# Cuban-born rapper Luke Taleno chases two dreams on AGT

> The cancer survivor and new U.S. citizen performed an original song in the semifinals, earning comparisons to Eminem.
- Title: Cuban-born rapper Luke Taleno chases two dreams on AGT
- Summary: The cancer survivor and new U.S. citizen performed an original song in the semifinals, earning comparisons to Eminem. Luke Taleno, a Cuban immigrant and…
- Keywords: luke taleno, america's got talent, agt, howie mandel, cuba, leukemia, cancer survivor, eminem, mel b, sofia vergara, nbc, american dream
- Source: Billboard — https://billboard.com/culture/tv-film/rapper-luke-taleno-original-song-agt-semifinals-1236341392
- Author: Lars Brandle
- Published: 2026-09-16T08:50:55+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: luke taleno, america's got talent, agt, howie mandel, cuba, leukemia, cancer survivor, eminem, mel b, sofia vergara, nbc, american dream
## Golden Buzzer rapper returns
Luke Taleno earned a Golden Buzzer from Howie Mandel in June with his original song "From Seat to Stage." Now he's back for the AGT semifinals.
## From Cuba at age three
Taleno moved to the U.S. with his family when he was just three years old. Before he could speak English, he connected with people through music.
## Leukemia diagnosis at 13
Taleno was diagnosed with leukemia as a teenager. At 28, he's now a cancer survivor competing on AGT as a newly sworn U.S. citizen.
## Original song about his journey
Wearing a patriotic jacket under the Cuban flag, Taleno performed "American Dream," a song he wrote in the past week about living his dual dreams.

> You have had to battle your whole life with your health. And then you've manifested yourself last year, backstage, telling Simon you were going to end up on that stage.
## Howie calls him the new Eminem
Mandel praised Taleno as "the new Eminem" and "the American dream." Mel B and Sofia Vergara called him a superstar with passion and heart.

> You are the American dream, you really are.
## Living two dreams at once
Taleno says he's chasing both the American dream and his music dream simultaneously. The results show airs Wednesday, with America's vote deciding his fate.

> Most people chase one dream. And I'm getting to live both dreams. Let's keep the dream alive.
## Key takeaway

Luke Taleno, a Cuban immigrant and leukemia survivor, is competing in the AGT semifinals as a newly sworn U.S. citizen.