UPDATE 12/28/11 @2:30 p.m.
ASHLAND, Ky. (WSAZ) --The Paramount Arts Center announced Wednesday afternoon that Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. will have a third concert at the theater this Friday night.

The $1 million winner of "America's Got Talent" has already sold out two shows at the theater. The first show was Tuesday night, the second is Wednesday evening.

Tickets are now on sale for the third show online at www.paramountartscenter.com or in the Paramount box office by calling 606.324.3175

The Logan, West Virginia native was awarded the show's top prize in September with his performances of Frank Sinatra's "My Way" and Dean Martin's "Ain't That a Kick in the Head."

Jenny Holmes, Marketing Director at the Paramount, tells WSAZ.com that Landau will perform a second show on December 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $30, $40, $45 and $55 and can be purchased online, right now, at www.Paramountartscenter.com. The box office will also be open for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday to accommodate the ticket sales.

Murphy will perform next month at concerts in Charleston, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Princeton, Ashland, Ky. and Pikeville, Ky. He has also booked another a three-month concert series in Las Vegas for next summer.

The Logan native's first album, "That's Life," will be released on Nov. 21.

The "America's Got Talent" winner says that he plans to return to Las Vegas next summer for a three-month concert series. He sang at Caesar's Palace there in October as part of his reward for winning the NBC talent competition.

Murphy will perform next month at concerts in Charleston, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Princeton, Ashland, Ky. and Pikeville, Ky.

The Logan native's first album, "That's Life," will be released on Nov. 21.

The Clay Center added a third performance from the hometown star who made it big after winning on the hit show "America's Got Talent."

Clay center officials say after the success of the first two shows, they worked hard on landing this additional performance.

"We have had performers sell out really quickly, but this is phenomenal," Clay Center CEO Judy Wellington said. "I mean this is a hometown boy, a success story he has a fabulous voice and he'll do a fabulous show."

The third show also sold out in about an hour and a half after they went on sale.

The first two shows at the Clay Center sold out in about an hour.

Some of the money from the ticket sales at the Clay Center will go to a fund that will allow students from Logan County to visit the arts and science center on educational field trips.

There is another show next month at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 7:30 p.m

Tickets went on sale to the public on Nov. 15 at 9 a.m. in the Paramount box office. You can call 606-324-3175 for tickets.

Two Landau concerts have already sold out in Parkersburg as well.

The third show is set for Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 8 p.m.

Tickets will go on sale Thursday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m.

The concerts are scheduled for Dec. 3 and 5.

Landau Eugene Murphy will perform at 7:30 on December 27.

Tickets for the show go on sale at the public, Nov. 15 at 9 a.m. at the Paramount box office, or online at www.Paramountartscenter.com.

Tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. Tuesday. According to the Clay Center's website, both shows have sold out.

Dozens lined up hours before the doors opened in hopes of landing one of the hottest tickets in town.

Fans were surprised to find out the first concert was already sold out before they had a chance to buy tickets, but they're still glad they will see the "America's Got Talent" winner on the big stage.

Season ticket holders got first dibs on tickets for the first concert. When it sold out, the Clay Center scheduled a second concert on Monday, December 5.

The Clay Center made that announcement early Tuesday morning.

According to a news release, it only took about an hour for the second show to sell out.

According to a news release, due to overwhelming excitement about Landau's upcoming concert, the Clay Center has added a second show for the “America’s Got Talent” winner.

Landau’s second performance is set for Monday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m.

His first show is set for Saturday, December 3 at 8 p.m. Tickets have sold out after going on sale to Clay Center Presents Fall 2011 season ticket holders Tuesday, Nov. 1, according to the release.

Tickets for the second show go on sale at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

The Logan native won the show's top prize back in September and just wrapped up a headline show at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

Clay Center President and CEO Judy Wellington said hosting Landau’s first performance in his home state is an honor for the organization.

“We are excited to bring in a local artist who has represented the state so well on a national stage and used his remarkable talent to find great success in the arts,” Wellington said. “So many people have requested that we try to get him, and we’re just thrilled to be able to bring him to the community. This show will be a homecoming for Landau and an opportunity for his fans to see him perform at a local venue without the expense of traveling across the country.”

The performance is set for Saturday, December 3 at 8 p.m.

Fall 2011 season ticket holders can buy tickets for the show on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m., according to a news release. Tickets go on sale to the general public Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. Tickets are $25, $30 and $45.

A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be used to fund educational field trips for Logan County students to the Clay Center between January 2012 and the end of the school year, according to the release.

