Israeli 'America’s Got Talent' finalist informed of father’s death during performance

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Israeli dog trainer Roni Sagi and her Border Collie, Rhythm, finished in second place during the final of the popular “America’s Got Talent” show. While performing her dance routine with Rhythm on stage, Sagi received the heartbreaking news that her ill father in Israel had passed away.

"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," Sagi recounted. "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 recalled her last conversation with her father.

"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.

In the semifinal, the show creator and veteran judge, Simon Cowell, praised Sagi's performance on stage with Rhythm, saying: “That was better than anything I’ve seen before,” and that it would earn a 10 out of 10 score if it were an Olympic sport.

In June, Sagi’s dog dancing act with Rhythm went viral on social media, becoming one of the top 10 videos trending online.

Sagi said her life has changed dramatically as a result of participating in the show.

"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.

She conveyed her deep satisfaction that their dance routines had moved so many people worldwide.

"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 said.

In addition, Sagi shared her pride in being Israeli.

"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," she stated.

During her performances, Sagi wore a yellow ribbon in solidarity with the remaining Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity.