After nine weeks of intense competition, the top 12 finalists battled it out on the stage March 27 at the 2016 American Equestrians Got Talent Finale, a fundraiser to support the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation. Ultimately, it was gifted musician David Oliver Willis who took home the title of America’s Most Talented Equestrian and a $10,000 grand prize courtesy of Robert Ross PA of Keller Williams Luxury Real Estate.

David Oliver Willis made his first impression on the Wellington, Fla., audience during the fourth week of auditions held at the White Horse Fashion Cuisine, where he blew spectators away with his original song and rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come,” securing his spot in the finale.

Originally from Mount Dora, Fla., Willis shared his path to the stage, beginning as a child. “I’ve been singing since I was a little kid in church, where my mom was a minister for years and my dad was a deacon. Sometime after high school I started taking it more seriously and playing some acoustic gigs,” he said.

As a three-time American Idol participant, Willis admitted this wasn’t his first time in the limelight. In addition to his cash prize, AEGT judge and USET supporter Mark Bellissimo offered Willis the opportunity to perform at his Rolex Central Park Horse Show in September. Last year, this same offer garnered 2015 second place finalist, Ki-Juan Minors, a record label deal with P. Diddy.

The American Equestrians Got Talent 2016 season raised close to $200,000 for the USET Foundation. 

The donation from Juan Gando of the White Horse Fashion Cuisine totaled $31,100 from the weekly auditions. The silent auction that featured the Roadtrips trip to the Rio Olympics, as well as other impressive items, also raised vital funds to support high performance programs.

“What an amazing night of American Equestrians Got Talent finale!” said U.S. Dressage Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover said. “I truly appreciate all our sponsors, donors, judges, contestants and volunteers, and my husband, Robert Ross, more than you can know! 

“Thank you to Annie Cizadlo and everyone at the USET, USEF and Phelps Media Group for making the entire AEGT season a success again this year. Thank you Wellington for coming out and supporting AEGT 2016 and our high performance athletes and their programs. Go Team USA!”