Landau’s first album, “That’s Life,” is set to be released November 21.

The Clay Center's performance is sponsored by BB&T and Mike Ferrell Toyota, the Logan County dealership at which Landau worked.

Landau took center stage at Caesar’s Palace for “America’s Got Talent Live”, which opened Friday. The performance kicked off at 7:30 p.m.

Geary Burns, who is also from Logan, flew out to watch Landau Friday for his 60th birthday.

"Landau did a wonderful job. He opened up the performance and he's the one that closed and he just did an outstanding job," Burns said.

America's Got Talent Live runs at Caesar’s palace through Sunday.

The CD will be released on November 21, but you can pre-order it today!

Go to Featured Links for a link to pre-order.

It wasn't a fancy car, a diamond ring or a mansion -- Landau's first and only major purchase so far since winning the a million dollars... was a pair of shoes.

“I bought some Air Jordan’s,” Landau said with a big smile. “I really want to buy my family some health insurance and myself. I haven’t been to the doctor since I was 17 and I’m 37 now."

Landau's trying to stay grounded, but he admits life has changed a lot.

“I have a sign that says Landau Lane and I can name any street in town. I’m still trying to decide where to put it," Landau said. "I read all of my fan mail, it’s coming in from all over the country. I even got a giant fortune cookie from someone."

Since winning "America's Got Talent" Landau says he hasn't been home more than a week. Now he and his wife Jennifer are packing for their biggest adventure yet: a trip to Las Vegas for a three day concert at Caesar's Palace -- complete with a new wardrobe, courtesy of Sony Records.

“They arranged for wardrobe people to come in and take my size and bring my things," Landau said. "I pretty much picked out the things I liked."

The biggest prize arrives on November 21st when his first CD -- "That's Life" - drops. It'll be available at Walmart, Target and other retailers.

Landau is scheduled to perform in Vegas October 28-30 nightly at Caesar's Palace. He's also set to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The man from Logan with a voice like Sinatra experienced the red-carpet treatment Wednesday, as thousands of people turned out in Logan to celebrate his win on “America's Got Talent.”

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. literally went from the rags used on detailing cars to the riches of winning the million-dollar prize on the popular NBC talent competition.

"He is awesome. He's been a big, big amazement to me. I didn't know anyone from Logan could do so much," says Alexis Jones, one of Murphy’s fans.

Logan County threw one of the county’s biggest parties ever for him, complete with a parade and celebration at the Logan Memorial Field House.

Some people at the parade pointed out it was fitting that a double rainbow greeted the man who helped shine such a positive light on this community.

Murphy says it is taking some time for things to sink in. "Oh, it's been wild," he says.

He says it's amazing to see so many people turn out to celebrate with him.

"Oh that means I've been appreciated. That's what the dream is. You just really want to bring good times to a lot of people, and this is going to rally our whole community," Murphy says.

He spent about an hour on air at WVOW radio answering questions from callers. People waited outside the studios to see him up close.

"It's weird because I knew him before, and he's just a normal guy. And now, he went on 'America's Got Talent' and showed his talent,” says Mahoghani Patton. “And all across the world, everybody loves him."

This kind of fame obviously will change Murphy's life, but he says it won't change everything.

"I will stay humble. I promise to stay humble. They say don't make a lot of promises, but that's a promise I know I can keep," he says.

Now that he's back home, he's already getting requests to perform.

West Virginia University has hinted at having Murphy at a game to perform the national anthem. There have even been talks of having him sing during the game that will be aired nationally this weekend.

While Murphy says he wants to do it, nothing is official yet.

Wednesday afternoon, Landau was on a local Logan radio station, WVOW, talking with fans and sharing some of his experiences from the past several months.

Landau said he would have been happy just making it to the top 10 but then got nervous as he made it to the final round. Landau said he couldn't have done this without the support and encouragement of family, friends and the people of West Virginia.

Tonight on WSAZ's 5:30 Edition, Landau will be the Grand Marshal riding in a parade through the streets of downtown Logan.

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., who just won NBC's 'America's Got Talent', is back in the mountain state. Moments after stepping off the plane last night at Yeager Airport and greeting his family, friends and fans, he sat down with WSAZ.com's Carrie Cline for a fun and relaxed chat.

“How did a young black man from Logan County get started singing Sinatra?” asked Cline.

