Never Too Late for Magic: 79-Year-Old Mark Lewis Charms His Way to a Surprise Golden Buzzer on CGT 🎩🏆

The stage of Canada’s Got Talent (CGT) has seen it all: soaring singers, death-defying acrobats, and comedians of every stripe. But in the 2024 season, dubbed “The Million Dollar Season,” the most magnetic moment of the auditions came from a performer who proved that wit, charm, and a lifetime of practice can outshine any amount of stage pyrotechnics. Mark Lewis, a quirky, 79-year-old magician from Toronto, walked onto the stage and promptly stole the hearts of the judges, the audience, and the entire nation, earning one of the most unexpected Group Golden Buzzers in the show’s history.

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The Wry Wit of a Magician 🎩

Mark Lewis’s audition began not with a trick, but with a punchline. He was already a “great, loveable character” before his performance even started. His laid-back attitude immediately set him apart from the frantic ambition often seen on the show.

The judges, including Howie Mandel and Kardinal Offishall, were instantly engaged by his easygoing demeanor. The most viral moment of his pre-performance chat came when he was asked about the life-changing million-dollar grand prize. Mark’s deadpan reply was a classic: “What am I gonna do with a million dollars at my age? I’ll be dead“. This self-deprecating humor and nonchalance toward the massive prize instantly won over the room, earning him a standing ovation just for walking down the steps. Mark Lewis was not there for fame or fortune; he was simply there to share his passion for magic.

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A Masterclass in Card Magic 🃏

Despite his humble persona, Lewis is a masterful performer. His act focused on close-up card magic, a skill that relies entirely on precision and audience control.

Mark performed a few card tricks that thoroughly “captivate[d] audience and judges”. His tricks were mystifying and technically flawless:

• He successfully predicted a card that one of the judges had merely thought of in their mind.
• He managed to make cards change into other cards while they were held right in the hands of the other judges.

The performance was a resounding success, earning a huge reaction and a unanimous “yes” vote from all four judges to move him forward. However, the real twist was yet to come, proving that Mark’s charm was as powerful as his deception.

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The Unconventional Group Golden Buzzer Moment 🚨

Typically, the Golden Buzzer—a ticket straight to the live eliminations—is hit immediately after an awe-inspiring performance. Mark’s moment, however, was delayed, making the final outcome even more surprising.

After the initial four “yes” votes, Mark Lewis walked off the stage, presumably heading backstage to celebrate his well-earned progress. However, as the judges discussed the audition, Howie Mandel started talking to his fellow judges. The panel decided that his charm and extraordinary talent demanded more than just a simple “yes.” Howie Mandel even read out a funny email Mark had previously sent to the show’s producers, highlighting the magician’s comedic flair.

The judges and host Lindsay Ell then called Mark back out to the stage. As he returned, he was met with the collective, unified decision of the panel to award him the Group Golden Buzzer. The iconic golden confetti rained down, washing over the stunned magician. The surprise was so great that Lewis joked he “nearly had a heart attack”.

This unexpected second chance not only propelled him straight through to the next round but also instantly awarded him a $25,000 cash prize sponsored by CIBC. Mark Lewis’s performance became a huge viral hit and a perfect example that great talent, combined with a wonderful personality, can simply be irresistible. His victory is a heartwarming reminder that it is genuinely never too late to chase a dream and that sometimes, the greatest magic is simply being yourself.