'America's Got Talent' sensation Peter Rosalita to have first public concert in Dubai

The young Filipino singer who lives in Abu Dhabi will perform as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival

Peter Rosalita at Universal Studios in Hollywood. Photo: Mary Jane Villegas

Peter Rosalita, then aged 10, with his parents Ruel Rosalita, Vilma Villegas and aunt Mary Jane Villegas in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Peter, a student at Richmindale school in Abu Dhabi, was born in the UAE. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Peter became an internet sensation in June when his audition for the 16th season of 'America’s Got Talent' was posted on YouTube. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Peter says he was 'sad and confused' after his elimination but he's happy he gave it his best and he's grateful he got 'a once in a lifetime experience'. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Peter's aunt Mary Jane Villegas has been travelling to the US with him for his auditions and performances. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Peter's audition on the show. Instagram / peter.rosalita

Peter attends the red carpet for 'America's Got Talent' Season 16 Live Shows at Dolby Theatre on August 10, 2021 in Hollywood. Jon Kopaloff / FilmMagic

After his elimination, Peter said he just went back to his hotel room and played video games. Photo: Mary Jane Villegas

Peter Rosalita at Universal Studios in Hollywood. Photo: Mary Jane Villegas

It might have been an American reality show, but many people across the UAE tuned into the 16th season of America's Got Talent after Filipino singing sensation Peter Rosalita blew the judges away.

Now, he's set to do the same to concertgoers in Dubai, as he will perform his first public concert as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival.

The six-week extravaganza is putting on TunesDXB, a series of free live concerts with about 400 musicians to perform at more than 10 locations across the emirate. Peter, 10, will sing live this Friday and Saturday, from 7pm on the main stage at La Mer.

"I am very happy and thankful that another dream of mine has come true," Peter told The National. "This is my first solo concert and I am so excited as I will have a special guest, the Cadenza Music band of Cadenza Music Institute from Abu Dhabi."

He's picking up where he left off on America's Got Talent, as Peter plans to perform cover songs from some of the most legendary singers, across different genres, although he wasn't prepared to share the song list ahead of the event.

"I always love to perform and make people happy being able to share my singing talent. I hope they will enjoy my performance."

Who is Peter Rosalita?

Peter, a Grade 5 student from Richmindale school in Abu Dhabi, became an internet sensation in June when his America's Got Talent audition was posted on YouTube.

Dressed in a white suit paired with a blue shirt and tie, the youngster immediately charmed the show’s four judges as soon as he walked on to the stage.

“I was born in Abu Dhabi, UAE, but I am a Filipino citizen,” he said confidently.

Peter then performed a rendition of the 1975 Eric Carmen song All By Myself, also made famous by Celine Dion in 1996, which brought the judges and audience to their feet.

"You have an amazing voice, an amazing personality, an amazing energy. Everyone is going to fall in love with you after this audition," show creator Simon Cowell said.

The video has been viewed more than nine million times, and even earned a thumbs up from Dion’s team who shared the clip on social media.

His elimination in the semi-finals left him “sad and confused”, but he also told The National it was “a once-in-a-lifetime experience”.

“I was shocked because I gave it my all in every performance and I was getting great responses from all the judges and audiences and I was [still] eliminated. But I am still happy that I got to have that experience."