In 2014, when 9-year-old Adrian Romoff appeared on the America’s Got Talent stage, the judges assumed he was just another adorable child. Then he casually remarked that his greatest passion was the piano and that he had previously passed five grades and was in the eighth grade. Even though the audience laughed, you could sense their interest growing.
Adrian began his audition with a lightning-fast keyboard rendition of “Flight of the Bumblebee.” His small hands moved so swiftly across the keys that Howard Stern really asked how much of what they were hearing was him and how much was backing track. To prove it, Adrian offered to play another piece live, which was the most self-assured thing a 9-year-old could do on national television.
Any hesitation was immediately dispelled when he began playing Chopin’s “Grande Valse Brillante.” He was well beyond his years in terms of technique, control, and musicality. As he finished, the judges applauded after sitting in stunned silence. Howie Mandel referred to him as “the future,” and the panel commended his wit, charm, and large personality in addition to his incredible piano prowess. Adrian solidified his status as one of AGT’s most memorable child prodigies with four resounding “Yes” votes and a trip to the next round.
