Forte's First-Ever Public Performance Stuns AGT Judges | America’s Got Talent Auditions – June 29, 2013
There are auditions that impress…
And then there are auditions that make history.
On June 29, 2013, three strangers met for the very first time in person and stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage under the name Forte.
What followed was a once-in-a-generation moment that no one saw coming — not even the performers themselves.
🎤 A Trio of Strangers with a Dream
Forte was unlike anything AGT had seen before. The group was newly formed, consisting of Josh Page (USA), Fernando Varela (Puerto Rico/USA), and Hana Ryu (South Korea). They had connected online, rehearsed virtually, and came together just days before the audition.
“This is actually our first time performing together in public,” Josh revealed to the judges.
The judges raised eyebrows. The audience murmured. Could a group with no live performance history really deliver something special?
The answer came just moments later — in the form of spine-tingling harmony.
🎶 The Performance: “Pie Jesu” – Power, Passion & Precision
Forte chose to perform "Pie Jesu", a haunting and sacred classical piece.
From the moment their voices blended, the atmosphere shifted. Their harmonies were flawless, their voices rich and resonant, and their chemistry — despite barely knowing each other — was natural and electric.
The blend of their distinct vocal textures created a sound that was both heavenly and heart-stopping.
By the end of the song, the judges and audience were on their feet in a standing ovation.
👏 Judges’ Reactions: “That Was Heavenly”
-
Howard Stern was clearly moved:
“That was majestic. You three are meant to sing together.”
-
Mel B, stunned, said:
“I felt that in my soul. You gave me chills.”
-
Heidi Klum smiled in awe:
“It was like watching angels sing. That was beautiful.”
-
Howie Mandel concluded:
“You just proved that magic can happen when strangers unite for a purpose.”
With four YESes, Forte not only moved forward in the competition — they cemented their place as one of AGT’s most iconic classical acts.
💬 Fans Online: “That Was Not of This Earth”
Viewers around the world were immediately captivated:
“I can’t believe that was their first time performing live together!”
“Operatic perfection — this gave me goosebumps and tears.”
“Forte is what happens when talent, destiny, and courage collide.”
Their audition video quickly went viral, racking up millions of views and igniting a global fanbase for classical crossover music.
🌟 What Happened to Forte After AGT?
Forte advanced all the way to the finals of AGT 2013, earning praise at every round.
After the show, they released their debut album under Columbia Records, toured internationally, and continued performing in concert halls around the world. Though lineup changes occurred later, the impact of their original trio debut remains legendary.
Forte helped bring opera and classical vocals back to primetime, and inspired a new generation of vocal harmony groups.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
