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Ryan Niemiller was a comedian from Season 14 of America's Got Talent. He finished the competition in 3rd place. Ryan returned for AGT: The Champions 2 where he was eliminated in the Semifinals. 

Background[]

Despite being born with ectrodactyly, Ryan Niemiller, the self-proclaimed “Cripple Threat of Comedy” shares his views of the world from the perspective of the handicapped.

Ryan began his comedy career in Los Angeles, California, and hasn’t looked back since, performing in clubs and colleges across the country. Covering topics such as dating, trying to find employment, and attempting to find acceptance in a world not designed for him, Ryan tackles the issues in a way that makes you think while laughing the entire time.

With his quick wit, great timing, and a gimmick that only he can exploit, Ryan hopes to prove to the comedy world that he may be unarmed, but he is dangerous. [1]

Audition[]

Ryan Niemiller's audition in Episode 1402 consisted of performing a stand-up routine making jokes related to his disability. Howie MandelJulianne HoughGabrielle Union, and Simon Cowell all voted "Yes," sending Ryan to the Judge Cuts.

Judge Cuts[]

Ryan Niemiller's Judge Cuts performance in Episode 1408 consisted of performing a stand-up routine including jokes about dating with a disability. Howie MandelGabrielle UnionJulianne HoughSimon Cowell, and guest judge Dwyane Wade all gave him standing ovations. His performance was strong enough to advance to the Quarterfinals along with Alex Dowis.

Quarterfinals[]

Ryan Niemiller's Quarterfinals performance in Episode 1413 consisted of performing a stand-up routine with jokes about New Year's resolutions, getting in shape, and the perils of being in a trailer during a tornado. Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough, and Simon Cowell all gave him standing ovations.  Ryan received enough votes to advance to the Semifinals in Episode 1414 instead of Marina Mazepa.

Semifinals[]

Ryan Niemiller's Semifinals performance in Episode 1419 consisted of performing a stand-up routine including jokes about the Midwest, driving through Utah with a friend, how hard it is to suntan as a ginger and refusing to learn how to swim. Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough, Simon Cowell and guest judge Queen Latifah all gave him standing ovations. Ryan finished in 4th, 5th or 6th place in America's Vote. In the Dunkin' Save, he received more online votes than Alex Dowis and Emanne Beasha, advancing to the Finals in Episode 1420.

Finals[]

Ryan Niemiller's Finals performance in Episode 1421 consisted of performing a stand-up routine including jokes about how his life has changed since being part of the show with an encounter at a garage sale, why people don't want to shake his hand and how he has inspired people. Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and Simon Cowell all gave him standing ovations.

Finale[]

For the finale in Episode 1422, Ryan did a sketch where Chris Jericho gave him pointers on professional wrestling, including smack-talking lessons at a dummy with Simon Cowell's face. He received enough votes to advance to the Top 5 instead of Emanne Beasha. He finished the competition in 3rd place ahead of V.Unbeatable and Voices of Service, but behind Kodi Lee and Detroit Youth Choir.

The Champions 2 Preliminary[]

Ryan Niemiller's Preliminary performance in Episode TC202 consisted of performing a stand-up routine about how AGT changed his life including when people meet him in the aiport, poking fun at his disability such as comparing the size of his arms to that of a woman's breasts, and getting hit by a truck on the freeway.  Howie Mandel, Alesha Dixon and Heidi Klum gave him standing ovations.  Ryan finished in 3rd, 4th or 5th place in the Superfan Vote.  In the Judges' Choice, Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon and Heidi Klum unanimously voted for him, sending him to the Semifinals instead of Spencer Horsman and Luke Islam.

The Champions 2 Semifinal[]

Ryan Niemiller's Semifinal performance in Episode TC205 consisted of performing a stand-up routine about what it's like to be a comedian with a disability, the perils of winter and not being able to wear gloves.  Howie Mandel and Alesha Dixon gave him standing ovations. Ryan did not receive enough votes to advance to the Finals, eliminating him from the competition instead of Sandou Trio Russian Bar.

Trivia[]

  • Ryan is the highest-placing non-Golden Buzzer act of Season 14.
  • He is also the highest-placing non-singing act of Season 14.
  • He is the fourth-highest placing comedian.
  • He is the highest-placing act in AGT history that has relied on the Instant Save.
  • Ryan is the third comedian with a disability to place in the Top 5, the first two being Drew Lynch from Season 10 (who has a stutter) and Samuel J. Comroe from Season 13 (who has Tourettes Syndrome). They were followed by Josh Blue from Season 16 (who has cerebral palsy).
  • Taking Champions into account, Ryan is one of two variety acts that Simon Cowell has voted for over a singing act, the other being UniCircle Flow in Season 16
  • Ryan appeared on the AGT Time podcast to talk about his experience on the show.

External Links[]

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