English ventriloquist enjoys fruits of 'AGT' win

Paul Zerdin’s trip across the pond paid off beyond his wildest dreams.

The 43-year-old English ventriloquist says he entered America’s Got Talent in order to get some exposure and perhaps some work in the U.S. He did more than that, winning the 10th anniversary edition of the NBC talent competition, a $1 million prize and the chance to headline his own show in Las Vegas.

“I have had success at home, (but) nothing compared to this, standing on stage at Radio City Music Hall on live television, in front of 6,000 people in the theater and millions at home,” he says in a telephone interview Thursday, a day after winning the contest. “That’s the biggest thing I’ve ever done.”

Zerdin tried not to listen to those who said he was a favorite going into the finals of the top-rated summer show.

“I wanted to concentrate on my performance and say, ‘Whatever happens, I’ve done my best,’ ” he says. “When I got (the victory), I was very surprised, but absolutely delighted and thrilled. I still can’t get over it.”

He gives special thanks to judge Howard Stern, who has praised Zerdin’s performances.

Howard was “my biggest supporter among the judges and talked about me not only on the show but on his radio show, which I think has helped massively,” Zerdin says. “I’m really very grateful.”

Zerdin says he was thrilled to get to perform on Wednesday’s finale with Season 2 AGT champion and fellow ventriloquist Terry Fator, who has had great success in Las Vegas.

“It was a massive honor. He had an amazing time on Season 2. He’s got this most amazing show in Las Vegas, which I’ve seen a couple of times,” Zerdin says.

Now, Zerdin will get the chance to headline his own Las Vegas show, America’s Got Talent Live, from Oct. 22-24 in the PH Showroom at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Runner-up Drew Lynch and fellow finalist Piff the Magic Dragon will join him (Ticket information is available at www.AGTVegas.com).

Growing up, the Wimbledon resident says he was a fan of American ventriloquist Ronn Lucas. He also admires the work of Jeff Dunham and such classic voice performers as Paul Winchell and Edgar Bergen.

What advice does he offer to fledgling ventriloquists who may look up to him?

“You’ve got to get in front of the mirror and practice a lot. It took me two years to get the basics,” he says. “I’ve been doing it for 25 years and I’m still improving. If you really want to do something, I think you can.”