Prince Poppycock returned to America’s Got Talent: The Champions after placing fourth on Season 5, where his rococo rockstar stageshow garnered him fourth place. Costume maker Syren Latex Couture of Los Angeles created his suit of armor while New York rock-and-roll couture house Michael Schmidt Studios was responsible for its design.
After performing “Largo al Factotum,” singing to cautious, then thunderous applause from Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel, his unique style received praise.
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Early Life and Education
Poppycock, the stage persona of singer John Quale, first made waves nationally when he appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2010. With its extravagant costumes and powdered wig, Poppycock appears as though straight out of an intricate French Baroque painting.
He performed one of the most beloved operatic arias performed on reality talent shows: Nessun Dorma from Puccini’s Turandot. To their utmost appreciation and that of judges Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne, and Howie Mandel. They all gave him a standing ovation.
Michael Schmidt (renowned rock and roll couturier known for creating costumes for Madonna, Lady Gaga and Cher) designed him a silver and red suit of bejeweled armor for this performance. Additionally he donned custom red latex leggings from Syren’s latex leggings similar to what can be ordered through their made-to-order line for women.
Professional Career
Prince Poppycock (real name John Quale) enthralled audiences worldwide with his vibrant persona and captivating performances. A versatile singer, Prince Poppycock blended operatic drama with classical melodies to produce an entertaining spectacle that left audiences mesmerized.
Prince Poppycock impressed Mike during the Preliminaries of FantasyAGT with an operatic rendition of Lady Gaga’s Edge of Glory; Mike quickly saved him and advanced to Judge Cuts for further consideration.
Prince Poppycock donned a red and silver bejeweled armor designed by rock-and-roll couturier Michael Schmidt – who also created Diana Ross’ piece from The Distinguished Gentlemen film from 1976. While performing, Prince Poppycock sang a medley of songs including: Star Spangled Banner; Yankee Doodle Boy and “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal”. Each judge gave Prince a standing ovation.
Achievement and Honors
As part of his Preliminary Round performance on FantasyAGT, Prince Poppycock gave an operatic rendition of Lady Gaga’s Edge of Glory that won rave reviews from judges and earned him an overwhelming standing ovation from Sharon Osbourne, who even referred to him as being like “male Lady Gaga.”
He progressed into the Champions round where he delivered a medley of The Star Spangled Banner, Yankee Doodle Boy, and Stars and Stripes Forever. Wearing bedazzled knight armor designed by Michael Schmidt of Rock-n-Roll Couturiers (known for dressing performers such as Madonna and Cher), he performed flawlessly.
He was one of three acts to advance, alongside Jackie Evancho and Fighting Gravity, earning him a place on America’s Got Talent Live tour alongside other top 10 contestants beginning October 1 in Oakland, California.
Personal Life
John Andrew Quale, better known by the stage name Prince Poppycock, is an experienced musician with expertise in musical theater and opera. In 2006 he created this fictional character of an operatic dandy to channel all his passions as a performer into one persona. Poppycock combined elements from rock music, light opera, synth pop and Western art music, with the humor and irony typical of Commedia dell’arte. Additionally, Poppycock featured fashion elements from Rococo France era. He dresses like something out of a French baroque painting — powdered wig, pantaloons and all. He has performed at several clubs and lavish special events with powerful voice. Furthermore, he was featured as a finalist on America’s Got Talent’s fifth season finale.
Net Worth
Prince Poppycock rose to national attention when he competed on America’s Got Talent’s fifth season and finished fourth. Additionally, he performed at West Hollywood Gay Pride Festival and appeared on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show alongside other entertainers.
His Prince Poppycock character was created in 2006 based on the style of Commedia dell’arte. According to The New York Post, Poppycock epitomizes “humor, irony and sarcasm”, wearing elaborate costuming. Poppycock dresses as though from a French Baroque painting with pantaloons, powdered wig and pasty makeup in pantaloons; his face features whiteface makeup for maximum impact – one of the oldest modern clown archetypes ever.