Lantzville91Ƶs Raymond Salgado will perform for the finale of Canada91Ƶs Got Talent as the only British Columbian to make the cut.
The 24-year-old singer was announced as one of eight final contestants on the national reality talent show this morning, May 11, during a live broadcast of CityTV91Ƶs Breakfast Television.
91ƵIt91Ƶs a dream come true. I91Ƶm so honoured,91Ƶ Salgado said. 91ƵI feel like I91Ƶm repping Vancouver Island, British Columbians, the Filipino community and the LGBTQ-plus.91Ƶ
On the show91Ƶs Tuesday, May 9, episode, the singer performed Michael Bublé91Ƶs Feeling Good and received another standing ovation from the audience. Judges Lilly Singh, Kardinal Offishall and Trish Stratus expressed their awe over his dynamic vocal range and command of the stage, though Howie Mandel said he felt it was 91Ƶreally schmaltzy,91Ƶ although did add that Salgado is an amazing singer.
Salgado said he appreciated the critique, and for his next performance he intends to return to his roots as a ballad singer and deliver a song that 91Ƶhits really close.91Ƶ
91ƵI think I did the best that I could on that stage and I wanted to show my versatility as an artist 91Ƶ I91Ƶm someone who is very reserved 91Ƶ but I think this was a way for me to break out of my shell and try something and 91Ƶ express myself in different ways 91Ƶ not just vulnerability but also having a fun side, too,91Ƶ he said, adding that he doesn91Ƶt get the chance to wear sequin often.
As to why he thinks viewers voted him in, the singer said he believes his resilience and fight to overcome past rejection connected with the vast majority of people.
91ƵI91Ƶm just so grateful that it was well-reciprocated in the community, because that91Ƶs what I was more concerned about 91Ƶ And I think people can see that I91Ƶm a fighter.91Ƶ
Salgado will battle it out with Canada91Ƶs Got Talent91Ƶs remaining contestants, including magician Atsushi Ono, dance act Cool Giraffes, 91Ƶnovelty act91Ƶ Geneviève Côte, dance crew the Cast, dance act Conversion, singers and musicians the Turnbull Brothers and singer-musician Meave, during the finale Tuesday, May 16, at the OLG Stage in the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort. Viewers can vote online at starting at 5 p.m. PST.
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mandy.moraes@nanaimobulletin.com
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