I have never watched an episode of "Survivor," or "Nanny," or MOST other reality shows.

Alone with the dog, I'd watch the Bachelor or the Bachelorette but never liked their choices and couldn't stand the drama ... but I was careful to not admit to any sane person that I watched it.

So when I was homeless and a house guest for nearly two weeks, I happened upon "America's Got Talent." Except for Jerry Springer's annoying shouting and judge Piers Morgan's annoying criticism of nearly everyone, I got hooked right away.

And the friend with whom I was staying got hooked as well -- and then blamed me.

And the reason we were hooked immediately is 32-year-old Neal E. Boyd of Sikeston, Mo., who is now headed for Las Vegas to headline a show one night only at the MGM Grand on Friday, Oct. 17.

His voice is incredible. He has made opera more popular than the junk on the radio. And he will do amazing things.

The reality of this show is that it was a gift to those of us who watched.

Here's some info on the Las Vegas show:

Tickets priced at $99.50, $57.50, $49.50 and $39.50, not including applicable service charges, are now on sale at the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office and at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers, and Macy’s West at the Fashion Show Mall). Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (702) 474-4000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.