Everybody loves Putri Ariani, not least President Joko Widodo, who met with her in person today to offer some encouragement – and pocket money – before the powerful songstress, who is currently in Indonesia, returns to the US for the finals of America’s Got Talent (AGT).
Putri has made shockwaves in Indonesia and beyond after her AGT audition aired in the US last week. The usually tetchy Simon Cowell was full of praise for the 17-year-old, rewarding her performance with a golden buzzer, which sent her straight to the finals of the talent competition.
After the president congratulated Putri on social media earlier this week, he went a step further today and invited her to the Presidential Palace. Putri treated Jokowi and other government officials to a live rendition of her original song Loneliness, which she also played at AGT.
Jokowi then awarded Putri with an undisclosed amount of pocket money for when she goes back to the US for the AGT finals in August.
“This is so extraordinary and touching. I had no idea I would be appreciated by the president. Thank you so much, sir,” Putri said about Jokowi’s warm reception of her.
Duet with Siti Nurhaliza?
Putri has also gained a fan in Malaysian singing icon Siti Nurhaliza, who herself won the prestigious Voice of Asia talent show in 2002 before making it in her home country, as well as in Indonesia and beyond.
The pair had a brief exchange on social media, with the 44-year-old full of praise of the rising talent and wishing her the best at AGT. Putri then expressed her admiration for Siti Nurhaliza, and asked her if she would be open to a duet with her.
“God willing, my sweetheart,” Siti Nurhalizah responded.
If it hasn’t already been evident, the future looks to be bright for Putri, regardless of whether or not she is crowned the champion of this year’s AGT.
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