TJ Salta Wins Netflix's Star Search Competition

Las Vegas magician takes home $500,000 grand prize

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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After weeks of competition and judging, Netflix has crowned TJ Salta, a Las Vegas-based magician, as the winner of its reboot of the classic talent competition show "Star Search". Salta, who blends street-style magic with real-time mind reading, beat out three other finalists to take home the $500,000 grand prize.

Why it matters

Netflix's "Star Search" reboot was highly anticipated, as the original 1980s version helped launch the careers of many entertainers. The show's return highlights the continued public appetite for talent competition programs that can discover the next big star.

The details

The 9-episode season of "Star Search" featured a variety of performers, including singers, dancers, comedians, and magicians. Celebrity judges like Jelly Roll, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Chrissy Teigen provided feedback, but the ultimate winner was decided entirely by viewer votes during the finale.

  • The "Star Search" reboot launched in early 2026.
  • The finale episode where the winner was revealed aired on February 18, 2026.

The players

TJ Salta

The winner of Netflix's "Star Search" competition, a Las Vegas-based magician who blends street-style magic with real-time mind reading.

Netflix

The streaming service that rebooted the classic talent competition show "Star Search".

Jelly Roll

One of the celebrity judges on the "Star Search" reboot.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

One of the celebrity judges on the "Star Search" reboot.

Chrissy Teigen

One of the celebrity judges on the "Star Search" reboot.

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What they’re saying

“I was shocked, and I was grateful. I want to ride this wave and give people the magic they want. I'm ready to give the world a magic experience. That's my dream. I'm using this win as a first step in that.”

— TJ Salta (Tudum)

What’s next

Netflix has not yet announced whether there will be a second season of "Star Search", but the success of the reboot could pave the way for future talent competition shows on the platform.

The takeaway

The victory of TJ Salta, a Las Vegas magician, on Netflix's "Star Search" reboot demonstrates the continued public fascination with discovering new talent and the platform's ability to uncover the next big entertainment star.