Nel corso delle selezioni del programma della NBC “America’s Got Talent”, Sal Valentinetti, un carismatico ventenne italo americano di Long Island ha incantato pubblico e giudici con una magistrale interpretazione del classico di Frank Sinatra “My Way”. Premiato con una standing ovation generale, il giovane cantante, visibilmente emozionato, ha lasciato il palco ricoperto di coriandoli dopo che la giudice Heidi Klum aveva sugellato il trionfo premendo entusiasticamente il pulsante che consente l’accesso direttamente alla fase successiva della competizione. Il video dell’esibizione postato su YouTube è stato visto da più di un milione di persone in meno di 48 ore. Il programma, giunto alla undicesima edizione, è diventato uno dei più seguiti reality show del decennio e permette ad aspiranti cantanti, ballerini, maghi, comici, e altri artisti di tutte le età di competere per affermarsi nel mondo dello spettacolo. “Oggi è il primo giorno del resto della mia vita ", ha detto Valentinetti poco prima di lasciare il palco. In bocca al lupo!
NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” has become one of the top reality talent competitions of the decade. In its 11th season, the talent show features singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, and other performers, of all ages, competing for the $1 million prize. With the likes of Regis Philbin and Jerry Springer as past hosts and judges such as Piers Morgan, David Hasselhoff, Sharon Osbourne, and Howard Stern, the TV show draws huge audiences.
Currently on the judging panel are Simon Cowell (co-creator of the show), Mel B (former Spice Girl), Howie Mandel (comedian/actor), and Heidi Klum (one of the world’s most famous supermodels). Hosted by Nick Cannon, actor/rapper/comedian/record producer and Mariah Carrey’s ex-husband, the talent show averages about 11 million viewers each week. This season’s talent in the competition does not disappoint.
One competitor to take note of is 20-year-old Sal Valentinetti. A jazz crooner from New York, Sal left his job at his cousin’s pizza shop to audition. Stepping onto stage with a charming, albeit stereotypical, Long Island, NY accent wearing his all black ensemble, gold chain and flanked by his cousins, aunt and, of course, his mother, Valentinetti immediately won over the judges. “I’m gonna entertain yous like you’ve never been entertained before,” he said. And, by the time he finished his flawless rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” Sal had won over the entire audience. He received a standing ovation, even before singing his final note. The judges passed comments such as “flawless,” “you’re an old soul,” and “full of power, control and charm.” Looking for just three out of four “Yes” votes to advance him to the next round of competition, Sal was shocked when judge Heidi Klum pressed the Golden Buzzer.
Introduced in season nine, the “Golden Buzzer” (located in the center of the judges’ desk) can be pressed once each season by each judge. It immediately advances the act to the live shows where the American audience votes. Standing amidst raining gold confetti with Heidi Klum’s arms wrapped around his neck, Sal Valentinetti’s life surely changed. “Today is the first day of the rest of my life,” he said just before walking offstage. America’s Got Talent live shows begin July 26. Tune in to place your votes for the charismatic singer as he, no doubt, wows the audience and judges, again, with another spellbinding performance.
