Raymond Salgado hit the main stage of Canada's Got Talent on Tuesday, May 9, performing a Michael Buble song to earn another standing ovation. (Canada's Got Talent/CityTV)

By Alex Rawnsley

semi finalist

VIDEO: Lantzville singer ‘smashed it’ during Canada’s Got Talent semi-final

May 10, 2023 | 9:15 AM

NANAIMO — It’s poised to be a nervous wait for a local singer as votes are counted.

Lantzville’s Raymond Salgado performed on the Tuesday, May 9 episode of Canada’s Got Talent, the show’s semi-final round. He was unsuccessful in earning a fast track to the final, however is among seven acts battling it out for two spots in the show’s next round.

He made the initial cut in mid-April and followed up his show debut with a stunning cover of “Feeling Good” by Michael Bublé.

“I enjoyed it again from the first note to the last,” Kardinal Offishall, one of the show’s judges, told Salgado post-performance. “The last time we saw you, I was like ‘man, this guy killed it!’ But what I loved was this was no less, you absolutely delivered, smashed it, you did everything we need you to do in the semi-finals.”

Fellow judge, professional wrestler Trish Stratus, echoed the feedback saying it was obvious Salgado was “feeling good” while performing.

Skatepark refresh

Town of Ladysmith seeks public insight in reforming skateboard park

11h ago

stabbing

UPDATE: Two people stab City of Nanaimo employee with needles at Maffeo Sutton Park

14h ago

fly-in

VIDEO: 'It's so special to see these kids:' Santa makes pre-Christmas stop at Nanaimo hospital

15h ago

Lilly Singh piled on the praise by telling Salgado how much she enjoyed his performance.

“I know when we met you at the auditions, you were talking about how you didn’t feel ready before and you kind of struggled with authenticity but let me make it really clear, your authentic self is incredible. You need to serve it up daily because we’re all better for it.”

During his audition which aired in April, Salgado spoke about a prior experience on American Idol where judges told him he wasn’t ready.

He’s also been open about finding his identity as a person, including battling negativity and self-doubt.

“This overall experience has been so validating to me,” Salgado said on stage after the performance. “I never thought I would make it this far as a semi-finalist, I’m really proud of what I did tonight, and I believe that I can have a place to be here.”

Howie Mandell was the only judge to find fault in the performance, comparing it to something you’d find on a cruise. His comments drew scorn from the judges and boos from the audience.

Still, three of the four all told Salgado they had a good feeling about him making the finale.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW