(Photo courtesy of NBC)
Look out Matisyahu. Al Jolson may even want to pause from his heavenly perch and tune in this evening. The “Jewish Justin Bieber” is about to take the stage. Tonight on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”, a young 14-year-old, kippah-wearing singer/pianist, Edon Pinchot will compete for a one-million dollar prize.
Edon, who is from Skokie, IL won over the hearts of fans worldwide as well as AGT’s judges, Howard Stern, Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel over the summer and will be on tonight at 8pm. Howie Mandel even said of him, “For me, Edon, is the chosen. He followed it up with, "Did you get a standing ovation at your Bar Mitzvah?"
"America''s Got Talent" is in its seventh season with results decided by audience vote. (Fans can call in and vote for Edon when the number flashes up on the screen.)
For a medium where Jews often either blend in or are relegated to minor and supporting roles, or more recently moved to the suburbs of cable (Jon Stewart and Larry David), it’s refreshing to see a yarmulke worn proudly on Prime Time.
With 3500 “Likes” so far on Facebook and close to 4000 followers on Twitter, fans around the globe are showing a genuine affection and support for this kid. And to listen to his voice, how could you not?
He really does got talent.
Abe Novick is a writer and communications consultant and can be reached at abebuzz.com.