat #642, revealing Mel's phone inside the seat cushion.
  • September 3, 2014: Semifinals – In episode 920, Franco was Voted through to the Top 12.
  • September 9, 2014: Top 12 – In episode 921, Franco performed an interactive trick with the live audience, including the judges, and even the home viewers. He had everyone at home select a card, and using cannon, was able to get the selected card stuck to the ceiling at Radio City Music Hall.
  • September 10, 2014: Top 12 Results – in episode 922, Franco was voted through to the Finals, and was declared the last magician standing in the competition.
  • September 16, 2014: Finals – In the finale, each performer had to do a reprise of a previous performance. Franco chose to do a twist on his audition, by doing a version of cups and balls, accompanied by another story that he wrote about the judges. Later on in the episode, Franco performed a large scale trick which included a "human deck" of cards, which consisted of 52 random audience members that Nick Cannon chose, and brought on stage.
  • September 17, 2014: Finals Results – Franco appeared as one of six finalists at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.[7] The show, in which Franco used Rosie O'Donnell and Howard Stern as assistants, aired on television on September 17.[12][13]

At the conclusion of the finale, Franco was announced as the winner.

After winning season 9 in 2014, Franco was the first guest performer to appear on the tenth season. He also made a second guest appearance later that season for another performance on the finale episode in 2015. Franco returned for guest performances in 2016 and 2017. Later that year, Franco created a Holiday-themed performance for the AGT Christmas Special. In the season 15 finale, Franco appeared in a comedic segment in which he taught Terry Crews how to perform magic. That same season, Franco appeared on the show with a special “socially distanced” performance. In 2021, Franco appeared on the season 16 Finale episode for a special collaborative performance with Dustin Tavella, who went on to win that season. Most recently, Franco was a featured guest on the finale episode of America's Got Talent: All-Stars in 2023.

Reception

[edit]

Since Franco's Las Vegas show opening in 2015, it has raked in a slew of accolades and awards including "Best Magic Show" "Best Performance Venue" "Best Production Show" in the Best of Las Vegas Awards sponsored by the Las Vegas Review Journal.[3]

As of 2020, Franco's live production show rates highest (average 4.8 / 5 stars) among all magic shows in Las Vegas according to user reviews on the largest Las Vegas ticketing broker, Vegas.com, as well as Yelp and Trip Advisor.[5][14]

The Las Vegas Review-Journal wrote of Franco's stint on America's Got Talent: "Franco did a crafty job of customizing his prediction-based, sleight-of-hand magic to make maximum use of Talent judges Howard Stern and Mel B. And he displayed a personality and sense of humor that other magicians were not able to convey in their limited camera time."[15]

It's been said that Franco "specializes in creating customized, interactive presentations for his audiences that allow for spontaneity and improvisation. For Mat, magic isn't about 'tricking' or 'fooling' the audience; it's about connecting with people and bringing smiles to their faces."[16]

Career

[edit]

Franco began headlining in Las Vegas at LINQ Hotel & Casino on August 5, 2015. The show is titled "Mat Franco: Magic Reinvented Nightly". By 2016 the show was named "Best Magic Show in Las Vegas" by the Las Vegas Review Journal.[17]

Franco has made numerous guest appearances on talk shows, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Access Hollywood, and The Today Show.

Franco returned to Radio City Music Hall as the featured guest performer on America's Got Talent for the first live broadcast of the show's tenth season (August 12, 2015). He later returned for the season finale.

Franco starred in his own two-hour magic TV special titled Mat Franco's Got Magic that aired on NBC on September 17, and December 9, 2015.[17]

Franco started to actively post his tricks on his YouTube channel in April 2015. He currently has over 200,000 subscribers to his channel.

In 2016, his Vegas show was awarded "Best Show" on the Las Vegas Strip in the "Las Vegas Weekly Readers' Choice Awards".

In February 2017, Mat Franco returned to his alma mater University of Rhode Island for a show celebrating the university's 125th anniversary.[18]

On July 10, 2017, the LINQ officially renamed the theater the "Mat Franco Theater" and the city of Las Vegas presented Franco with a key to the Las Vegas Strip and declared July 10 "Mat Franco Day."

