Luke Taleno walked out under the stars and stripes of the Cuban flag, wore a patriotic jacket, and performed an original song called “American Dream.” That performance was Golden Buzzer-worthy, earning that highest of praise from judge Howie Mandel. Now Mandel calls Taleno “the new Eminem.”
The 28-year-old rapper, born in Cuba and a cancer survivor, made his semifinals appearance on AGT season 21 as a new U.S. citizen. He swore his oath prior to his most recent performance, and he brought that sense of arrival to the stage.
From Cuba To The U.S.
Taleno’s journey began in Cuba, where he was born. He moved to the United States with his family at the age of three, before he could speak English. Even then, he understood music.
“You are the American dream, you really are,” Mandel said of his protégé.
At 13, Taleno was diagnosed with leukemia. He survived. Now, at 28, he stands in the semifinals of AGT season 21.
The Golden Buzzer Audition
Taleno first appeared on AGT back in June. He performed an original number called “From Seat to Stage,” a gift from his heart to the rest of us. It was a Golden Buzzer-worthy performance, earning that highest of praise from judge Howie Mandel.
Mandel saw something in Taleno that day. He gave the Golden Buzzer, and Taleno advanced to the semifinals.
The Performance That Earned The Nickname
For his semifinals appearance, Taleno wrote a new song in the past week. He performed “American Dream” with the energy, swagger and confidence of a man who knows he can go the distance.
The song is a statement. Taleno is living the American Dream, and he sang about it under the Cuban flag, wearing a jacket that spoke of his pride in both places.
What The Judges Said
Spice Girls’ Mel B was among those who praised Taleno after his performance. She told him directly how she felt about his singing.
“You sung it with so much passion, and heart. And you interpreted every single word,” remarked Mel B. “You’re going to go very far, you are.”
Sofía Vergara also weighed in, calling Taleno a “superstar already” and noting that he is “so, so good.”
Mandel’s Full Praise
Mandel went further than the nickname. He laid out exactly why he thinks Taleno belongs in the conversation.
“You are the American dream, you really are,” Mandel said of his protégé. “You have had to battle your whole life with your health. And then you’ve manifested yourself last year, backstage, telling Simon (Cowell) you were going to end up on that stage. You got the Golden Buzzer. You are making your dream come true.”
Mandel’s assessment is notable because it ties Taleno’s story to the broader narrative of the show. Taleno predicted his own success before he got it, and now Mandel is betting on him.
Taleno’s Own Words
After his performance, Taleno spoke about the moment himself. His words captured the essence of what he has achieved.
“Most people chase one dream,” he enthused. “And I’m getting to live both dreams. Let’s keep the dream alive.”
The line is simple. It is also powerful. Taleno is chasing two dreams at once — the dream of being a musician, and the dream of being an American.
The Vote Ahead
The result lies with America’s vote. Wednesday’s AGT results special will feature Season 20 runner-up Chris Turner, who returns to the talent show with his signature freestyle rap.
That special will determine who moves forward. Taleno has the Golden Buzzer, the judges’ praise, and the performance. Whether that is enough for the final is unknown.
What This Means For Taleno
Mandel’s nickname is a compliment, but it also comes with weight. Eminem is one of the most successful rappers in history. Being compared to him means Taleno has a standard to live up to.
Taleno has already shown he can handle pressure. He survived cancer. He moved to a new country at three. He won a Golden Buzzer. He wrote a new song in a week.
The semifinals are a test. The final is the prize. Taleno has the tools. He has the story. He has the support of the judges.
The Dream Continues
Taleno’s journey is remarkable. He left Cuba at three, battled leukemia at 13, and now stands as a new U.S. citizen in the semifinals of AGT. He wrote an original song, performed it with confidence, and earned the praise of some of the show’s most respected judges.
Mandel called him “the new Eminem.” That is high praise, and Taleno has earned it. He has chased two dreams, and he is living both of them.
The vote is coming. The dream is alive. The result lies with America.
Watch Taleno’s semifinal performance below.
See the video the story is built around at Billboard.
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