Israeli dog trainer Roni Sagi took second place in the reality show America's Got Talent, and a moment after the announcement, while she was on stage, she was informed that her father had died, and she had to return immediately to Israel.
"It was the most complex moment I've ever experienced. On the one hand, all the excitement and pride and happiness for our success and on the other hand, losing my father without being able to be by his side when it happens," said Sagi. "I feel that he waited until the last moment, to make sure I could finish performing until I couldn't anymore, and knowing how proud he would be of me if he could see makes me so strong."
The Israeli dog trainer, who competed on America's Got Talent together with her dog Rhythm, swept the audience throughout the broadcast of the American talent show, and also received positive feedback from the four judges: Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Sofia Vergara.
The contestant spoke about her father's support for her participation in the show from the start at the audition stage, but at the same time she also shared that he had an accident and dealt with a brain injury and in recent days his condition has deteriorated.
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Dog trainer Roni Sagi dances with her dog Rhythm on America's Got Talent
(Photo: Courtesy of Cellcom TV)
"In our last conversation after the final, I told him about everything we went through, and that he should be proud of us - not only about the professional achievement, but about the teamwork of my sister and me and the success of the dance. The following day the results program was filmed, and while we were on stage, after the announcement, my sister approached me and confirmed what I already felt inside., she said.
Sagi also talked about her personal experience on the popular show, and the fact that she "showed her Israeliness," according to her. "Our journey on America's Got Talent was life-changing. My magical dog Rhythm proved himself time and time again, I learned that I am much stronger than I ever imagined and that when the right people accompany us the sky is the limit.
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Roni and Rhythm took 2nd place on this season of America's Got Talent
(Photo: Courtesy of Cellcom TV)
"I've made millions of people around the world smile and get excited with us about this simple thing - connecting with dogs - and I'm so proud of our achievements. We didn't win the big prize, but we won an experience that will be remembered forever, and countless opportunities to work hard to get as far as possible. I am a proud Israeli and demonstrated my Israeliness. Everyone knew where I was from. We constantly tried to incorporate yellow elements in the performances because even though politics is forbidden, in my eyes it's not political, it's human. Both in press conferences and in interviews, at every given opportunity, I made sure to repeat that I am Israeli and proud of the place I come from"
Although she brought her return to Israel up earlier because of the family tragedy, she added that she was "happy to finally return to Israel, albeit under difficult circumstances, but to finally feel a sense of home for sure in these moments - that's all I've wanted for a long time."