In 2020, Caesars Entertainment announced signing new deal with Franco, including a 5-year extension of his residency show "Mat Franco - Magic Reinvented Nightly" at the LINQ Hotel + Experience.[19]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Mat Franco

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Mat Franco is an American magician from , best known as the winner of the ninth season of NBC's in 2014, becoming the first magician to claim the top prize in the competition's history. His performances emphasize personality-driven sleight-of-hand illusions, , and audience interaction, blending traditional with modern entertainment. Raised in , Franco discovered his passion for magic as a child and began performing tricks in grade school while pursuing a degree in at the to build a foundation for his career. Following his victory, he debuted his headlining residency, MAT FRANCO – MAGIC REINVENTED NIGHTLY, at The Hotel + Experience in in 2015, a 90-minute show held in the 600-seat Mat Franco Theater that incorporates celebrity guests and custom elements for each performance. In 2017, the production earned Clark County recognition with the declaration of as "Mat Franco Day" and the presentation of the Key to the Strip. The show has garnered critical acclaim, securing Gold Winner designations from the Las Vegas Review-Journal for Best Magic Show, Best Production Show, and Best Showroom/Live Venue, along with four Best Headliner awards from the Southern Hotel Association and the 2025 Magician of the Year award from the Academy of Magical Arts. Franco also starred in the 2015 NBC special Mat Franco's Got Magic and has appeared on programs including TODAY, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Steve Harvey, and the NFL Draft broadcast. Beyond entertainment, he supports philanthropy efforts, such as donating $20,000 to the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and livestreaming free shows during the to honor .

Early Life

Childhood and Family

Mat Franco was born on May 10, 1988, in . He grew up in the same town as the youngest of three brothers in an Italian-American family. Franco's family provided a supportive environment during his upbringing, fostering his personal interests without applying pressure to follow predefined career paths. This dynamic allowed him to explore hobbies freely in a close-knit household. A key figure in this nurturing setting was his grandmother, Eleanor Campellone, who served as an encouraging presence and attentive supporter of his early pursuits. This familial foundation contributed to Franco's development, eventually leading to his discovery of during childhood.

Introduction to Magic

Mat Franco discovered his passion for at the age of four, captivated by a magician performing on television. This chance encounter ignited a profound fascination, prompting him to persistently request a magic set from his parents, which they eventually provided. From that moment, magic became a central part of his childhood, marking the beginning of a self-taught journey that would define his career. Inspired by television performers such as Jeff McBride on shows like World's Greatest Magic, Franco began experimenting with simple tricks from his new magic set, including a shrinking wand, a disappearing ball in a , and basic manipulations. These early attempts, often practiced in show-and-tell sessions, demonstrated his innate and to master the , even as a young child with limited reading skills. His improvisational approach emphasized and storytelling, setting the stage for his unique style. Central to Franco's initial development was the unwavering support of his grandmother, Eleanor Campellone, who served as his first audience and source of encouragement. She dedicated hours to watching his performances while his mother worked, reading magic instructions aloud to him before he could read independently and fostering an environment of positivity and belief in his talent. Campellone passed away on March 17, 2025. This familial encouragement, free from professional instruction, transformed his childhood curiosity into a deep-seated obsession, solidifying as a lifelong pursuit.

Education and Early Career

Academic Background

Mat Franco graduated from Johnston High School in Johnston, Rhode Island, in 2006. Following high school, Franco enrolled at the University of Rhode Island (URI), where he pursued a bachelor's degree in marketing. He completed his studies and graduated in 2010, leveraging the program's emphasis on business principles to support his burgeoning interest in performance arts, which had roots in a childhood hobby of magic that began at age four. Throughout his time at URI, Franco balanced rigorous academics with extracurricular activities tied to performance, including campus engagements that showcased his skills and foreshadowed his professional trajectory in . His involvement in communication-focused studies and coursework provided foundational tools for self-promotion and audience interaction, aligning closely with his evolving passion for as a performative discipline.

Initial Performances and College Tours

Franco began his professional magic career with paid gigs in local venues, including libraries, offices, and restaurants, while pursuing his studies at the . These early performances, which started during his college years, allowed him to refine his sleight-of-hand techniques and build confidence in front of audiences, often incorporating everyday objects into his routines. His academic background in provided essential communication and promotional skills that he applied to booking and delivering these intimate shows. Following his graduation from the in 2010, Franco launched a touring circuit focused on U.S. colleges and universities, where he performed high-energy sleight-of-hand tailored to crowds. His shows emphasized interactive elements and humor, blending card manipulations and object illusions with relatable college-themed narratives to engage young audiences. Over the next four years, this circuit became his primary source of income, enabling him to perform at dozens of campuses nationwide and establish a reputation as an accessible, entertaining magician. In 2013, Franco's dedication to the college market paid off when he was awarded "Best Male Performer" by Campus Activities Magazine, recognizing his innovative style and consistent draw for campus events. This accolade marked a significant breakthrough, solidifying his regional standing and opening doors to larger bookings within the sector. The award highlighted his ability to combine technical prowess in sleight-of-hand with charismatic delivery, setting him apart from traditional magicians.

