Luke Taleno just delivered one of the most emotional performances in America’s Got Talent history. The 28-year-old Cuban-born rapper took the semifinal stage with his original song“American Dream,”just days after officially becoming a U.S. citizen. He moved to America at age 3 and survived a leukemia diagnosis at 13, and now he’s one performance away from the AGT finals.
Howie Mandel, who gave Taleno his Golden Buzzer earlier this season, called him“the new Eminem”and said,“You are the American dream, you really are.”Mel B and Sofía Vergara echoed the praise, with the judges clearly moved by both his story and his talent. Taleno’s response was simple and powerful:“Most people chase one dream. And I’m getting to live both dreams.”
Now it’s up to America’s vote, with results announced Wednesday night. If Taleno advances, he’ll be carrying one of the most compelling narratives of the season into the finals. His journey from Cuba to cancer survivor to U.S. citizen to AGT semifinalist is the kind of story that makes you believe in the power of persistence.
Do you think Luke Taleno deserves to win it all? Tell us in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.