When 12-year-old Angel launched into a classic romantic ballad, it was a night to remember on “America’s Got Talent.” Simon, Howie, Heidi, and the gang were floored, and the audience went wild like never before.
When Los Angeles, California middle schooler Angel Garcia took the stage on national television to audition for America’s Got Talent, the kid looked as cool as a cucumber in his Buddy Holly glasses and red Converse sneakers. Many singers play it safe during the audition phase of the show, belting out renditions of favorite songs.
That’s what Angel Garcia did, but with a twist. He surprised the judges by casually announcing that he’d be performing “El Triste,” a Latin hit by singer José José that was a number 1 song in the early 1970s.
The title in English means “The Sad One,” and tells the story of a grief-stricken person determined not to let their sadness keep them from living life to the fullest. Despite being such a heavy topic for a junior high school student, he sang it with real emotion and raw musical power.
The song talks about a person who is empowered to live by a longing for a loved one, which could refer either to the loss of a close relative or friend—the song does not specify which exactly.- It leaves it up to you to decide.
“What inspired you to sing?” asked judge Howie Mandell.
“Mostly my dad,” said Angel bashfully, while his proud parents looked on nervously from backstage along with the show’s host, Tyra Banks. Dad must surely have been especially moved at hearing his son credit him for coming this far as a singer. Even making it to the televised audition is no easy task or AGT hopefuls.
Angel’s operatic singing voice evoked a bygone era of weepy tearjerking ballads and sent the audience and judges into a frenzy of cheers and applause. His audition has already gone viral on the internet, scoring a million views.
“I love José José and seeing kids recognize his songs just makes me happy,” commented one adoring viewer.
“‘El Triste’ is a classic in Latin American music,” said another fan. “Few people can sing it so well and transmit so much passion like its original singer, José José. This kid is going places!”
This isn’t Angel’s first brush with fame. He previously competed on Spanish-language network Telemundo’s show La Voz Kids but was eliminated in the show’s final rounds. With AGT he’s got a second chance, so keep your eye on Angel.
https://youtu.be/0NSxW1Wges0
What are you waiting for? If you haven’t yet been blown away by this incredibly gifted musical talent, don’t miss your chance—
