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Cebuano native Rolando “Bunot” Abante stole the spotlight on a recent episode of America's Got Talent.

Abante, a fisherman from Cebu, got teary-eyed when he said "Every night, I see [this show] on my cell phone only, this is my big dream, to be here."

He surprised everyone with his powerful performance of Michael Bolton's "When a Man Loves a Woman" and left the audience, as well as judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofía Vergara standing in amazement.

After his performance, Klum praised him saying, "I don't think you could've done it better. Mic drop. You were amazing, you should be very proud of yourself."

Vergara jokes, "I have a feeling, you're gonna have to stop fishing. This is where you need to be."

Cowell observed Abante was nervous and said Abante did great nonetheless, "You were so nervous. I genuinely thought for one moment you were not gonna be able to do this. And then, that happened, and it actually made me love this audition even more and I really like you, that was a great audition."

Moments later, Abante and Cowell shared a brief hug after Abante's translator said Cowell is his favorite judge.

Mandel agreed and said, "I gotta say I agree with what Simon said, it's the emotion. I could feel your heart, and I think everyone just heard a life-changing moment."

With that, all four judges gave a "yes" to Abante's performance, advancing him in the contest.

AGT also tweeted about Abante, saying "Roland "Bunot" Abante's vocals gives us chills 🧊 #AGT

Roland "Bunot" Abante's vocals gives us chills 🧊 #AGT pic.twitter.com/tgUh5YyqCF

-- America's Got Talent (@AGT) June 14, 2023

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