Forte Tenors perform “Pie Jesu” on America’s Got Talent (First public performance) In their debut public performance on America’s Got Talent in 2013, the operatic trio Forte—comprising Josh Page, Hana Ryu, and Fernando Varela—delivered a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Pie Jesu.” What makes this moment truly unforgettable is that the trio had only met face-to-face two days prior to the audition; they initially connected virtually and used that short time to harmonize and prepare. Their voices cascaded with purity and precision, blending classical technique with rich emotional resonance. The element of surprise was palpable: reinforcing that extraordinary artistry can come from humble beginnings, even resembling a blind audition where appearances belie talent .
The judges and audience were visibly moved—Howard Stern praised their unexpected excellence, noting how they looked modest yet sounded extraordinary, while Howie Mandel equated their performance to the classic “Latino, a Korean and a New Yorker walk into a bar” joke setup—yet ending on a note of pure musical magic. This emotional impact sparked a wave of praise online; MasterclassLady.com described the performance as “spectacular” and noted that listeners felt “goosebumps,” emphasizing how the trio’s blend of vocal precision and heartfelt passion captivated hearts instantly.
Beyond that audition stand, Forte went on to become one of the most remarkable classical-crossover acts of the season. Despite a necessary lineup change due to visa complications, they advanced to the finals and ultimately signed with Columbia Records right after their elimination. That initial performance of “Pie Jesu” not only introduced their virtuosic harmonies to a broad audience but also launched their career—leading to Grammy-level venues such as Carnegie Hall, appearances at the White House, and a top-3 debut on Billboard’s Classical Albums chart.
This moment truly captures how raw talent, combined with emotional authenticity and perfect timing, can create an unforgettable, career-defining musical breakthrough.
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