This America’s Got Talent Winner Makes Magic Happen

Humble, dedicated to his craft and one of the most amazing magicians I have been privileged to interview, Mat Franco’s journey has been nothing short of enchanting. A natural-born showman, he fuses humor, heart, and jaw-dropping illusions with a sincerity that has endeared him to millions. His performances aren’t just about tricks—they’re about joy, connection, and the shared experience of wonder.

Now celebrating an extraordinary 10-year run at The LINQ, Franco continues to make history as the first and only magician ever to win America’s Got Talent. His acclaimed production, Mat Franco: Magic Reinvented Nightly, has evolved into a Las Vegas phenomenon, captivating audiences and earning rave reviews from critics and locals alike. Night after night, audiences fill the theater not only for his impossible feats, but for the warmth and authenticity that radiate from the stage.

Franco’s list of honors is as dazzling as his performances. He has been named “Best Magic Show in Las Vegas” multiple times by Las Vegas Weekly and USA Today. Franco received the coveted “Casino Entertainment Award” for Best Show, and most recently earned one of magic’s highest distinctions—“Magician of the Year” from the Academy of Magical Arts at the worldfamous Hollywood Magic Castle. Long regarded as the spiritual home of magic and a temple to its greatest legends, the Magic Castle’s recognition places Mat among the true masters of the craft.

Yet even with such prestigious accolades, it’s his humility that continues to define him. Mat remains the same grounded, gracious performer who never takes a single audience or standing ovation for granted. Whether unveiling a breathtaking new illusion or ending a show with a heartfelt thank-you, Mat Franco reminds the world that the greatest magic of all lies in authenticity, gratitude, and the joy of connecting with others.

Travelgirl: What drew you to magic? What did your parents think when their very young son displayed an interest in magic?

Mat Franco: I was really young when I saw magic on TV. My interest in it may have had less to do with magic, and more to do with the overall entertainment impact. The magic was cool, of course. But I loved that most of the performances were set to music, and it all took place on a big stage, with amazing set designs and lighting… all shot in front of a live audience. The idea of being involved in something like that made me feel alive! My parents were supportive from day one, and I’m forever grateful for that.

TG: You’ve said your grandmother used to read magic instructions to you when you were too young to read them yourself — that’s such a wonderful image. Were there any other people who guided or inspired your journey early on?

MF: Too many to count. Teachers, kids at school, family, neighbors… in retrospect, everyone around seemed to be pretty shocked and taken aback by this kid who was laser focused on doing what he loved to do. Growing up in Rhode Island, I didn’t know other magicians, or anyone in show business, so the support from my community was really instrumental in booking lots of local shows throughout my youth.

TG: You grew up in Rhode Island, a state that isn’t exactly known as a hub for magicians. What was it like growing up there with this unusual dream, and how did your family or community respond?

MF: I grew up in Johnston, Rhode Island. All my friends were into playing “spawts” — that’s sports with a Rhode Island accent! So, the being into the arts, let alone magic, definitely made me stand out. I took pride in being the “magic kid” at school and everyone seemed to dig that I was into something different. Surely there were those that thought it was weird, but I don’t really recall much of that, as I’m a glass-half-full kinda guy.

TG: Many artists can point to a person who believed in them before anyone else did. Was there someone like that for you — a teacher, a magician, or even a friend — who gave you that push?

MF: Absolutely. When I was finishing school and trying to decide whether to take the leap and pursue magic full-time, my biggest inspiration, Jeff McBride, happened to be touring on the East Coast. I saw his show and attended his private seminar for magicians. I’ll never forget his words: “You can absolutely do this.” When someone you grew up watching on TV tells you that, it’s hard not to listen. That moment gave me the confidence to take the plunge.

TG: You’ve said your magic is about connection, not deception. How do you design an illusion to make the audience feel involved rather than just amazed?

MF: I think people connect with authenticity. When I share my story, audiences often see a piece of themselves in it. The illusions are just one element — I use magic as a vehicle for storytelling. The show blends music, comedy, crowd interaction, and audience participation, all coming together to create an immersive experience. My goal is always to make the audience part of the story, not just spectators.

TG: What first drew you to sleight of hand and close-up magic, and how has your approach evolved since you first began performing?

MF: I’ve always loved a good challenge. Sleight of hand is often considered the most difficult branch of magic because it demands precision, dexterity, and discipline. That level of practice is meditative for me — almost addictive. Over time, my approach has evolved. These days, I’m more drawn to the psychological side of magic — understanding how our brains take shortcuts and make assumptions. Once you understand that, you can create the illusion of miracles without even relying on sleight of hand. It’s endlessly fascinating.

TG: Many magicians guard their methods closely. You often emphasize creativity and curiosity — how do you keep your material fresh while protecting the mystery?

MF: That’s actually one of the biggest misconceptions about magic. I don’t think mystery needs to be “protected” — it’s more like a movie. You don’t want to spoil it for someone who hasn’t seen it yet, but once they’ve experienced it, it’s okay to talk about it. That said, it’s not right to reveal methods that aren’t yours to share. Magic is a nuanced art, and even magicians debate where those lines are. At its core, though, magic isn’t about tricks — it’s about self-expression. So, I don’t protect mysteries; I just tell stories. I keep things fresh by constantly allowing my show to evolve, and by writing new material.

