Cebuano fisherman Rolando “Bunot” Abante gets a standing ovation from all four America’s Got Talent judges—Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofía Vergara. This was during Abante’s outstanding audition, where he performed Michael Bolton’s When a Man Loves a Woman. The episode aired on June 13, 2023.
Speaking through an interpreter, Rolando said that he works as a fisherman in the morning and as a habal-habal driver in the afternoon. He also shared that he loves to sing through karaoke.
Photo: America’s Got Talent YouTube channel
Rolando became emotional when he was asked why he wanted to join America’s Got Talent.
“Every night I see [the show] in my cell phone only. This is my big dream, to be here,” he expressed. One of the judges, supermodel Heidi Klum, gave him a hug to comfort him before the performance.
Rolando started off brilliantly, enthralling the audience and earning a standing ovation!
“Mic drop! You left it all on the stage. You were amazing, you should be very proud of yourself,” Heidi underscored.
Meanwhile, Sofia suggested changing his career, “I have a feeling you’ll going to have to stop fishing because this is where you needed to be.”
“You were so nervous I genuinely thought for one moment you weren’t going to be able to do this. And then, that happened. And it made me love this audition even more. I really like you. That was a great audition. Really brilliant,” Simon said.
“We could feel your heart and I think everybody just heard a life-changing moment,” Howie emphasized.
All the judges instantly gave him a “yes.” He even received a hug from his favorite judge, Simon.
It was indeed a dream come true performance for Rolando!
Watch his performance below:
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