America’s Got Talent 12-year-old contestant Luke Islam’s dream is to become a Broadway star. And thanks to Julianne Hough, who pushed the Golden Buzzer for him on Tuesday night’s show, he is one step closer to seeing his dream become a reality.
“When I was little, we did this showcase at my preschool and ever since then, I’ve loved performing,” said Luke, who admits to singing even when he brushes his teeth.
Luke brought the audience and judges to their feet with his performance of “She Used to Be Mine” from Sara Bareilles’ Broadway production of Waitress.
Judge Gabrielle Union praised Luke, saying “You should be incredibly proud of yourself because you killed it!”
Howie Mandel added, “You have so much poise. You talk about a journey. People come on here and, hopefully, dreams come true. I think we’re watching the beginning of your dream coming true.”
Then Simon Cowell said, “What is so important if you move forward, is don’t put yourself in a generic music pool. You’ve got to sing songs so that every one of your performances is an audition for the best producers on Broadway. You really got to make an impression. This is really key,”
Earlier Luke had admitted that Julianne was his favorite judge because he and his sister have been following her and her brother Derek Hough’s careers. But after hearing her critique, he had even more reason for Julianne to be his favorite.
“First of all, I’m extremely flattered that you would even look up to my brother and I with a voice like that, with an energy like that,” Hough said, making Luke cry with happiness. “You have such talent and grace. You have something so special. You have an essence inside of you that has given you a gift. And I believe not only are you going to become a star and get your dream to come true but I don’t think you need to wait that much longer, because …”
And so saying, she pushed the Golden Buzzer.
“I can’t believe it, I’m in shock,” said Luke, who literally fell prostrate on the stage. “I never expected something like this to happen in my whole life. I’m so grateful, thank you so much.”
Luke’s first introduction to Broadway came when he was six years old. “I took him to his first Broadway show and something sparked,” his mom says.
And Luke adds, “Every weekend, I entered the Broadway lotteries and that way I could get discounted tickets, and beg my parents to take me. I love the audience, I love the crowd, I love the stage, the props, the costumes. I want to be up there; I want to do what they do. Broadway is so good!”