A Filipino fisherman is going viral for his audition performance in the 18th season of America’s Got Talent (AGT).
Bisaya-speaking Roland Abante was accompanied by an interpreter as he entered the stage, keeping his nerves together with a smile on his face.
Roland works as a fisherman by day, a “habal-habal” driver by night, he told the judges in his language. When he’s not breaking his back, he sings in the karaoke.
When asked about his decision to compete in AGT, Roland’s tears fell, “This is my big dream, to be here,” he said.
His heartfelt answer touched judge Heidi Klum, whom he earned an on-stage hug from.
Roland performed his own rendition of Percy Sledge’s When A Man Loves A Woman, which was an absolute surprise to the live audience and judges. He sang with an incredible voice, earning a standing ovation from the audience and receiving his well-deserved four “yes” from the judges.
The uploaded video of his performance on YouTube has now garnered half a million views.
“This fisherman’s voice is an absolute SURPRISE! Roland Abante traveled from the Philippines to share his talent with the world,” read the caption under the video.