America's Got Talent

Season 9 Journey

Mat Franco's journey on America's Got Talent Season 9 began with his audition in 2014, where he performed a personality-driven card trick that incorporated a narrative involving the judges, earning him advancement to the next round. Drawing on his prior experience touring college campuses, which had honed his engaging stage presence, Franco captivated the audience and panel with his charismatic delivery and innovative approach to close-up magic. He progressed through the quarterfinals in Week 2, held at , where his performance secured enough votes to advance him further in the competition. In the semifinals, Franco continued to build momentum with interactive illusions that highlighted his ability to blend humor and surprise, earning him a spot in the finals alongside other top contenders. Franco's participation culminated in the Season 9 finale on , 2014, where he was announced as the , becoming the first magician to win the competition and claiming the $1 million prize along with a headlining opportunity in . This victory marked a pivotal turning point, propelling his career from underground performer to national sensation.

Performances and Reception

Franco's performances throughout America's Got Talent Season 9 showcased his signature blend of intricate card manipulations and interactive illusions, often incorporating audience participation to create engaging narratives. In his audition, he executed a multilayered card routine involving transformations and disappearances, weaving a personalized story about the judges that highlighted his storytelling prowess. This act left the judges speechless, earning unanimous advancement with Howie Mandel later reflecting on its innovative structure. During the quarterfinals, Franco built on this with another mesmerizing card-based story, again rendering the panel silent in awe of his sleight-of-hand precision and charm. Advancing through the season's stages, Franco's semifinal act escalated the interactivity by having judges , , and select cards, which he then used to vanish Mel B's phone into a theater seat cushion, blending with theatrical surprise. In the finals, he delivered a rhymed using balls and cups to demonstrate impossible transpositions, followed by a card separation trick that playfully revealed the judges' "psychic" connection, with one deliberate mismatch for comedic effect. These acts emphasized his focus on skill-driven manipulations rather than elaborate props, drawing praise from judges like for his relatable humor and genuine personality, which made the magic feel accessible and entertaining beyond mere spectacle. The immediate reception from judges and host celebrated Franco's approachable demeanor and technical mastery, with Mandel noting his ability to connect emotionally through illusions that felt personal and clever. Public and media buzz positioned Franco as a trailblazer, marking him as the first magician to win the and challenging the perception of as a viable, high-impact in talent shows dominated by vocalists. Outlets like highlighted how his victory lent credibility to the art form, with Franco himself stating it helped overcome the embarrassment some felt about pursuing professionally. This win generated widespread acclaim for revitalizing interest in skill-based variety acts .

Later appearances

Franco has made several guest appearances on following his Season 9 win. In Season 15 (2020), he performed a card trick demonstrating coincidences with judge and guest judge during the quarterfinals. In the Season 16 (2021) finale, Franco collaborated with finalist on an inspirational magic routine, contributing to Tavella's victory as the third magician winner. On September 24, 2025, during the Season 20 finale, Franco joined fellow magician winners and for a promotional tied to Lionsgate's Now You See Me: Now You Don't.

Professional Career

Las Vegas Residency

Following his victory on America's Got Talent, Mat Franco launched his headlining residency with the debut of "Mat Franco - Magic Reinvented Nightly" at Hotel + Experience in on August 5, 2015. The production, designed as an interactive and innovative , quickly established itself as a staple on the Strip, performing five nights a week in a 600-seat venue that was later renamed the Mat Franco Theater in to honor its star. The show has continually evolved to maintain its "reinvented nightly" ethos, with Franco incorporating fresh illusions, audience interactions, and thematic updates over the years, including a significant refresh in early 2023 that introduced new large-scale effects and storytelling elements. In January 2020, secured the production's future by extending Franco's contract for an additional five years through 2025, reflecting its strong performance and popularity amid growing demand. By August 2025, the residency marked its 10-year milestone with celebratory events at , having delivered over 2,750 performances and captivating millions of attendees. The residency continues as of November 2025, with performances scheduled through 2026. Renowned as one of Las Vegas's top-rated magic shows, it has consistently earned accolades such as "Best Magic Show" from the Las Vegas Review-Journal, underscoring its box office success and enduring appeal as a premier live entertainment offering.

