Sarah Michelle Gellar and Chrissy Teigen brought Hollywood glamour to the forefront on Tuesday night, leading the star-studded arrivals at the live season finale of the revived Star Search series. The event, broadcast on Netflix, combined nostalgic charm with modern spectacle, culminating in a thrilling victory for magician TJ Salta.
Red Carpet Radiance
Sarah Michelle Gellar, aged 48, appeared remarkably youthful as she graced the carpet in a shimmering silver and gold gown. The strapless design accentuated her svelte figure with a thigh-high leg slit and a small train, while a plunging neckline and keyhole cutout added a daring edge to her ensemble.
Chrissy Teigen, 40, coordinated in glittering style, wearing a black bodysuit beneath a sheer mesh overlay. The skintight dress, adorned with thousands of tiny gems, showcased her enviable curves, and a see-through skirt highlighted her long legs. Teigen styled her brunette hair in a voluminous blowout and was accompanied by her husband, musician John Legend, who opted for a casual look with ripped jeans and a brown knit cardigan.
Judging Panel and Family Moments
Gellar and Teigen serve as judges on the Netflix reboot of Star Search, alongside country music star Jelly Roll, with Black-ish actor Anthony Anderson hosting. Gellar, who revealed she once auditioned for the original show but did not make it, was joined by her children, Charlotte, 16, and Rocky, 13, whom she shares with husband Freddie Prinze Jr.
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star shared that her family had strong opinions on her judging. "My daughter was a little upset with some of my decisions," she told ET. "But my husband said I did very well, and my son said I did a very good job, which, from him, is huge." Gellar and Prinze Jr., married since 2002 after meeting on set in 1999, represent one of Hollywood's enduring marriages.
Finale Highlights and Winner
The revival of the popular 1980s and 1990s talent show returned in January, over three decades after its original run. After four weeks of performances, the finale crowned TJ Salta as the winner, awarding him a grand prize of $500,000. Salta, a varsity athlete turned Las Vegas magician, captivated viewers with his unique blend of street-style charisma, close-up sleight of hand, and real-time mind reading.
In his final performance, Salta made judge Sarah Michelle Gellar's ring vanish before her eyes, only to reappear moments later, dropped by his pet hawk, Messiah. He triumphed over tough competitors, including aerial duo Duo Vespertilio, gospel singer Steven “Spud” Howard, and fellow magician Harry Merlin Piper, in a multiple-choice vote.
Innovative Voting and Future Plans
The live show introduced a brand-new voting system, allowing viewers to choose the winner in real-time using their TV remote or the Netflix app. Reflecting on his victory, Salta told Tudum, "I was shocked, and I was grateful. Just being here from day one and doing five rounds live—without a lot of time in between—it felt like it paid off immediately."
Teasing his next steps, Salta added, "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."
Legacy of Star Search
The original Star Search aired for 13 seasons from 1983 to 1995, hosted by Ed McMahon, featuring contestants in music and comedy categories. It famously launched the careers of future stars such as Beyoncé, Adam Sandler, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Dave Chappelle, and Christina Aguilera. The reboot honors this legacy while embracing contemporary entertainment trends, blending nostalgia with fresh talent and technology.
