Suvechha Sarkar
Netflix’s reboot of ‘Star Search‘ features multiple talents from a wide array of classifications, which also includes the Variety Category. Episode 1 of the show featured two contestants in that same category, one of whom is TJ Salta. As soon as the 24-year-old stepped onto the stage, he challenged the perception of reality, presenting himself as a calm, confident, and laser-focused mentalist. He quickly created a space where the reactions he got from the judges and the audience became his true reward. In his debut performance in the first episode, he went head-to-head with fellow magician Fernando Velasco, turning the competition into a captivating battle of wits. By the end of the night, TJ didn’t just impress the judges but also became the first winner in his category.
TJ Salta Had a 4-Week Winning Streak Before Becoming the Champion
During TJ Salta’s first battle against the magician, Fernando Velasco, the 24-year-old proved that every round was a battle of precision and poise. The former didn’t rely solely on traditional tricks as he transformed his act into an immersive experience for the judges and the audience. When the scores were revealed, TJ received a combined 4.1 stars, emerging victorious and becoming the first winner of his category. The momentum gradually grew as it was finally his time to defend his title in the upcoming episode, as other opponents would challenge his title. The first challenge came from the high-energy dance group MIV in episode 3. Although their performances were vastly different in style, TJ once again held his ground and defended his title with a total of 3.83 stars.
By episode 5, TJ faced the Taiwanese-born mentalist Johnny Wu in a nail-biting close contest. The former moved ahead with 4.68 stars to his opponent’s 4.25, narrowly securing another victory. In the semifinals in episode 8, he went head-to-head with the Italian bubble artist Luca Cutrupi. During that performance, TJ delivered an incredible music-infused magic routine that left the judges completely awestruck. Scoring 4.60 stars against Luca’s 3.22, TJ bagged an easy win and advanced to the finale. Finally, he faced the comedian Janine Harouni and poured his lifelong dream into one final performance. After earning 4.32 stars, TJ eventually advanced to the Top 4. Ultimately, the worldwide audience chose him as the champion, helping him walk away with the life-changing $500,000 cash prize.
TJ Salta is Gradually Building His Legacy in Magic Through Major Events
Before TJ Salta came into the limelight on ‘Star Search,’ his path began in a very different field. In high school, he was a talented lacrosse player and considered it his passion, but everything changed when he suffered a hip injury that ended his dream of pursuing a career in athletics. It eventually led him to explore his new calling in magic, where his first simple trick redefined his professional trajectory. TJ ultimately combined his street-style skills along with real-time mind reading and close-up sleight of hand. He started out as a professional magician/mentalist, performing for free at ice cream shops.
Eventually, TJ became the youngest magician ever to reach the headlines of the Las Vegas strip. He quickly expanded his reach after performing at the Wall Street Theater in March 2018. In August 2021, he made his way to the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash, which is a Hip-Hop music festival, where he showcased his magical talent. By February of the following year, the contestant received the chance to film an interstitial for Super Bowl LVI. Additionally, he has performed at major events such as the NFL Draft and the NHL Stanley Cup. In February 2022, TJ further announced that he would be performing on ‘Mad Apple.’
Over the years, TJ has also worked for several high-profile clients, including Kevin Hart and David Copperfield. In January 2026, he was interviewed by Showstopper Magazine, during which he spoke about the surreal experience of doing magic on a global stage. As of writing, he has also been building a large Instagram following, with over 6.4K followers. On the platform, TJ promotes his namesake website, where individuals can easily book his services for selected theatrical, corporate, and media events. Moreover, he offers his clients and fans priority access to his services, which they can access by entering their email on his website.
TJ Salta Considers His Grandparents an Integral Part of His Journey
TJ Salta originally called Norwalk, Connecticut, home before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, for his career. Beyond his professional pursuits, the magician fosters an incredible connection with his family, especially his grandparents, Paul and Letty. On the show, he revealed that his grandfather was the one who showed him his first magic trick, a simple yet powerful moment that set the course for his future. TJ’s bond with his grandparents became even clearer before his final performance, when they expressed how much his journey meant to them.
Aside from that, TJ enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking. In June 2025, he made his way to the Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas, where he soaked in nature’s beauty. He also loves visiting the beach and immersing himself in the serene sound of the crashing waves. However, the 24-year-old has currently chosen to keep further information about his personal life out of the public eye. All in all, TJ balances the intensity of his stage life with moments of calmness and connection.
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