Television Appearances and Specials

Following his victory on America's Got Talent (AGT), Mat Franco starred in the NBC primetime special Mat Franco's Got Magic, which aired on September 17, 2015. The two-hour program documented Franco's journey from Rhode Island to Las Vegas, featuring street magic performances, celebrity interactions with guests like Neil Patrick Harris and Heidi Klum, and illusions adapted from his emerging stage routines. Directed by Rob Gardner, the special highlighted Franco's interactive style and received positive reviews for its energetic presentation of close-up and parlor magic. Franco made several guest appearances on subsequent seasons of AGT, often performing updated versions of his signature tricks to engage contestants and judges. In Season 10 (2015), he appeared in the quarterfinals (Episode 1013) with a routine involving cylinders that produced multiple wine bottles and switched glasses, and later in the finale (Episode 1023) collaborating with mentalist Derek Hughes on a combined magic and mind-reading act. He returned in Season 15 (2020) during Quarterfinal 3 (Episode 1510) for a card trick incorporating judges and guest . In Season 16 (2021), Franco guested in the finale (Episode 1620) alongside illusionist , showcasing a high-energy manipulation sequence. These appearances emphasized Franco's role as a returning champion, bridging his live Vegas residency with broadcast entertainment. Most recently, in the 2023 AGT: All-Stars finale (Episode AS08), he performed a collaborative with young magician Aidan McCann, earning praise for mentoring the next generation of performers. Beyond AGT, Franco appeared on the CW's : Fool Us in the 2019 Christmas special (Season 8, Episode 14), where he successfully fooled the hosts with a teleportation card trick involving assistant , securing a "Fool Us" trophy. Internationally, he performed at the variety special 's Easter Night at the Coliseum on April 5, 2015, hosted by comedian at London's Coliseum Theatre, delivering a set amid acts by , , and Sia. Additionally, Franco featured in the NBC Holiday Spectacular on December 19, 2016, with a festive routine that magically assembled a snowman, blending holiday themes with his sleight-of-hand expertise. These television outings expanded Franco's visibility, adapting his Vegas-inspired illusions for diverse audiences and formats.

Awards and Recognition

Major Honors

Mat Franco's early career accolades highlighted his prowess as a college circuit performer. In 2013, he was named Best Male College Performer by Campus Activities Magazine, recognizing his unique blend of humor, interactivity, and sleight-of-hand magic in one-man shows toured across U.S. universities. Post his 2014 America's Got Talent win, Franco's Las Vegas residency, Mat Franco: Magic Reinvented Nightly, established him as a Strip staple through repeated honors. The production secured the "Best Magic Show" award in the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Best of Las Vegas Awards in 2016, with additional wins in subsequent years, amassing seven total Best of Las Vegas honors by 2020 for its innovative illusions and audience engagement. Further affirming its excellence, the show was voted "Best Show on the Las Vegas Strip" in the 2016 Las Vegas Weekly Readers' Choice Awards, praised for redefining magic with fresh, personality-driven sleight-of-hand techniques. These residency triumphs underscored Franco's post-AGT industry nods for pioneering accessible, innovative sleight-of-hand that elevated to theatrical scale. The residency's sustained impact is evident in its high acclaim, holding a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from thousands of reviews and Billboard's designation as 's top-rated magic show in 2021.

Recent Achievements

In 2025, Mat Franco marked the 10th anniversary of his Las Vegas residency with celebratory events at Hotel + Experience, reflecting on a decade of headlining performances that began shortly after his victory. The milestone, observed around August 22, included intimate gatherings with his team and public reflections on his career trajectory, highlighting the show's evolution into a nightly staple. In May 2025, Franco received the "Magician of the Year" award from the Academy of Magical Arts, an accolade that builds on his prior industry recognitions and affirms his influence in contemporary magic. He featured prominently in interviews, where he discussed the honor alongside his residency's longevity and innovative approach to illusions. Franco's "Magic Reinvented Nightly" production has maintained strong audience reception into 2025, earning consistent ratings of 4.7 to 4.8 out of 5 across platforms like and , which praise its interactive and skill-based elements. The show's schedule has been extended into 2026 at , ensuring continued nightly performances and demonstrating enduring popularity amid Las Vegas's competitive entertainment landscape.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Mat Franco married his sweetheart, Tianna Scartabello (now known as Tianna Franco), on August 22, 2019, at the Montage hotel in . The intimate ceremony featured a tropical oasis theme, with the couple sharing their first dance to Elvis Presley's " With You," and was planned by Scartabello with assistance from event coordinator Victoria Trancao of A Good Affairs. The pair first met as students at the , where their relationship began in 2011. Franco and his wife reside in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he maintains his long-running residency show at The Linq Hotel and Casino. Tianna has occasionally appeared in public alongside Franco at events related to his performances, offering support for his career while balancing family responsibilities. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Americo, in early 2023, following an announcement in August 2022 of his expected arrival in January 2023. Their second child, daughter Evalina, was born on February 27, 2025, in Las Vegas, weighing 6 pounds, 12 ounces. Despite their public profiles, Franco and Tianna prioritize privacy regarding their family life, sharing limited updates through occasional family while shielding their children from extensive media exposure.

