Adrian Stoica & Hurricane Turned a Dog Act Into an Unforgettable AGT Winning Moment
Some America’s Got Talent performances are remembered because of a spectacular voice, an unbelievable magic trick, or a dangerous stunt. Others stand out for a much simpler reason: they make people smile. Adrian Stoica and his remarkable Border Collie, Hurricane, managed to do both—and their journey ultimately ended with one of the biggest prizes in entertainment.
When Adrian Stoica and Hurricane stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage during Season 18, they brought something different. Their act was not simply a collection of impressive dog tricks. It was built around comedy, storytelling, timing, personality, and the extraordinary connection between a trainer and his canine partner.
That combination quickly turned the duo into fan favorites.
By the end of the 2023 season, Adrian Stoica and Hurricane had gone from an entertaining audition act to America’s Got Talent Season 18 champions, winning the $1 million grand prize and a headlining opportunity with America’s Got Talent Presents Superstars Live in Las Vegas.
Editor’s note: Although Adrian Stoica & Hurricane are often grouped with “Golden Buzzer” or standout AGT acts online, they did not receive a Golden Buzzer during their Season 18 audition. They advanced through the competition and ultimately won the season through America’s voting.
A Different Kind of AGT Audition
Adrian’s original concept was immediately charming. Rather than presenting Hurricane as simply a dog performing commands, the routine created the feeling that viewers were watching two performers working together.
During their audition, Hurricane showed off a series of tricks while Adrian incorporated humor and movement into the performance. The routine was set to Meghan Trainor’s “Better When I’m Dancing,” creating an upbeat atmosphere that matched Hurricane’s energy. The performance impressed both the judges and the audience, establishing the duo as an act worth watching.
The magic of the performance was not only in what Hurricane could do. It was in how naturally the dog and trainer interacted.
Hurricane appeared comfortable on stage, responsive to Adrian’s movements, and perfectly timed for the comedic moments. That made the routine feel less like a traditional animal-training demonstration and more like a genuine theatrical performance.
And that distinction became increasingly important as the competition continued.
Hurricane Became the Star
As Adrian and Hurricane progressed through the competition, the routines became bigger and more entertaining.
During the live shows, the pair performed to songs including Smash Mouth’s version of “I’m a Believer” and Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” Their performances combined tricks with comedy and storytelling, helping them connect with audiences beyond the usual dog-act format.
The judges repeatedly praised the duo’s ability to elevate their act.
Simon Cowell, known for being one of the toughest judges on the show, was particularly impressed by the progression from their audition to the live performances. The routines were becoming more ambitious while Hurricane continued to perform with confidence.
That consistency mattered.
On a show where contestants compete against singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, acrobats, and other specialty performers, an animal act has to do more than make the audience say “aww.” Adrian and Hurricane demonstrated that a dog-centered performance could carry a full stage routine with comedy and narrative.
The Finale Performance Had Another Level of Emotion
For the final stages of the competition, Adrian and Hurricane raised the stakes again.
Their finale routine incorporated a playful Hollywood-style story, with Hurricane taking on the role of a director while Adrian played the movie star. The performance was set to Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” and featured judge Sofía Vergara as part of the routine.
The performance was especially meaningful because it was dedicated to Hurricane’s older sister, Rory, who had passed away earlier that month. That added an emotional layer to an otherwise joyful and comedic performance.
Instead of relying only on tricks, Adrian used the stage to tell a story.
Hurricane’s expressions, movements, and timing helped make the routine memorable. The audience wasn’t simply watching a trained dog complete commands—they were watching a character participate in a mini production.
That is one of the biggest reasons the act connected with so many viewers.
America Had the Final Vote
After weeks of performances, Adrian Stoica and Hurricane reached the Season 18 finale alongside some extremely talented competitors.
The finalists included singers, dancers, comedians, magicians, acrobats, choirs, and other specialty acts. Adrian and Hurricane ultimately advanced into the final group and were announced as the winners at the September 2023 finale.
Their victory was significant because it showed just how much viewers had connected with the pair.
According to reports following the finale, Adrian and Hurricane received the show’s $1 million grand prize along with a headlining opportunity connected to America’s Got Talent Presents Superstars Live at the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
It was also only the second time an animal-centered act had won America’s Got Talent, following Olate Dogs’ victory more than a decade earlier.
Why Adrian & Hurricane Went Viral
There is something especially shareable about a performance involving a talented dog.
A great singing performance might impress viewers, but Adrian and Hurricane’s routines created several different reactions at once: laughter, surprise, excitement, and affection.
Hurricane’s personality became just as important as the tricks.
That helped the performances spread across social media and video platforms, where viewers could enjoy the routines even if they had never watched the entire season.
The act also avoided becoming overly complicated. At its heart, the story was easy to understand: a talented trainer and his amazing dog working together to entertain people.
That simplicity was part of its strength.
More Than Just Tricks
What makes Adrian Stoica and Hurricane particularly interesting is the relationship behind the performance.
Dog training at this level requires patience, repetition, communication, and trust. Every movement that looks effortless on television represents preparation away from the stage.
For viewers, Hurricane’s performance could look spontaneous. Behind the scenes, however, Adrian had to develop routines that Hurricane could understand and perform reliably under bright lights, loud music, an enormous audience, and the pressure of live television.
That partnership became the heart of the act.
The audience wasn’t only cheering for Hurricane’s tricks. They were cheering for the connection between the two performers.
A Victory That Fans Still Remember
Adrian Stoica and Hurricane’s Season 18 victory remains one of the more unexpected and feel-good moments in America’s Got Talent history.
They did not need a Golden Buzzer to become champions.
They simply continued improving, entertaining audiences, and allowing their unique partnership to speak for itself.
From their cheerful audition to their increasingly ambitious live performances and emotional finale, Adrian and Hurricane demonstrated that an act doesn’t always need to be loud or dangerous to make a huge impact.
Sometimes, a great story, a talented performer, and a very special dog are enough.
And when Hurricane walked onto the AGT stage, audiences quickly discovered that this was not just Adrian Stoica’s act.
It was Adrian and Hurricane’s act.
Their chemistry, humor, timing, and obvious affection for one another turned a traditional dog performance into something much bigger—and ultimately helped them capture America’s vote and become the Season 18 winners of America’s Got Talent.
🎥 Watch the Viral Performance
Adrian Stoica & Hurricane — AGT 2023 Audition:
