America’s Got Talent 2021: Peter Rosalita Bounces Back from Flub (Video)

Ten-year-old Filipino singer Peter Rosalita who hails from the UAE missed his performance entrance on the first live America’s Got Talent 2021 semifinals episode of Season 16 (Read our Recap). He bounced back like a pro, asking for production to please restart and apologizing before bursting into song. He sang the Mariah Carey version of  Badfinger’s “Without You.” This song has become increasingly overdone over the years. Peter seems to tackle classics that have been done a lot.

Peter’s voice is impressive for his age as always. I don’t think he belongs in the finale simply based on talent, but I’m sure he’ll make it as he keeps racking up loads of Youtube views. And even if some are outside of the US, most weeks he’s gotten enough from the US that, he has a good chance to move on to the finale.

The young singer is poised and his voice very powerful. But like usual, this performance lacks control,  with a lot of pitchy low notes. Also, his belted notes become a bit shouty and also out of tune. His maturity and power are great for his age, but I can’t simply overlook these issues in his performances especially next to masterful vocalists like Brooke Simpson and Jimmie Herrod. Yes, they are adults, but they are Peter’s competition too.

The judges praised Peter for his poise in the face of adversity

Peter received a standing ovation from the judges. The show didn’t dodge the missed entrance. Instead, host Terry Crews praised Peter saying “that’s how you recover like a champion“ after his performance. Heidi Klum said his voice is as powerful as he is adorable, and noted how he held it together after the mistake. Sofia Vergara called the beginning amazing as it showed his “command“ on stage. Simon Cowell said that he loved it and reiterated what Sofia and Heidi said about the recovery. Howie Mandel also praised him for the way he dealt with “adversity.“

What was a small mistake, ended up turning into even more compliments from the judges. I wasn’t expecting them to be harsh, but I do think that this judgement of the performance was a bit overly complimentary. Either way, I’m assuming Peter will be one act that sails through to the finals.

Watch Peter Rosalita Recover Smoothly from a Misstep as he sings “Without You”