20 Of America’s Got Talent Latino Contestants That We Love
The show that brings us laughter, tears, and “what the heck was that” reactions is back. In the first episode of the 13th season of America’s Got Talent, judge Howie Mandel captures the essence of it all. “The beauty of this show is that people come from all over the world to show us things we’ve never seen before.”
1. The Dominican Republic Is In The House
darepublik/InstagramDance group Da Republik, a name definitely inspired by the group’s hometown, the Dominican Republic, rocked the stage with their Hip Hop moves. The group is well known back home but being on this show gives them an opportunity at reaching what they always wanted, the American Dream. Larybel Castillo, one of the first founders of Da Republik, expressed her determination. “It doesn’t matter where you come from, if you just love what you do, you can make it.”
2. Ditch The Double Dutch
agt/InstagramIf you thought double dutch was intense, you definitely have to follow Vivien Vajada and watch her rock the stage in ways unimaginable. The judges were beyond impressed with her ability to perform dance moves and even flips all while jumping rope, talk about multitasking.
3. Dreams Can Come True
You know you are in for a show when someone decides to cover a Whitney Houston song. Glennis Grace takes the stage covering “Run To You” in hopes of making her dreams come true. “Ever since I was a little kid I knew I was made to sing for lots and lots of people.” She hits every note and amazes the audience and judges.
4. Electric Violinist Rocks The Stage
briankingjoseph/InstagramBrian King Joseph’s energy was felt from the moment he walked onto stage. His electric violin cover to Major Lazer’s hit, “Lean On,” was amazing, especially considering that Brian has a rare nerve disease that left him with no feeling in his hands or feet. He had the judges dancing the whole performance.
5. Anything You Can Do They Can Do Better
AGT/NBCCelina, 66, and Filiberto, 70, prove that age really ain’t nothing but a number. This adorable couple represents the typical Cuban grandparents but with a bit more sazón. As soon as Jason Derulo’s “Talk Dirty” played, Filiberto dropped it down low as Celina whipped her hips around. Ay,Dios mío! (please read in heavy Cuban accent.) crowd went wild.
6. Age Really Ain’t Nothing But A Number
quinandmisha/InstagramQuin and Misha take the stage and we are blown away to find that Quin is 71 years old; her moves speak otherwise. Their performance is graceful and their story is inspirational. “You don’t have an expiration date”, says Heidi Klum. Quin, like Celina, proves that age ain’t nothing but a number.
7. Two Brave Brothers Take The Stage
agt/InstagramDo you remember those Saturday afternoons spent at the laundromat where you couldn’t help but admire the laundry in the washer spinning so beautifully? This is what the beautiful Fratelli Rossi brothers, Ricardo and Alejandro, looked like during their acrobatic performance, but more majestic of course.They made a mistake during their performance causing one of the brothers to fall down. Would this fall jeopardize their chances? They quickly got up and asked for the music to start once again. Their bravery was admirable.
8. It’s Safe To Stay On Edge
This time we’re not juggling human bodies but instead playing catch with them. Zurcaroh, lead by Brazilian choreographer Peterson da Cruz Hora, is an acrobatic and Gymnastic focused group that tells a unique story. They are not professionals and accept everyone, regardless of skill level. Tyra Banks cant hold her joy back, “I am collecting my breathe, I need some oxygen right now…this is so crazy that you know what I have to do!” Tyra hits the golden buzzer and joy spreads all over the room.
9. A Force To Be Reckoned With
agt/InstagramBrody Ray decided to cover Jorja Smith’s “Stand In The Light” to highlight the struggles he faced being transgender. His performance was powerful, earning him a standing ovation. Simon reminded him that he was inspirational, “I think it’s important that you start singing your own material because I think you can be a force to be reckoned with.”
10. Quick Change Act With A Little Extra Sazón
agt/InstagramSixto and Lucia took the stage and added their own twist to a Quick Change performance. They showed off their flowcito as they danced and changed outfits to Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud.” At first the judges were iffy about a Quick Change performance but they thought it was fantastic and slick. Their unique performance earned them a standing ovation and a green light to the next round.
11. As Flexible As Can Be
agt/InstagramTroy Jane’s Contortionist performance was freaky and spine-chilling in all the right ways. He twisted his body in ways one would never believe to be possible. He eventually made his way towards the judges and came face to face with Simon and freaked him out. Tory’s personality was very corky and his performance was very entertaining and different; the judges loved him.
12. Spreading Hope One Song At A Time
agt/InstagramSinging was taken to a whole new level when Voices of Hope Children’s Choir took the stage. If they were to win the million-dollar prize they would put it into their program to reach more people with music. Mel B recognizes their uniqueness as a group, “We have amazing singers but we don’t have a choir like you guys.”
13. Nothing Can Stop This Power Couple
agt/InstagramDuo Transcend is so much more than a power couple. They are trapeze performers with a unique story. Tyce, Mary’s husband, has an eye problem that resulted in poor eyesight. They rely on feelings and the strong connection they have with one another to keep them going. Amazing!
14. You Go Girl
agt/InstagramAnnaliese Nock is tired of living in the shadow of her father, a well-known daredevil, so she takes the next step to make a name for herself. She is a daredevil who performs “The Exploding Coffin”, which goes just as it sounds. Howie Mandel applauds her, “Now that’s girl power.”
15. Magic Or Comedy?
agt/InstagramLioz Shem takes the stage and swears that he can moves objects with his mind. When he starts playing with a measuring tape we know that this is not magic but comedy. Simon doesn’t know what to say but when he finds the words, “when it started I thought it was really stupid but then I thought no this was actually really funny.” Simon removes his x sending Lioz on his way to the next round.
16. Rapping Against Gun Violence
agt/InstagramFlau Jae lost her father to gun violence and uses her experience to fuel her dreams. She takes the stage and her pain is painted perfectly as she raps about gun violence. Simon doesn’t hold back, “we are witnessing the start of somebody’s career longtime.” She is a natural.
17. Cuteness Overload
sophiefatu/InstagramSophie Fatu takes the stage to cover a classic, Frank Sinatra’s My Way. From the moment she steps on stage everyone falls in love with her; she is adorable. The judges want to see more of her so they, of course, all say yes. Simon is amazed and might have some other plans up his sleeve, “I want you to marry my son.”
18. Golden Heart And A Golden Buzzer
ketterermusic/InstagramMichael Ketterer steals our heart from the moment he steps on stage. He is a father to 6 children who came out of foster care, “When you’re surviving you can’t dream.” He wants to show them that nothing is impossible. The only thing bigger than voice is his heart, he goes home with the Golden Buzzer.
19. Don’t Let Anyone Crush Your Dreams
agt/InstagramChristina Wells takes a stand against a past to let down where her dreams as a singer were crushed because of her weight and size. She shares some words of wisdom with the world, “Nothing should prevent you from making your dreams come true.” Her performance speaks for itself and without hesitation; the judges pass her to the next round.
20. Yup, She Did That!
agt/InstagramAmanda Mena was raised in the Dominican Republic and moved to Boston, Massachusetts where she was bullied for not knowing English. She grew obsessed with music because it got her through everything. She sang her heart out to “Natural Women” by Aretha Franklin. Judge Mel B leans over “This is what I’m gonna say to all those bullies.” BAM! She hits the Golden Buzzer.
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