Why did Shadow Ace feel like a 'humble celebrity'? 'AGT: Fantasy League' contestant reflects on emotional journey after losing Season 18
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: Shadow Ace aka Philip Galit returned to 'AGT: Fantasy League' after he lost 'America's Got Talent' Season 18 during the semi-finals. However, in the premiere episode of the ABC spinoff show, Shadow Ace called him a 'humble celebrity'.
Shadow Ace revealed that he received a warm welcome from his family even after he didn't win the ABC show. He reflected on his emotional journey and said, "Growing up in the Philippines, I started hand shadows to entertain myself 'cause we don't have electric power in our house and dreams begin in the dark."
However, Sofia Vergara and either 'AGT' judges were impressed with Shadow Ace and expected him to win the competition. Unfortunately, he was left devastated after he lost in the semi-finals.
Shadow Ace revealed, "I lost my confidence and I stopped performing for a while." He added, "But when I went home I see my family having banners and also our mayor gave an award for what I did."
'AGT' contestant further admitted, "I actually feel like a celebrity but like a humble celebrity." However, Shadow Ace claimed that being on 'AGT' "has really changed my life but I'm not done yet."
He previously appeared on 'Pilipinas Got Talent' Season 5 but was eliminated in the semifinals. He was also on season 3 of 'Asia's Got Talent', where he received a Golden Buzzer from the hosts, Alan Wong and Justin Bratton, and reached the Final.
Shadow Ace becomes the most viral act of 'AGT' Season 18
In the premiere episode of 'AGT: Fantasy League', Howie Mandal revealed that "Shadow Ace out of every act was the most viral act of last season." He grabbed 213 million views at the time and the numbers have now reached 3.5 million views.
The ABC show contestant wanted "to revive a lost art, shadow art." He started his performance on a combination of songs including Miley Cyrus' 'Wrecking Ball' and Psy's 'Gangnam Style'.
The judges as well as the audience seemed to thoroughly enjoy his performance as they were seen dancing and smiling while watching the act.
Shadow Ace's redemption act receives a standing ovation
Shadow Ace wanted to win the judges and the viewers again and he delivered a mesmerizing shadow act. He tried something new and performed his act in front of the curtain.
He used Howie Mandal's bald head as a prop and delivered a funny, romantic, and entertaining hand shadow act. Notably, Shadow Ace received a standing ovation from 'AGT' judges Simon Cowell and Heidi Klum as well as the live audience.
Simon praised the act noting, "That was genius lately it made you realize how difficult it is." He added, "It genuinely did because sometimes you don't wanna see everything but actually by seeing everything it made it even funnier."
'AGT judge quipped, "And you know what's great about your act is whether you are older or if you got the mentality of an 8-year-old like Mel." Meanwhile, Mel B was also impressed with Shadow Ace's performance and complimented, "I could just say I could not stop laughing."
She added, "You brought me so much joy just splashing Howie's head over and over I loved it. I absolutely loved it." Heidi noted, "If you have 213 million clicks on your video before you could double it with this performance."
'AGT: Fantasy League' airs every Monday at 10 pm ET on ABC.