Singer belts out ‘Hatikva’ at ‘Got Talent Uruguay’ audition

A contestant performed an acoustic rendition of Israel’s national anthem Hatikva at her Tuesday night audition for “Got Talent Uruguay,” wowing the judges and advancing to the next round.

After receiving rousing applause from the audience, Lucia Abealar translated the lyrics and explained the song’s origin to the judges, who were further touched.

“[The song] is talking about hope,” she said of the anthem that was adapted from a poem by Naftali Herz Imber in 1878.

One of the judges said he recognized some of the lyrics. “‘To be a free nation in our land’ — That is something that touches each of us,” he said.

All four judges voted to advance Abealar onto the next round.

“The Jewish community in Uruguay was very excited about the performance and the special gesture, especially by a non-Jewish contestant,” wrote Israeli Ambassador to Uruguay Yoed Magen on Twitter.

The reality talent show is hosted by local actress Natalia Oreiro, who starred on a 1999 soap opera “Muneca Brava,” which became one of the most-watched shows in Israel.