His fantastic ventriloquism and musical imitations wowed the shows’ judges and viewers, who made the final selection by call-in or online votes.  Last week, Terry had made it through to the final four, going up against another North Texas native, Cas Haley, a reggae musician from Arlington. In Tuesday’s show, Terry and Cas were the final two on stage when the Terry was announced as the winner of season two of NBC show.

Tuesday’s episode also was the realization of another childhood dream for Terry when he and his puppet, Winston the Turtle, performed with the Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and others from the Muppet cast. 

Terry and Winston were interviewed Wednesday morning on the Today Show with Matt Lauer and Ann Curry.  He revealed that part of the prize money will go to help his sister, Debbie who has rheumatoid arthritis.  The family had been unable to afford a new treatment available for her until now. 

As the winner of this season’s show, Terry will be headlining at the Las Vegas Hilton on October 14, 2007.  He is excited to be performing on the same stage where Elvis once played.  He also announced that he is working on a long-term contract with Bally’s Casino, performing in the Jubilee Room. 

“I really wasn’t sure if America was ready to vote a ventriloquist as the number one act in the country, but you did,” he said in an after-show interview.  Terry went on to thank everyone for the support, phone calls, and emails.   

Terry and his family once called Corsicana their hometown. 

He and his brother Jep started “Texas, The Band,” a group that gained wide-spread popularity.  After 15 years with the band, Terry’s interest shifted to having a one-man show that highlighted his ventriloquism and singing talents. 

The basis for America’s Got Talent is that of a talent show, showcasing musical and variety

acts.  Simon Cowell from American Idol is the show’s executive producer, while Piers Morgan joins Hasselhoff and Osbourne as judges. 

For the final act in Tuesday night’s show, Terry, with his puppet Winston, sang Roy Orbison’s “Crying.”  David Hasselfoff and Sharon Osbourne could be seen sporting sock puppets worn by Fator’s family and fans in the audience.  Congratulations, Terry on your great success!

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