By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
It is a pleasure to welcome comedian Ryan Niemiller to Jake’s Take.
Known as “the Cripple Threat of Comedy,” Ryan has made audiences laugh by sharing his views of the world from the perspective of the handicapped. Last year, Ryan made his debut on America’s Got Talent: Season 14. His jokes made both the judges (Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union, and Julianne Hough) and the audiences laugh. Ryan’s journey took him to the Dolby Theatre live shows. While he ended up with the third-place trophy, Ryan Niemiller’s career took off as he toured across the country.
Now, Ryan is one of the 40 acts participating in the second season of America’s Got Talent: The Champions. Before he took the stage to impress judges (Simon, Howie, Heidi Klum, and Alesha Dixon), Ryan Niemiller corresponded with me. In this exclusive “Conversation,” Ryan reflected about his time on AGT, meeting his hero wrestler Chris Jericho, and if he was worried about impressing Heidi Klum.
Jacob Elyachar: What were some of the factors that you decided to audition for America’s Got Talent?
Ryan Niemiller: I honestly felt that it would be the best platform for me. I had been trying to catch my break for a long time, having done comedy for 12 years before I got on America’s Got Talent (AGT). With my disability, it was hard to find someone to take a chance on someone that looked like me to put them on TV. AGT is great because not only do they let your talent shine, but they also let you tell your story and let the world get to know you as a person, which I felt would be incredibly powerful for me.
Jacob Elyachar: What were some of the challenges that you faced throughout your America’s Got Talent journey? How did you overcome those obstacles?
Ryan Niemiller: One of the biggest ones was the nerves. I felt confident that once I got the chance, I would take the ball and run with it. But it was always on my mind that this was my one shot. If I didn’t make the most of it, I wouldn’t get a second chance. Also, just dealing with some of the haters. Though most of the feedback from AGT fans were incredibly positive, it’s still hard to completely block out the negativity, even if you’re generally a positive person. I had to learn to focus on those who love you because the ones who don’t, won’t be around 30 seconds later anyway.
Jacob Elyachar: During the America’s Got Talent: Season 14 finale, you recorded a segment with Chris Jericho. As a wrestling fan, what did that experience mean to you?
Ryan Niemiller: It was a literal dream come true. Chris Jericho isn’t only my favorite wrestler, but he is a significant reason why I got into the entertainment business, to begin with. Not only was it an incredible amount of fun, but Chris couldn’t have been more easygoing and fun to work with. They say do not meet your heroes, but luckily, I got to, and he’s somehow even more relaxed than I thought he’d be. It’s surreal, but I am honored that Chris agreed to be a part of the finale, and even more honored to get to call him my friend now.
Jacob Elyachar: This season was your first time performing in front of veteran judge Heidi Klum, who has had a history of being tough on comedians not named Taylor Williamson. Were you worried that she could buzz you?
Ryan Niemiller: I honestly was not too worried about Heidi. I looked at it as a challenge. A lot of people forget that Simon is not usually a big fan of the comedians either, or he loved me. Heidi is just another tough audience I have to win over, something I have been doing my entire career.
Jacob Elyachar: What can my readers expect from your performance on America’s Got Talent: The Champions?
Ryan Niemiller: I am taking some risks this time around, even more so than during season 14. I am going against the best of the best, so hey, go big or go home, right? This is a chance for me to do something cool, so I do not want to leave anything on the field.
Jacob Elyachar: If you had the opportunity to meet with aspiring comedians who want to audition for America’s Got Talent, what advice would you share with them?
Ryan Niemiller: Be the most significant form of yourself possible, and do not be afraid to stand out. Being funny is great, but what makes YOU unique? AGT can change your life in a significant way, so you have to go for it.
For more information about Ryan Niemiller, visit his website! You can also connect with him on social media. Visit his Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter channels.
Ryan is not only America’s Got Talent: The Champions-Season Two participant I interviewed. Check out my conversations with Hans & Jack Vidgen.
Thanks so much for the blog post.Thanks Again. Really Great.