11-year-old girl wins ‘America’s Got Talent’

updated 12:50 a.m. ET Aug. 18, 2006

LOS ANGELES - An 11-year-old Philadelphia girl with grown-up singing skills captured the finale Thursday of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” — and claimed the $1 million prize.

When Bianca Ryan’s name was announced, the 11-year-old’s jaw dropped and she could barely answer host Regis Philbin’s questions.

“You all right? Bianca, how do you feel darling? You OK?” Philbin said.

“Oh my god, I don’t even know!” a stunned Ryan said as tears streamed down her face.

Her rendition of Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart” earned rave reviews.

The program was created by “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell and FremantleMedia, the company that produces the Fox hit singing contest.

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