TG: Winning America’s Got Talent made you a household name. Looking back, what was the most valuable lesson you learned from that experience — personally or professionally?

MF: Performing live and performing for TV are two completely different worlds, and America’s Got Talent is a crash course in doing both at once. You’re performing for a theater full of people, but also for millions watching at home, all while celebrity judges watch your every move. That’s about as intense as it can get! After that experience, every gig feels a little easier.

TG: Since AGT, you’ve maintained one of Las Vegas’s most successful residencies. What’s the secret to keeping Magic Reinvented Nightly exciting for both new and returning audiences?

MF: The show is always evolving. That keeps it exciting not just for the audience, but for me and my crew too. I got into this business because I love it, and I want that joy to come through on stage. If we’re having fun, the audience feels it.

TG: Every night your audience is different. How much of your show is scripted versus spontaneous interaction?

MF: I always have a clear roadmap. We start at point A and somehow end up at point Z, but how we get there depends on the audience. They shape the show every night. No two performances are the same, and the grand finale changes too. It definitely keeps me on my toes!

TG: You often perform for all ages. How do you balance sophisticated sleight of hand with humor and storytelling that resonates with everyone?

MF: I never made a conscious effort to have broad appeal in that way. Magic inherently appeals to a wide demographic of people, and when you combine that with the fact that I work “clean,” it makes for a fun experience that happens to be wellsuited for the whole family.

TG: You’re known for supporting The Animal Foundation and the NSPCA. What inspires your commitment to animal welfare, and what message do you hope fans take from that work?

MF: I grew up with pets. My wife is the biggest animal lover I know. So many lost or abandoned pets are in need. So, my message is: whenever possible, adopt, don’t shop.

TG: With your busy Las Vegas schedule, how do you stay grounded — what keeps you creatively and personally centered?

MF: Life can feel like a plate-spinning act sometimes. I actually enjoy working under pressure, as that’s when I feel most creative. But personally, I need quiet moments to recharge. Sometimes that means going for a run, taking a walk, shuffling cards, drumming, or playing guitar. Those little outlets keep me centered.

TG: Do you have a favorite travel destination? What’s on Mat Franco’s travel bucket list?

MF: Hawaii’s tough to beat. When life gets busy, I don’t mind sitting on an island for a few days to reset and recharge. Next on the bucket list is Spain (for the amazing magicians they have there!), and Italy, because of my family’s heritage.

TG: What does one of the world’s most famous magicians never leave home without when he’s packing for a trip?

MF: My retainer. I’m a teeth grinder (so says my dentist), so I always pack a retainer to sleep in.

TG: Can you offer some sage advice for those young hopefuls who hope to one day walk in your famous footsteps?

MF: Practice. Never stop learning. Enjoy the journey. Don’t be afraid to approach new challenges from a beginner’s mindset. Above all, be you!

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The Hotel Ithaca, the only independently-owned hotel in the area, is offering a LGBTQ Walking Tour package with proceeds benefitting the Center for LGBT Education, Outreach & Services at Ithaca College. Surveys show that 20 percent of visitors to Ithaca, NY identity as LGBTQ, while only four percent in the state does, which shows how popular this destination is among the LGBTQ community.

The Ithaca LGBTQ History Walking Tour, with 32 stops over seven miles, showcases one of the first cities in the US to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, where one of the first student-organized sit-ins for LGBTQ rights took place, the site of one of the first public declarations of the American bisexual movement. The tour is available as a self-guided experience through the free app with options for users to customize their experience. The Ithaca LGBTQ tour just received two national awards, presented at the 2020 ACPA Convention, The Outstanding Social Justice Collaboration award from the ACPA Commission for Social Justice Education, and The Research Recognition Award from the ACPA Coalition of Sexuality and Gender Identities.

The 170-room hotel is close to Cornell University and Ithaca College an the Finger Lakes Region. The package includes deluxe accommodations for two, a bottle of Finger Lakes Wine at check-in and a picnic lunch for two guests who show proof they will take the tour by downloading the Pocket Sights app or brochure with map.

www.thehotelithaca.com

In the next state over, the DELMAR West Hartford, CT., has created the True Colors Package to raise funds for a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of sexual and gender minority youth.

In support of the LGBTQ community in Connecticut and nationwide, Delamar West Hartford will donate 10% of every package booked to True Colors, Inc. Package include: overnight accommodations for two; 10% spa discount for couples massage or facial; $25 dining credit to Artisan Restaurant; two hand-beaded Free2Luv custom rainbow bracelet and an-room bottle of wine.

West Hartford, dubbed one of “America’s coolest suburbs” by Travel & Leisure magazine, is located exactly midway between Boston and New York.  The DELAMAR West Hartford is the perfect vantage point from which to explore all that Connecticut’s Capital Region has to offer – from the trendy boutiques and eateries to historically and culturally rich attractions including The Mark Twain House, Wadsworth Atheneum, and The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts. The hotel’s full-service DELAMAR spa offers cutting-edge treatments specializing in anti-aging and lifting for the face and body with a focus on wellness. Artisan, the hotel’s highly acclaimed farm-fresh restaurant, offers exquisite New England-inspired cuisine with a European flair.

www.delmar.com/west-hartford.com

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