Prince Poppycock

Prince Poppycock was an opera singer act from Season 5 of America's Got Talent.

Background
Prince Poppycock, whose real name is John Quale, has been singing since he could speak. At 11, he had his first professional gig at the Kennedy Center, with the Washington Opera children’s choir. He continued his studies at competitive Interlochen Arts Camp, performing and touring with musicals and choirs through his high school and college years.

Inspired by his love for a wide range of musical styles and artists like David Bowie, Depeche Mode, opera, madrigals, Gregorian chant, The Smiths, and Gilbert and Sullivan, John began to write and record his own music while still a teen. In college, he was lead singer and songwriter for Chicago synth pop band Endora; later, after moving to Los Angeles, he wrote, produced, and released his solo debut album, Worldview, which is now available on iTunes. While in LA, John won critical acclaim for his role in smash musical “The Beastly Bombing,” a winner of the LA Weekly Theater Award for Best Musical that enjoyed two short off-Broadway runs in NYC. He also wrote a civil rights anthem called “Rise Up and Shout” for a documentary of the same name about emerging gay Los Angeles artists which recently premiered on the Sundance Channel.

In 2006 John created the character of Prince Poppycock: a roguish operatic dandy with a persona and repertoire that drew on all John’s varied influences as a performer and a musician. Described by style maven and pop culture journalist Rose Apodaca as “a rock star in Rococo France,” Poppycock’s look and sound combined elements of glam rock, light opera, synth pop, and Western art music in a way that was fresh; sometimes startling; and always entertaining, doing each of those traditions justice yet transcending the past – rather than simply updating it – to become something truly original.

The glittering reign of Prince Poppycock commenced when John was invited to perform the Figaro aria, ‘Largo al Factotum,’ at a friend’s club. There was one stipulation: he must wear a wig. John appeared in a towering powdered confection to highlight how the song is about being a fabulous hairdresser, and Poppycock’s royal presence was instantly in demand. Witty and glamorous, with a powerful trained voice, Prince Poppycock has opened for bands like the Dresden Dolls and The Sounds; sung at extravagant special events like New York’s Dances of Vice; and opened for performance art legend Ann Magnuson at downtown LA’s prestigious Redcat Theater.

John works actively on both Prince Poppycock as well as his solo projects as a singer and songwriter. He is presently partnering with songwriter and keyboardist Kristian Hoffman (of The Mumps and Klaus Nomi note) on the Poppycock debut album. 1

Audition
Prince Poppycock's audition consisted of singing "Largo al factotum." Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne, and Howie Mandel enjoyed the audition and were shocked over his great voice because of his unique appearance. All three judges voted "Yes," sending him to the Vegas Round.350px|left

Vegas Round
Prince Poppycock was one of the Judges' Favorites in the Vegas Round. He was sorted into the "Classical Singers" category. During the week, he was actually ill. His performance consisted of singing "La donna è mobile." At the end of the song, his ill voice struggled to hit the high note and the judges were disappointed that he wasn't well enough to perform his best. Nevertheless, due to his uniqueness and showmanship, his audition was strong enough for the judges to send him to the Quarterfinals along with Hannibal Means.



Quarterfinals
350px|left Prince Poppycock performed in Week 4 of the Quarterfinals. He sang "Vesti la giubba" while dressed in a clown costume that lit up with several LED lights. Morgan liked the two personalities that Quale had, as himself and as Prince Poppycock, and said he had a great voice and can perform in a Broadway show. Osbourne loved his costume and like the fact he was fit for a opera singer. Mandel liked it and said it was campy. Poppycock was voted into the Semi-Finals, eliminating Strikers All Stars and NU Covenant. 

Semifinals
350px|right Prince Poppycock performed in Week 1 of the Semi-Finals. He performed a modified version of "Bohemian Rhapsody". He received a standing ovation from the audience and the judges, saying his performance was the best of the night. Morgan said he out-camped Freddie Mercury, Osbourne described him as the male Lady Gaga, and Mandel said this was his night. He, along with Michael Grimm and Taylor Mathews, were put through to the Top 10. 

Top 10
350px|left Prince Poppycock performed a medley of "The Star Spangled Banner","The Yankee Doodle Boy" and "The Stars and Stripes Forever". Mandel said his performances are unique, Osbourne said his performances and style were never ending and Morgan said he always put on a show and entertains them every week. Prince Poppycock was voted through to the Finals, eliminating Michael Grasso. 

Finals
350px|right In the Finals, Poppycock performed an opera classic "Nessun dorma", with his interpretation of a knight rescuing a princess. Morgan gave him an "X". Mandel and Osbourne liked the performance, however Morgan thought he blown it, he loved it when Prince Poppycock was fun and a showmen and it didn't impress Morgan too much.

Finale
350px|left {C}Prince Poppycock performed a duet with disco superstar Donna Summer, they sang the medley of Donna Summer's "Last Dance" and "No More Tears (Enough is Enough)". All the judges thought that is what Prince Poppycock is that he was fun and campy. Morgan said he made a mistake and should've never buzzed him the other night. Prince Poppycock finished in 4th Place the same night. 

After the Show
350px|right In season 6, Prince Poppycock performed on August 24th Results show for the first semi-final. 