Roland Abante. Image: screengrab from YouTube/America’s Got Talent
Roland Abante, a singer and a fisherman in the Philippines, will be competing in the next round of “America’s Got Talent” after he received a standing ovation and four “yes” votes from the judges.
Abante wowed judges Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel and Sofia Vergara with his rendition of Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman,” as seen in a video on the reality talent competition’s YouTube channel on Wednesday, June 14.
Before delivering his performance, Abantes was asked about his job in the Philippines and why he decided to join “America’s Got Talent.”
“In the Philippines, [I] work [as a fisherman] in the morning and in the afternoon, I drive a motorbike and deliver passengers and goods,” he spoke in Bisaya, which was translated to English by his interpreter.
“…This is my big dream, to be here,” he added while tears were falling from his eyes.
A lively crowd cheered for Abante and stood with the judges after his performance, leading the singer to burst into tears even more.
“I don’t think you could have done it better. Mic drop,” Klum said. “You should be very proud of yourself.”
“I have a feeling you’re gonna have to stop fishing because this is where you need to be,” Vergara then told Abante.
Cowell, for his part, admitted he thought Abante would be overwhelmed with nervousness that he wouldn’t be able to push through with his performance.
“It actually made me love this audition even more and I really like you,” said Cowell who later gave Abante a hug. “That was great…brilliant.”
Mandel, meanwhile, described the singer’s performance as a “life-changing moment,” noting how they felt Abante’s heart through his song.
Prior to “America’s Got Talent,” Abante also joined several singing competitions including “Tawag ng Tanghalan” in the noontime show “It’s Showtime” in 2017. /ra