VietNamNet Bridge - Magician Paul Cosentino will perform on the first show of the Vietnam's Got Talent 2014 semi-finals, scheduled on the evening of December 7, the TV show organizers have announced.

Cosentino was the runner-up on Australia’s Got Talent in 2011 and from there he has re-invented the term “illusionist” with his death-defying stunts. His television special Cosentino the Grand Illusionist mesmerized millions of viewers in Australia and New Zealand.

He was awarded ‘Most Original Magician’ in 2012 and ‘International Magician of the Year’ in 2013, ranking him amongst the best magicians in the world.

Cosentino has also achieved many other titles: winner of Dancing With The Stars in 2013, a three times Australian Award Winning magician, a Guinness World Record holder, a nominee for the prestigious Helpmann Awards and a Multi Award Winner of the Merlin by the International Magicians’ Society.

Cosentino has been called "a supercharged showman” by the Herald Sun, a “daredevil performer” by National Nine News and is said to “mirror the legendary Harry Houdini” by the LA Times.

In his own unique and award-winning style, Cosentino fuses traditional sleight of hand magic, grand illusions and physical demonstrations into novel and original presentations. He escapes the boundaries of the past and performs the most original and funky effects witnessed today.

Cosentino’s commanding stage presence and enigmatic personality, combined with impeccable technique, sets him apart from the ordinary performer. New York’s Wall Street Journal has featured him as a stand out talent and the The West Australian states that he is the “Rocking New Wizard of OZ”.

Vietnam's Got Talent is a Vietnamese reality television talent show whose first season aired between 18 December 2011 and 6 May 2012 on VTV3 and MTV Vietnam. The show was based on the Got Talent series format that originated by Simon Cowell in the United Kingdom.

The show is primarily produced by Vietnam Television and BHD Corp, now running season 3 which is aired Sunday on VTV3 at 20:00 since 28 Sept 2014. The show judges include actor ThanhLoc, comedian HoaiLinh, former model ThuyHanh and songwriter Huy Tuan.

The show that features singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, martial-art players, performers with risky weapons/tools/elements, variety acts and other performers of all ages competing for a grand prize of VND400 million (approximately $20,000).

T. Van