'AGT' star Roni Sagi learned of her father's death moments after she and her dog Rhythm finished second
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Israeli dog trainer Roni Sagi owned the stage on 'America's Got Talent' with stellar performances alongside her dog Rhythm. But what should have been a moment of pure joy turned into one of devastating heartbreak.
Sagi secured second place on the hit show, but she was hit with tragedy just moments after the announcement. She stood on stage basking in her success when she was informed that her father had died in Israel.
A bittersweet moment for Roni Sagi after a stellar run
Roni Sagi found herself torn between triumph and grief.
"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."
Sagi’s journey on 'AGT' alongside her beloved dog has been mesmerizing. Their performances never failed to impress the panel of celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofia Vergara, Kveller reported.
From the very beginning, Sagi had her father’s support. She shared that he had been her biggest cheerleader even though his health had taken a tragic turn. He had suffered an accident that resulted in a serious brain injury. Sadly, his condition worsened in the days leading up to the finale.
Sagi spoke to her father regularly and kept him updated on her progress.
"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.
Roni Sagi on embracing her identity and returning to Israel
Roni Sagi takes pride in her Israeli identity. While competing on 'AGT', she didn’t just want to show off her skills as a dog trainer but also to represent her home country in the best possible light.
"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," she said.
"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," she continued.
"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," Sagi added.
Although she returned to Israel under tragic circumstances, Sagi was relieved to finally be back home. "I’m 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," she admitted.
