who won star search 2026

The 2026 winner of the rebooted Star Search (Season 1 on Netflix) is magician and mentalist TJ Salta , who took the top spot and the $500,000 grand prize.

Quick Scoop: Who Won Star Search 2026?

• Winner: TJ Salta (magician/mentalist, Variety category)

• Show: Netflix’s reboot of Star Search , Season 1 (2026)

• Prize: $500,000 cash award

• Final decision: 100% decided by worldwide viewer voting in the finale

• Finale date: Results revealed on Tuesday, February 17, 2026

How TJ Salta Won

• The finale started with eight finalists across music, comedy, dance, variety, and junior acts.

• They first faced off in head‑to‑head matchups , where viewers rated each act on a five‑star scale. The top four scorers advanced.

• In the final round, viewers chose one of the Top 4 as the champion: TJ Salta, Harry Merlin Piper, Steven “Spud” Howard, or Duo Vespertilio.

• Duo Vespertilio finished fourth, Spud Howard third, Harry Merlin Piper second, and TJ Salta was crowned champion.

Standout Finale Moment

Reports highlight TJ Salta’s last routine as his signature moment: he performed an elaborate ring‑vanish trick involving the judges’ rings, culminating with a dramatic reveal that helped seal his win in the live finale.

“You are a magician, you are a performer, you are a storyteller,” one judge told him while praising how he kept topping himself week after week.

Final Note

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