Philanthropic Efforts

Mat Franco has demonstrated a strong commitment to through targeted donations and community support initiatives. In 2016, following his appearance on the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Franco donated $20,000 of his winnings to the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), highlighting his early dedication to causes. Franco's involvement in animal welfare extends beyond this initial donation, with ongoing efforts centered on supporting Nevada's largest open-admission shelter, The Animal Foundation. Since establishing his Las Vegas residency, he has hosted annual pet supply drives in partnership with the organization, marking the fifth such event in 2024 to benefit lost and homeless animals in the Valley. These drives collect essential items like food, toys, and bedding, reflecting his passion as an animal lover and his focus on practical aid for local shelters. In addition to animal-related work, Franco has used his platform to contribute to broader Las Vegas community efforts, particularly during challenging times. At the onset of the global pandemic in 2020, he was among the first entertainers to livestream performances on , providing free entertainment to fans and underscoring his intent to give back through accessible content. Upon the city's reopening, he dedicated a show to honoring and essential workers, further emphasizing his role in uplifting the community he calls home.

Magic Style and Influence

Performance Techniques

Mat Franco's performance techniques are rooted in skill-based sleight-of-hand, emphasizing precision and dexterity honed over two decades of practice. He specializes in card manipulations and illusions, where subtle hand movements create seamless effects that captivate audiences through technical mastery rather than elaborate setups. These methods, often self-taught from childhood experiments with basic card tricks, form the core of his act, allowing for fluid transitions between smaller illusions that build to larger reveals. Franco integrates humor, storytelling, and audience interaction to infuse his magic with personality and accessibility. His happy-go-lucky, boy-next-door persona delivers lighthearted commentary and relatable narratives, making illusions feel personal and engaging rather than distant spectacles. By inviting spectators to participate directly—"I’m not doing a trick on you, but I want you to be a participant"—he fosters a collaborative energy that heightens the emotional impact and draws viewers into the experience. This approach, combined with affable humor, ensures his performances resonate on an intimate level, evoking laughter and wonder in equal measure. Central to Franco's style is the avoidance of large-scale props, favoring everyday objects to enhance relatability and millennial appeal. He employs simple items like cards or ordinary household goods for , maintaining a minimalist aesthetic that prioritizes human skill over mechanical aids. This technique creates a grounded, approachable vibe, as Franco notes, "Making magic more relatable is kind of my ," transforming traditional into a modern, personality-driven form. By relying on lighting, sound, and his own flowing movements instead of oversized elements, he sustains a one-man-show that feels fresh and unpretentious.

Impact and Legacy

Mat Franco's victory as the first magician to win in 2014 marked a pivotal moment for the art of magic, elevating sleight-of-hand to mainstream prominence after decades of the genre being overshadowed by grand illusions and spectacle-driven acts. His season 9 win, which included a $1 million prize, showcased personality-infused that resonated with a broad television audience, demonstrating that intimate, skill-based performances could captivate millions without relying on elaborate staging. This breakthrough not only secured Franco immediate headlining opportunities in but also signaled a shift in public perception, proving that magicians could compete on equal footing with singers, dancers, and comedians in national competitions. Franco has extended his influence to aspiring performers through his active online presence, particularly his YouTube channel, where he shares tutorials and performances that demystify magic for a new generation. Launched in 2015 with regular content on sleight-of-hand techniques and creative approaches, the channel has amassed over 300,000 subscribers as of November 2025, serving as an accessible entry point for young enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond digital tutorials, Franco embodies a mentorship ethos within the magic community, collaborating with peers like Shin Lim and praising emerging talents such as Mackenzie Sol for their innovative adaptations to the digital era, thereby fostering a collaborative environment that encourages skill development and storytelling in performances. In , Franco's decade-long residency with Magic Reinvented Nightly at Hotel + Experience, debuting in 2015, has solidified his legacy as a sustained headliner who revitalizes magic for digital-native audiences. By integrating spontaneous audience interaction, social media-inspired elements, and a relatable "boy-next-door" , he counters outdated stereotypes of magicians as aloof or gimmicky, instead positioning the craft as dynamic and inclusive. Franco's approach has drawn millions to the Strip, blending traditional sleight-of-hand with modern to keep repeat visitors engaged and inspire a broader appreciation for magic's enduring appeal.

