Mat Franco was born and raised in Johnston and was a graduate of Johnston High School in 2006.

Far from his hometown, Franco landed on the stage of “America’s Got Talent” a few weeks ago, putting the four celebrity judges in awe with his magic.

“I got into magic after seeing it on TV when I was 4 years old,” said Franco. “I did a preliminary audition for the show when they came to Providence. Shortly after that, I was brought out to Los Angeles to shoot an audition episode of the show with the celebrity judges in front of a live audience of 3,000-plus at the Dolby Theater, which is where they shoot the Academy Awards. It was an amazing experience.

“I wanted to put something together that was never seen before, on ‘America’s Got Talent’ or anywhere else,” he continued. “It was challenging but fun to create a routine that was specifically customized for the TV show.”

Franco received a standing ovation for all four judges, Mel B, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Howard Stern. He is now in the next round, which takes place in New York City.

“Since the audition went so well, I was nervous about being able to ‘top’ it in the next round, but I am happy that I was able to once again put something together that I know the judges have never seen before,” said Franco.

The performance and results will air in the coming weeks during mid-July.

Outside of television, Franco headlines his own show at colleges and universities all over the country.

“I just finished a month of shows at the University of Rhode Island, which is my alma mater,” said Franco, who received his degree in business administration.

When it comes to magic, Franco is self-taught but has a lot of magicians that have inspired him over the years.

“I enjoy laughing and having a good time with people,” he said. “Magic gives us shortcuts to those moments in life.”

Just turning 26 this past May, Franco has become a full-time entertainer since his college graduation in 2010.

“I became interested in ‘America’s Got Talent’ when a good friend of mine was on the show on season seven. He had such a fun, positive experience that I was encouraged to do it as well,” he said.

Franco admits he was nervous.

“I was doing a routine that was extremely difficult and I had never done it in front of an audience before, because it was a customized trick that only makes sense in the context of ‘America’s Got Talent,’” he said.

During his magic routine on the show, Franco told a story about and for the celebrity judges with a deck of cards.

He currently resides in Newport, and continues to wow every audience he meets with his magic.