GAMILARAAY performer Mitch Tambo has been awarded a golden buzzer and a standing ovation on Australia's Got Talent.
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Judge Nicole Scherzinger was brought to tears by the moving blend of contemporary beats with traditional song on Sunday night.
"Honestly dude, I really don't know what just happened to me right now," she said.
"When you said, 'This is a message of love and hope,' I felt like it was a warrior cry up there and I thought, 'He's so brave, he's so fearless - I want to be like him.'
"You really inspire me, I think you're a true, true representation of Australia's beauty and culture and talent, and that's why I have to do this."
Hitting the golden buzzer, Tambo beamed with pride as the audience applauded after his performance of Walanbaa, an original song that blended his language with didgeridoo and traditional dance.
The buzzer is the 29-year-old's ticket to the next round regardless of the other judges votes.
Tambo told the judges, Manu Fieldel, Shane Jacobson and Lucy Durack and Nicole Scherzinger he wanted to enter Australia's Got Talent to show the country his culture is alive and well.
"I'm here with the message it doesn't matter where you come from, what walk of life or what nationality you are," he said.
"Be proud of who you are, be comfortable in your own skin, because you're unique and you weren't born to fit a mould."
The Leader interviewed Tambo exclusively before his performance on Sunday night, where he talked about the cultural significance behind his elaborate headpiece.
Backed up with two singers, a musician and a traditional dancer, Tambo's unique performance impressed Manu Fieldel.
"You said you were here on this show because you wanted to share your culture and what you presented today was fantastic," Fieldel said.
"I love, really love the didgeridoo, I just wish I could learn how to play.
"The talent in continuous breathing and blowing at the same time is a unique talent that only exists in Australia and it's wonderful."
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
