“We watched him as a family every week while he was on America’s Got Talent. We liked the fact that the material was not offensive for our daughters’ innocent ears,” mother of eight-year old twin girls, Kari Newshire from Palm Desert, told me. “But I,“ her husband Kevin explained, “wouldn’t mind something a little racier when we are having an evening without the kids.”

For those who do not know or who have not heard of Terry Fator, he is the winner of the NBC’s television show “America’s Got Talent 2007.” The incredible performances of Fator’s skills at ventriloquism, comedy, impersonations and singing throughout the competition wowed the judges as well as the majority of the voting audience.

The million-dollar first prize was given to Fator and a year later, he found himself with a lucrative five-year deal with an option for an additional five years at the famous Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Friday and Saturday at the Morongo were the last two live performances for Terry until he begins performances at the Mirage in mid-February.

This was the second time in about a month that I have seen Fator perform. I was so impressed with him the first time that I knew I would not be disappointed the second time. I was right. I laughed at the jokes (again). I was still touched when Fator honored the veterans of the past and present with Michael Bublé’s song “Home.” I was also still amazed that one person can be that talented.

Once again, I am hard pressed to name a favorite part, puppet or song that is in the show. Although it was evident that I was not alone in my passion for Louis Armstrong as the lady to my right grabbed my arm in excitement when she heard the first note of “What a Wonderful World.” After loosening Laguna Hills, Calif., resident Karen Lammin’s grip, I asked what it was that had caused the intense reaction.

“I don’t know,” she admits “it was just instinctual. Terry Fator is so convincing at imitating my favorite singer (Armstrong) that when I looked away, I could swear that Louis Armstrong was right in front of me. I am still shaking.”

Beyond how cool it is that a neat, normal guy from Texas won a contest and is living his dream, there is a fabulous opportunity for a lesson that this presents. Parents, teachers and mentors from across the United States can illustrate to children that anything is possible. No matter what it is. Terry has been “practicing his craft” since he was in the fifth grade. It took quite some time for him to realize his dream, but he persevered and took a chance.

Luckily, for those of us who would like to be completely informed of all there is to know from birth to stardom of this “overnight sensation.” Fator has released a book called “Who’s the Dummy Now?” that is available on amazon.com and is receiving five-star reviews.

It is definitely true that one can be guaranteed of non-stop entertainment when attending one of Fator’s shows. No matter how many times one is lucky enough to see it.

Special thanks to the incredibly talented Terry Fator and the staff and management of Morongo Casino for putting on this performance.

For more Melissa Schoos photos of Terry Fator, click here.

For more information about Terry Fator, click here.

For more information about Michael Bublé, click here.

For more information about Morongo Casino, Resort and Spa, click here.