“It was just something I did playing on the basketball court. I never been a big guy, so I couldn't trash talk to all of the thugs on the basketball court. So, when I would dunk on somebody, I would go 'fly me to the moon...' you know, I'd shoot a jumper in their face, 'I've got you under my skin' and they'd be like, ‘wow, you really sound like that guy, what's his name?’ and I’d say, ‘Frank Sinatra’”, said Murphy.

“It's not like I'm better than anyone else. We all got talent somewhere and a show like 'America's Got Talent' gives you an opportunity to show that talent. If it's 90 seconds long. If you can squirt milk from here over to Ernie's hat, that's your talent, but you gotta get through Piers because he's tough,” continued Murphy.

“That song I did with Patti LaBelle, I had never sung in my life. So, I got right off the stage and had to go into the studio and I learned it in like an hour and we went out there and nailed it. She treats you like she's your mother. She really tried to give me a lot of advice about the business and keeping my feet on the ground.

There's so many options for me that have opened up right now, but I don't want to put them on blast right now, but stay tuned. I gotta whole lot of things in the works. I'm going to keep following my dreams,” said Murphy.

And those dreams continue with performances three night's a week for a month in Las Vegas' Caesar's Palace starting October 28. Landau says he'll be living in the penthouse during that time living the high life complete with his own butler and chef.

Landau's hometown crowd will give him a warm welcome on Wednesday. There's a parade scheduled through the downtown at 5-30p.m. Then, an after party will be held at the Logan Memorial Fieldhouse at 6:30p.m. with presentations to Landau. Some big names are expected to attend including Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, Congressman Nick Rahall and Senator Jay Rockefeller.

“I’m just trying to put my CD's out. I want to buy a house for me and my wife. Our kids' college fund-I want to put money away for them and just pay up all our past debts. This is financial security. This is breathing again. It's like a whole new beginning. Obviously, my life has just changed forever and I want to stay humble and keep my feet on the ground-walk by faith and not by sight. I never had a singing lesson in my life, but I always had a dream and you never, ever give up on your dream. I thank America for letting me be me. It was just 100% me, Landau or Uncle Doonie, whichever one you want to call it,” said Landau Murphy.

UPDATE 9/14/11 @ 11 p.m.
LOS ANGELES (WSAZ & AP) -- Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., the Sinatra-influenced singer from Logan, W.Va., has been crowned “America’s Got Talent” champion.

The decision was just announced from Hollywood on NBC’s hit show.

Murphy, who sang an array of Sinatra songs throughout the series, won $1 million and a chance to headline his own show in Las Vegas.

During Wednesday night's finale, Murphy sang a duet with the legendary Patti LaBelle -- the Marvin Gaye classic "You're All I Need to Get By."

Murphy emerged as champion, beating out fellow finalists: teenage rock band PopLyfe from Oakland, Calif.; Team iLuminate, whose dancing performers equip themselves with wearable wireless lighting systems; and The Silhouettes, a troupe of youngsters from Arvada, Colo., who use shadow dancing to illustrate songs.

Murphy will headline at Caesars Palace next month, with the other three finalists also on the bill.

A huge cheering crowd gathered in Logan, saying Murphy's win represents a positive boost that will benefit not only Landau and his family -- but his hometown and all of southern West Virginia.

Keep clicking here at WSAZ.com for the latest information.

"You gave me goosebumps," celebrity judge Sharon Osbourne said. "It was perfectly sung … You saved the best for last.You gave it your all."

Fellow celebrity judges Piers Morgan and Howie Mandel also were generous in their praise of Murphy, who hails from Logan, W.Va.

"You took (Sinatra's) biggest song," Morgan said. "You sang that absolutely from your heart. That was a million dollar performance tonight."

Mandel agreed.

"There’s a real good chance that you just sealed the deal," he said.

Prior to Murphy's performance from Hollywood, Morgan said, "Landau has gone from car washer to crooner extraordinaire."

Murphy is one of four acts vying for the $1 million championship prize, as well as a chance to headline a show in Las Vegas. The winner will be announced beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday on WSAZ NewsChannel 3.

You may vote for Murphy by calling 1-866-602-4801 or texting 4801.

Prior to this, he not only sang for fun but also for charity.

Tuesday night, Murphy is one of four finalists vying to be champion of NBC's hit show, earning a cool $1 million and headlining a show in Las Vegas.

The final four show airs at 9 p.m. Tuesday on WSAZ NewsChannel 3.

WSAZ.com's Carrie Cline spoke via Skype with one of Murphy's longtime friends, Bob Noone, who's from Logan and now lives in Alabama.

