TORONTO — A teenager who includes Canada’s Michael Bublé as one of his favourite singers received a standing ovation after performing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
John-Robert Rimel of Edinburgh, Virginia — a town of a little more than 1,000 people located 90 minutes from Washington, DC — appeared on the popular daytime talk show on Monday.
“Look at you on the Ellen show,” DeGeneres said to the 13-year-old.
“Take it in. Breathe and take it in. It’s a nice moment, right?”
Rimel told DeGeneres he has been singing all his life and is inspired by artists like Bruno Mars and the late Freddie Mercury.
And Bublé. “He’s good,” said Rimel.
DeGeneres discovered Rimel via YouTube, where he has posted several videos showcasing his singing talent.
The teen, who has already recorded a demo and performs at a weekly show near his home, demonstrated extraordinary vocal control as he performed the Rascal Flatts hit “Bless the Broken Road” on Ellen.
The audience erupted in cheers and rose to its feet.
“I think we all feel like we just watched somebody start his career,” DeGeneres gushed.
Ridel was then presented with a $5,000 music store gift card and a new keyboard — as his emotional parents looked on from the audience.
He’s got the look, he’s got the voice — at least until it cracks — but only time will tell if he can become the next Bublé or Bieber.
BELOW: Watch John-Robert Ridel on Ellen
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