Top 10 Best Impressionists on America's Got Talent

Will the real Slim Shady please stand up? Because this former Vine superstar certainly got the crowd off their feet during his sharp audition. And who could blame them? It’s not everyday you get to hear Mr. Worldwide rap about Mary and her little lamb. With tunes that riffed off of popular nursery rhymes, he specialized in mimicking some of hip-hop’s biggest names. And what’s doubly impressive is that this was his first time exhibiting this strength in front of an audience. Later, Vincent’s quarterfinals performance saw bolstered production values, as well as attempts at even more artists like DaBaby and Lil Nas X.

Although only her audition was ever aired, this comedian and writer did more than enough to leave a lasting…impression. With a repertoire featuring legendary women in comedy, she used her chameleon-like skills to thrill judges and viewers alike. As Heidi Klum highlights, how much she was able to ‘cram into 90 seconds’ was nothing short of spectacular. Thankfully, those hoping to see more of her superb displays as Wanda Sykes or Whoopi Goldberg didn’t have to look far. Not long after the show, Rachel was crowned a winner on Dana Carvey’s “First Impressions.” She would also later find success as a voice actress in TV and video games.

This brother duo charmed the socks off of their “AGT” spectators with their high-spirited musical act. Their audition featured random combinations of songs and vocal disguises, making their performance feel like a pop culture jukebox. Whether it was Donald Duck covering Nickelback or a striking Simon Cowell ballad, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to their work’s infectious energy, we have no doubt SpongeBob would’ve loved their rendition of him. Later, for the qualifiers, the pair focused on blasting out “A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman” with another range of classic characters. Outside of the show, both Gabriel and Nate have maintained a presence on YouTube, with the former’s channel having a number of massively viral hits.

After taking a step back from comedy for her family, this expert in facades had no trouble getting back in the swing of things for “AGT.” She consistently found just the right balance between relying on impersonations while also blending them with clever stand-up. After Angela’s audition showcased her versions of folks like Drew Barrymore and Kristin Chenoweth, Heidi was relieved that she and Mel B weren’t also parodied. But naturally, the comic couldn’t resist once she reached the quarterfinals. Years later, in a 2021 interview, Angela likened herself to a “3 year-old stalker” when describing her love for mimicry from an early age.

This self-named ‘voicetramentalist’ may not seem like your typical impressionist, but is simply too amazing not to include here. Featuring stunning imitations of everyday sound effects, his act may be the closest we’ll ever get to a human soundboard. And as it melds those together with captivating scene-setting, Michael’s gift for storytelling is second to none. Throughout his run on the show, we are transported to a bustling city street, an airplane in flight, and even an immersive oceanscape. With this knack for noise being demonstrated in films like “Police Academy” and “Spaceballs,” his career in entertainment has received decades of renown. This includes an appearance at the Academy Awards, where he presented an Oscar for Sound Effects Editing.

Probably the most familiar face on the list, this “SNL” alum made a much earlier appearance on NBC when she enchanted “AGT” viewers during her season. The comedic stylings that would eventually make her a household name were already on full display, along with her overstock of personas. Even the often-cantankerous Piers Morgan couldn’t help but find her audition “sensational.” While some of her most beloved “SNL” clips feature Lady Gaga and Dolly Parton, here we see her take on the likes of Natalie Portman, Kathy Griffin, and Miley Cyrus. This excellence in masquerade opened the door for Melissa to become a TV mainstay, particularly in voice acting for animation.

Having boomed on YouTube in the years following his stint on the show, this master of disguise might just take the cake for sheer number of characters. Whether they’re covering Rick Astley and Billie Eilish or simply sharing a laugh, it’s all instantly recognizable. This expertise first found the spotlight when he took the “AGT” stage by storm, belting out “Cake by the Ocean” with a myriad of voices. This includes yet another, but perhaps the best, attempt at Simon. In addition to its several viral hits, Daniel’s channel also features a few tutorials where he helps beginners hone their skills.

Sometimes the amount of talent one person has can just seem unfair. And that is the exact feeling we get when watching this impressionist, who also happens to be…an actual opera singer. But her ability to command a stage as a soprano isn’t where things end. As seen in her run on the show, the vocal gymnast could hop between an array of channels, from Ariana Grande and Celine Dion to Snow White, Lois Griffin, and even Siri. Since her season, she has continued to hone her craft while also building a very sizable following on social media. “AGT” has had its fair share of classical singers and variety acts, but Merissa managed to merge the two disciplines toward exciting, shared horizons.

Who needs a streaming service when you have this absolute delight of a showman? Touted as a one-man living cartoon, he specialized in impressions from the silver screen, be it spoken dialog or iconic sound effects. His performances ran at a breakneck pace, bursting with energy and expressive physicality. As a result, he was able to mine a wealth of fun from various movie categories and themes, with a “Star Wars”-centric audition being a strong example. In an interview after the show, Greg described “a lovely musicality to the human voice,” hoping to inspire others to ‘explore’ their own.

One wouldn’t speak out of turn if they called this ventriloquist, singer, and “AGT” champion an essential pillar of the show’s success. All beginning with Etta James and one of the most jaw-dropping auditions in talent show history, his star only rose from there. Terry ran through the competition with a blend of original puppet characters and impressions of names such as Louis Armstrong and Roy Orbison. After the victory, he went on to be one of the biggest acts in Las Vegas for over a decade. His legacy and influence on “AGT” itself cannot be understated, whether as a perennial guest performer or as an inspiration cited by competitors that have since followed.

Which convincing vocal deception fooled YOU the most? Let us know in the comments!