He gave us an endearing look at the man behind the music, known as the "Sinatra of Soul".

“I've been an emcee for the We Can program for about 17 or 18 years, and every year we have local talent who donate their time," Noone said. "And Landau, or Doonie, as we call him, has been there since 2005/2004.

"I heard him do "My Girl" on the CD and asked the band to do it and "Daddy Rabbit." They're quick studies, and I pulled him up on stage and he took off as if he had rehearsed with us his whole life.

“That was probably his first audience of more than 1,000 people. We were at the Logan Coalfield Jamboree. He's always there to help raise money for the Logan County foster kids so he won our hearts long before he won America's hearts."

Cline asked Noone, “You got to go out to Los Angeles to spend a little time with Landau and his wife. Tell us what goes on behind the scenes that we don't get to see on television."

“Uncle Doonie is what they call him and getting to hang out backstage beforehand," Noone said. "Remember that scene last Wednesday night when they were choosing who would move on in the final moments and he and Anna were back in the green room looking like someone shot their dog, didn't they? I mean, they were sad.

"They really like each other, and Doonie would have probably been just as happy to see Anna go on. They are that close. As close as it seemed on TV, they're probably closer. The pride is having a friend where so many people would say he deserves that spotlight. I would say knowing him, that he's earned that spotlight."

Cline asked, "What do you think his chances are?”

“Carrie, I'm reaching for the paycheck right now," Noone said. "I'm going to sign a blank one, I'm going to sign a blank one. Here's the odds, I believe he's it."

Noone also encourages everyone to vote early and vote often to make this truly a community effort to get Murphy through to the $1 million grand prize and headline act in Las Vegas.

After cleaning up for nearly four years at Mike Farrell’s Logan County car dealership, Landau was granted a leave of absence.

“He said he wanted to follow his dream.
I said he had his job back whenever he wanted.
He paid close attention to the tires, I think I'll be detailing for him soon,” Farrell said.

Logan radio icon Speedy Bevins talks about a friend who put together a local blues and soul band called Top Shelf, and brought in a demo CD - looking for some publicity

“I heard Mustang Sally, and said who is that singer? Dooley? The guy who washes cars? He was great, and can sing anything. I've heard his Purple Rain will give Prince a run for his money," Bevins said.

Back home in Logan, the dynamic vocalist with four names is known simply as Dooney.

And everyone in his hometown hopes Dooney makes a clean sweep in L.A.

No, not the L.A. that is the Logan area - but the real L.A. – Los Angeles, and Hollywood

The Sinatra-influenced vocalist is among four acts that will perform next week to determine the champion. The decision was announced late Wednesday night when the field was whittled down from 10 to four in Hollywood.

The champion will win $1 million and headline a show in Las Vegas.

Tune into WSAZ NewsChannel 3 at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, to see who is crowned champion.

Now, he's counting on the public's support. Murphy is among final acts vying to be champion of NBC's hit show.

"Vote, vote, vote," said celebrity judge Sharon Osbourne after Murphy's performance.

All three celebrity judges were unanimous Tuesday night in their praise of Murphy, who admits he's living a dream.

Tuesday, a second watch party was held at the Cinema 8 in the town of Logan for Landau fans.

The weather created a few complications, but organizers say nothing could hold back the spirit of the community.

“We were going to have inflatable set up for the kids outside, but with all the rain we've had, we had to cancel those this morning. But it's not put a damper on the festivities. We're still going to have a lot of fun and raise some awareness for Landau tonight," said Chad Akers with the Logan Chamber of Commerce and Hatfield and McCoy Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Akers say Landau has also won respect nationally for Logan.

"Landau from the very beginning had said, 'I'm from Logan, West Virginia. He's helped put Landau on the map in a positive way. We can't thank him enough for that. That's why we're showing him our support. We're going to do everything we can to get him into the top five and into a million dollars and a contract in Vegas," Akers said.

Landau’s Aunt Evette Page attended the second watch party.

“I think it's the greatest thing that's every happened in my life," Page said.

Page says his family and community are behind Murphy, no matter what the outcome.

"Ill probably just cry like I always do. I'll be so happy," Page said.

If Landau moves on Wednesday, organizers in Logan plan to rent out the Field House to hold a watch party for thousands.

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.

Landau is a former car washer who's been making America swoon with his vocal interpretation of Frank Sinatra classics.

If he wins, he'll walk away with a $1M cash prize from the NBC hit show and a gig in Las Vegas.

WSAZ's Bill Murray and Carrie Cline talked with Landau Friday morning as he preps for next weeks finals in Los Angeles.

