Sheldon Riley’s cover of “Tattoo” by Loreen is SO dramatic, as he contemplates tossing his mask
On Monday’s America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League Qualifiers 2 episode, singer Sheldon Riley performs a cover rendition of “”Tattoo” by Eurovision Song Contest winner, Loreen. NBC dropped the singer’s performance clip ahead of the Jan 8 episode.
Sheldon, who delivers dramatic performances from behind an enigmatic mask, is a member of Team Mel. B. “I am so excited for this performance that you’re about to do. Your voice is just incredible,” Mel enthuses. “But the story is what gets me. It makes me fall in love with you even more.”
AGT Fantasy League 2024 Qualifiers 2 Lineup: Which 10 Acts Compete?
AGT Fantasy League: Adrian & Hurricane Adorable Dog Act Defend Title!
Cut to Sheldon’s video package, where he shares that he grew up hating his looks. Masquerading his face helped him to still be able to love what he did. When he competed on America’s Got Talent in 2020, it was the first time that he felt validated.
Unfortunately, the live shows were difficult. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Sheldon had to perform on tape from his home in Australia. He did not advance into the semi-finals. “It was so heartbreaking,” he admits. “I was on such a roll. I felt like I was finding myself through this show and it just kind of halted.”
Since then, Sheldon was a grand finalist, representing Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022. He’s appeared in Vogue, Rollingstone, and Billboard.
In his mentoring session with Mel B, Sheldon reveals that he’s thinking about removing his mask. Mel thinks people will really identify with his struggles with self confidence. “I have spent so much time trying to visually be enough for people that maybe the talent that I have is enough,” Sheldon says.
Does Sheldon take his mask off during his performance?
He takes the stage wearing an elaborate black mask. Standing on a platform surrounded by microphones, he pulls off his mask before the second verse and tosses it away. His eyes stay shut and he’s visibly nervous. But the performance is powerful nevertheless.
Sheldon admits afterward that throwing away the mask “felt so good.” Mel B. calls him “gorgeous” and Heidi Klum agrees, adding “You did a very beautiful rendition with that song…you nailed it, you belted it out. I loved it.”
Howie Mandel is blown away. “My soapbox in life is mental health,” he says. “The biggest hurdles that we have in life are the hurdles that we have inside ourselves,” He adds, “Not only did you step it up from anything you’ve ever done on AGT before, but I think you did something wonderful for the world.”
Simon Cowell remarks, “I always felt with Sheldon this was unfinished business. And your voice is so distinct. You are a proper…front man singer. Congratulations and welcome back.”
Watch the performance below. AGT: Fantasy League airs on NBC on Mondays at 8 pm ET/PT.