References

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  29. https://www.thelist.com/336944/whatever-happened-to-agt-winner-mat-franco/
  30. https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/dustin-tavella-greatest-moments-agt-season-16
  31. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2021/09/15/americas-got-talent-dustin-tavella-wins-star-studded-finale/8355427002/
  32. https://brand-innovators.com/lionsgate-brings-now-you-see-it-magic-to-americas-got-talent/
  33. https://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/2015/jul/29/kats-report-linq-strip-new-magic-show-mat-franco/
  34. https://neon.reviewjournal.com/kats/its-a-new-schedule-venue-name-for-mat-franco-theater/
  35. https://lasvegasmagazine.com/entertainment/2023/feb/17/mat-franco-linq-las-vegas-magician-strip-agt/
  36. https://www.redlightmanagement.com/mat-franco-magic-reinvented-nightly-receives-five-year-extension-at-the-linq-hotel-experience/
  37. https://www.redlightmanagement.com/acclaimed-magician-mat-franco-celebrates-10th-anniversary-of-headlining-hit-las-vegas-show-at-the-linq-hotel/
  38. https://www.ticketmaster.com/mat-franco-las-vegas-nevada-06-29-2026/event/390062EAEEF82374
  39. http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2015/07/22/two-hour-mat-francos-got-magic-special-set-for-thursday-sept-17-on-nbc-512315/20150722nbc02/
  40. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4938266/
  41. https://agt.fandom.com/wiki/Mat_Franco
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oixRdtVBys
  43. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1811179/episodes?season=8
  44. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4586202/
  45. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50QqKMMKCC8
  46. https://www.digitaljournal.com/entertainment/mat-franco-wins-2016-award-for-best-magic-show-in-las-vegas/article/478982
  47. https://baseentertainment.com/press-room/
  48. https://www.thesuburban.com/blogs/cohen_confidential_with_mike_cohen/ort-montreal-ted-wise-gala-to-feature-mat-franco-and-honour-four-community-leaders/article_1e44df00-0838-11ea-84bc-bf0bcef83818.html
  49. https://www.vegas.com/shows/magic/mat-franco-las-vegas/
  50. https://news3lv.com/news/arc/mat-franco-shares-story-of-first-las-vegas-appearance-celebrates-10-years-of-headlining
  51. https://theblast.com/719405/from-americas-got-talent-to-the-las-vegas-strip-mat-franco-celebrates-10-magical-years/
  52. https://www.digitaljournal.com/entertainment/mat-franco-talks-10th-anniversary-of-linq-residency-future-plans-and-magician-of-the-year-honor/article
  53. https://www.nbclosangeles.com/video/california-live/meet-the-magician-of-the-year-mat-franco/3786755/
  54. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33040154-d8745995-Reviews-Mat_Franco_Magic_Reinvented_Nightly-Paradise_Nevada.html
  55. https://www.yelp.com/biz/mat-franco-las-vegas
  56. https://www.ticketmaster.com/mat-franco-tickets/artist/2080963
  57. https://www.instagram.com/p/DMItyxYpakD/
  58. https://people.com/tv/agt-mat-franco-marries-tianna-scartabello/
  59. https://people.com/agt-winner-mat-franco-welcomes-2nd-baby-daughter-evalina-exclusive-photos-11718347
  60. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/magician-mat-franco-and-his-wife-tianna-scartabello-arrive-news-photo/1183313791
  61. https://people.com/parents/americas-got-talent-winner-mat-franco-wife-announce-they-are-expecting-baby-boy/
  62. https://animalfoundation.com/mat-francos-donation-drive/
  63. https://lasvegasmagazine.com/entertainment/2019/aug/02/mat-franco-linq-magic-americas-got-talent-vegas/
  64. https://www.newsobserver.com/entertainment/article215523560.html
  65. https://www.youtube.com/matfranco
  66. https://www.caesars.com/linq/shows/mat-franco-magic-invented-nightly
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