San Diego

Local Comedian Nearly Bares All on ‘America's Got Talent' Finale

While comedian and Oceanside native Vicki Barbolak performed on the finale of NBC's "America's Got Talent" Tuesday night, fans filled a restaurant in Hillcrest to capacity to cheer her on. 

Bar two.seven.eight on Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest erupted in laughter for the entirety of Barbolak's set. Her very first joke was met by a standing ovation from her audience, leading locals at the bar to believe she had a real shot at winning.

Even if she doesn't win, at the very least she will have inspired her hometown followers and fellow funny people.

"It's crazy to see her up there," comedian Jaleesa Johnson said. "And for everyone on the scene, it's so refreshing to see someone make it who's a good person."

After being escorted on stage in a golf cart painted with hot pink flames, Barbolak started her set by venting a little bit of frustration.

"I'm so disappointed! I thought the finals was going to be a swimsuit competition," she said. "I'm gonna do it anyway."

Then she threw off her cheetah print robe and strutted the stage in her one piece.

The stunt drew wide eyes from the judges and a standing ovation from the crowd, and set the pace for Barbolak's hilarious 3-minute set.

Now in season 13, Barbolak hoping to become the first comedian ever to win the show.

The Oceanside native got her start in comedy 20 years ago and says her comedy describes her life as a mom, her many marriages and her love of the trailer park lifestyle. 

In an interview with NBC 7 Barbolak thanked those in San Diego County for their support and shared her love for her hometown. 

"I just can’t believe it’s all happening. I have been doing this for twenty years all over San Diego. I’d be happy if I never got out of San Diego much," Barbolak said. 

She said what she loves about San Diego is Marine Corps Base Camp Pendelton, car washes, the beaches, the people and, of course, tacos. 

"I mean, San Diego is the only place for me. Thank you for all the love, all the support."

The winner of the show will be announced during the season finale on Wednesday starting at 8 p.m. Fans can vote here until 4 a.m.

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