Roland Abante’s America’s Got Talent audition in 2023 became one of the season’s most unforgettable moments. Appearing in Week 3, the humble Filipino fisherman walked onto the stage visibly shaking, overwhelmed by nerves. But the second he opened his mouth to sing Percy Sledge’s classic “When a Man Loves a Woman,” everything changed. His deep, soulful voice filled the room, leaving the judges—and the audience—completely stunned. By the end, all four judges were on their feet.
Before performing, Roland shared a glimpse of his simple life back home. He spends his mornings out at sea catching fish and his afternoons working as a motorbike courier. Singing isn’t his profession—it’s a passion he kept mostly to karaoke nights and small community gatherings. Though he’d gained a bit of local attention and even released an EP in 2017, stepping onto the AGT stage felt like a distant dream finally coming true.
His fear was obvious, and even Simon Cowell later admitted he worried Roland might not make it through the song. Heidi Klum walked up to the stage to calm him with a supportive hug. But the moment the music started, Roland transformed. His nerves melted away, replaced by powerful emotion and confidence. When he finished, Simon embraced him too, acknowledging the bravery it took to deliver something so raw and moving.
The judges were unanimous in their praise. Sofia Vergara told him he belonged onstage—not on a fishing boat. Heidi Klum said his rendition couldn’t have been more perfect. Simon Cowell pointed out how Roland’s shaky beginning made the final result even more emotional. And Howie Mandel summed it up simply: the performance was “life-changing.”
Roland earned four enthusiastic yeses and continued all the way to the semifinals. His audition became a global reminder that extraordinary talent often rises from ordinary places—and that sometimes, the most unforgettable voices are found in the most unexpected corners of the world.