Roland Abante is a Filipino singer-songwriter who rose to widespread popularity after auditioning for America’s Got Talent season 18 in June 2023, week 3. Due to Roland’s limited ability to speak and understand English, a translator accompanied him to his first-season auditions.
He received a standing ovation and surprised the judges after performing his own interpretation of the legendary song “When a Man Loves a Woman”. Abante told the judges before the audition that although he works his regular job as a fisherman in the Philippines, his biggest wish is to be on America’s Got Talent.
Early life
Roland Abante was born on August 3, 1978, in the Philippines. He grew up in Santander, a rural hamlet on the Philippine island of Cebu. However, Abante has yet to reveal the names of his parents and siblings to the public. As the eldest of his family, he experienced a childhood in a disadvantaged area with very little means. Roland’s parents had a hard time making ends meet. He was resilient enough to overcome his urban hardships.
When he ran out of money for food, he would spend his evenings singing karaoke for pleasure. A few years later, a trusted friend offered him a job in the fishing industry. He also started working at a motorcycle delivery service, transporting customers and their belongings around town.
Roland Abante career
Roland began singing in elementary school and soon became a popular performer at school events. While still at school, he began playing the guitar and singing in bars. After graduation, he attended Bulacan State University and received a degree in education.
During his studies, Roland performed in the neighborhood and entered singing competitions. His first win came in 2008 at a college talent show. After his win, he became better known in his hometown. In 2011, he tried to enter the singing competition “Tawag ng Tanghalan” on the hit Filipino lunchtime show It’s Showtime, but failed in the preliminary round.
However, Roland stuck to his schedule of performances at local pubs and festivals. He persistently strived to achieve his goal of becoming a musician. His perseverance paid off when a video of him performing a Michael Bolton song went viral in 2014.
Bunot’s viral video of him singing “To Love Somebody” got him a lot of attention from people around the world. He never stopped making music or performing and was quite successful in both. Bunot has also given concerts in countries as diverse as the United States, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. His music and singing style were well-received and he quickly gained fame. He even played for the Philippine President!
AGT auditions
Abante is a gifted singer who rose to widespread popularity after appearing on America’s Got Talent Season 18 in 2023. Being on the AGT stage alongside his favorite judge, Simon Cowell, was Roland’s dream, so he was visibly moved at his first audition. Abante’s first audition was so touching that he received a warm hug from both Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell. With four yes votes from the judges, Abante advanced to the next round.
Roland Abante Biography | |
|---|---|
| Real name | Roland Abante |
| birth date | Aug. 3, 1978 |
| Age | 46 years |
| Place of birth | Cebu City, Philippines |
| Profession | Singer |
| University | – |
| qualification | graduate |
Physical Statistics | |
| Height | in feet inches – 5 feet 4 inches – in centimeters – 162 cm |
| Weight | in kilograms – 65kg – in pounds – 143 pounds |
| Hair color | Black |
| eye color | Black |
Roland Abante Family | |
| Father | – |
| Mother | – |
| Sister | – |
| Brother | – |
relationship status | |
| Marital status | Married |
| who is Roland Abante’s wife? | Sethland Abante |
| Children | One |
Personal life
Roland is married to Sethland Abante and the couple have two children. Roland regularly updates his social media with photos of his happy family. His wife is a big fan of his music and regularly comes to his performances. He is an excellent husband and father and his affection for them shows in everything he does.
Roland Abante Net Worth
Filipino singer Roland has won fans all over the world with his incredible voice and powerful live performances. Many people are curious about his career earnings. Abante has a net worth of around $2 million. He worked hard to earn that money from his albums and concerts.
Contrary to popular belief, singing is not an easy art form to excel at without much practice and dedication. Roland Abante spends countless hours perfecting his melodies and perfecting his performance. He lives not only from singing but also from his numerous television and concert appearances.
Facts About Roland Abante
- In addition to his singing career, Roland has become an ambassador for the charity World Vision.
- He has collaborated with such well-known Filipino artists as Aegis and Jaya.
- Bunot’s favorite singers are Michael Bolton and Whitney Houston.
- In his free time, he likes to play basketball.
- Bunot is also an accomplished woodworker who enjoys making furniture as a pastime.