"It's overwhelming. I appreciate everything my hometown is doing for me, Murphy said. I represent the whole state of West Virginia, so I hope they're feeling really blessed right now, cause I am."

You can watch finals of "America's Got Talent" next Tuesday and Wednesday right here on WSAZ.

UPDATE 8/31/11 @ 9:30 p.m.
LOS ANGELES (WSAZ) -- After some tense moments, Landau Murphy found out Wednesday he is going to the finals of "America's Got Talent."

The announcement came Wednesday night during a live presentation of NBC's hit show.

Viewers first were led to believe Murphy had been voted off -- only to learn he will be joining other talent in the finals.

Murphy, a Logan, W.Va., resident, has wowed the show's celebrity judges -- not to mention millions of fans nationwide -- with his renditions of Sinatra classics.

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.

The Logan, W.Va., native sang to millions of fans, including many gathered in his hometown.

The reaction among the three celebrity judges was positive but mixed.

"Your voice as usual is like velvet," Sharon Osbourne said.

Fellow celebrity judge Howie Mandel weighed in by saying, "You deserve with that performance to be in the finals."

Piers Morgan told Murphy, however, that it wasn't Murphy's strongest performance, saying his fans will have to help him into the finals.

On Wednesday, Murphy will find out if he is one of the five people from this group to move on to the finals.

You may vote for Murphy by calling (866) 602-4811. Votes also can be cast by texting, or voting online at NBC.com. To text, just text the word VOTE to 4811. You may call or text as many as 10 times.

Keep clicking on WSAZ.com for the latest information.

Murphy is set perform tonight (Tuesday) on the semifinals of NBC's hit show "America's Got Talent."

The show airs from 9 to 11 p.m. on WSAZ.

Murphy and 11 other contestants will perform Tuesday night, then America votes. On Wednesday, Murphy will find out if he is one of the five people from this group to move on to the finals.

This evening on First at Five, we'll hear from Landau's wife who explains what goes into preparing for tonight's performance and the anxiety she feels as she looks on.

We'll also show you how people in Logan are gathering to show support for Landau and how you can get in on the action.

That voting decision was announced Wednesday night during the show in Hollywood.

On Tuesday night, Murphy sang a Sinatra-style version of "Fly Me to the Moon," getting rave reviews from all three celebrity judges.

"You have the potential to go all the way," celebrity judge Howie Mandel told Murphy after his performance.

Murphy also won over judges Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan with his version of Sinatra's "Fly Me to the Moon."

Among the cheering crowd was Murphy's family who made the trip to the West Coast with him, including his wife, Jennifer, and his mother, Mona Lisa.

Murphy, 36, became something of an overnight sensation because of the entertainment/variety show, including on YouTube.

Anyone who wants to vote for Murphy may call 866-602-4807, or text 4807.

Landau Murphy, 36, sang Frank Sinatra and won over the judges earlier this season. Then, became a YouTube sensation.

Tuesday and Wednesday the show is live from Hollywood.

Landau, his wife, Jennifer and his mother Mona Lisa all flew out from Yeager Airport in Charleston at 10 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Landau's wife tells WSAZ.com they have been overwhelmed with all the support since the show started.

The show producers told them the show would change their lives and they were right, Jennifer Murphy said.

Jennifer says everywhere they go, especially the grocery store someone recognizes them and comes up to say hello.

In fact, recently they had to leave a restaurant because so many people were coming up to them., according to Jennifer.

Mona Lisa tells WSAZ.com she is nervous about the flight because she has never flown before, but she wouldn't miss the opportunity to support her son.

Landau will stay in Hollywood until he's eliminated by voters.

"America's Got Talent" airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on NBC.

To read more about the show, click on the link below.

ORIGINAL STORY 6/23/11
LOGAN, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Landau Eugene Murphy is doing his family, his hometown and Frank Sinatra proud.

If you're wondering where Landau Murphy gets his talent, his mom would say it's her side of the family.

Music's been in Murphy's home his whole life, and the 36 year old has taken that talent and landed a spot on national television.

The fact that the show's judges gave Landau three thumbs up comes as no surprise to his family.

"He said I need to go get a job in the coal mine and I said 'oh, no you won't You've got a gift with that voice. Make it work,'" his aunt said.

His wife is stunned that landau is the latest YouTube sensation, and the clip still brings tears even after seeing it many times.

Now that Landau has made it to the next round. His family says watch out Vegas, here Landau comes!