Entertainment
Young man makes history in a talent contest thanks to his deep voice
Performing "The Sound of Silence" left the audience speechless.
Kenny Fernandez
08.12.21

โ€œThe Sound of Silenceโ€ by Simon and Garfunkel is a classic song with a hauntingly beautiful tone. Itโ€™s a song that is many peopleโ€™s favorite.

It was released in 1964 but with poor reception. In fact, the band disbanded.

It was that bad. It was in 1965 that the song began to catch the attention of listeners in Boston and Florida.

Pexels
Source:
Pexels
Advertisement

It has been referenced, parodied and of course, covered by many artists over the past 45 years that it has been around.

It can be eerie, it can be uplifting, and has been and will be loved throughout the generations.

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

Perhaps the most notable recent cover is that of Chicago heavy metal band Disturbed.

The cover gained notoriety when it was released, breathing new life into the song, even leading the band to perform it live on Conan.

Advertisement

Disturbed singer David Draimanโ€™s version on Conan had received 90 million views, making it the most-viewed YouTube video from Conanโ€™s show, and receiving praise from Simon himself.

But is there room for another great cover?

Disturbed on Youtube
Source:
Disturbed on Youtube
Advertisement

Of course, there is.

16-year-old, Ruben Liversage sings Disturbedโ€™s version of the song, and wow, is he amazing.

David Draimanโ€™s version of the song makes the most of his incredible vocal range but specifically showcases his deep and powerful voice.

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

Anybody who does a cover of his song would have to have a voice with similar gravitas.

Advertisement

Can a 16-year-old kid really have what it takes to match Draimanโ€™s version?

If that 16-year-old is Ruben Liversage, then you bet!

Youtube Screenshot
Source:
Youtube Screenshot
Advertisement

Whatโ€™s more, is that his performance isnโ€™t just his singing into a microphone, but with a full dance crew and background singers.

As part of a school performance, they clearly know that Ruben is a singer worth investing some time and effort in putting in the limelight.

His performance begins with just him on a hazy stage, spotlights veiling him as he begins the song with the spooky tone it requires.

Straight off the bat, we can hear the power of this young talentโ€™s voice.

Ruben does not have stage jitters nor is he shying away from sharing his talents.

Youtube Screenshot
Source:
Youtube Screenshot
Advertisement

When a pair of dancers join him on stage, the performance jumps up another notch.

Youtube Screenshot
Source:
Youtube Screenshot

Two contemporary dancers join Ruben, and with their interesting moves requiring balance and strength for their lifts, they add both professionalism and a sense of artistic collaboration which enhances the piece as a whole.

Advertisement

Eventually, Ruben steps forward into the light.

Youtube Screenshot
Source:
Youtube Screenshot

This is the point in the show where you can barely believe that this kid is only 16-years-old!

If you use just your ears you would be forgiven for thinking that David Draiman himself was behind the lights singing away.

Advertisement

But when Ruben steps forward he doesnโ€™t have a bald head and โ€œsnakebiteโ€ lip piercings.

Rather heโ€™s wearing a rather fetching navy-style uniform. Handsome-looking kid, isnโ€™t he?

And just when you thought the show was at its peak, it notches up yet again!

Youtube Screenshot
Source:
Youtube Screenshot

Now a whole troupe of background singers and dancers flood the stage to support Ruben.

They all move and sing in time and if you didnโ€™t already feel like you were at a professional show for the music industryโ€™s next big star, you sure do now. Lots of hours for practice thatโ€™s for sure!

Advertisement

Impressive when you think of the fact that theyโ€™re teenagers.

This is quality entertainment!

Youtube Screenshot
Source:
Youtube Screenshot

Ruben is in the moment, feeling every word.

Advertisement

Needless to say, a great singer and performer is not just one who can produce the right notes and sound good.

The lyrics and the movements tell a story and that story has to be told by the performerโ€™s every movement.

A great performer is there in the moment, feeling every word.

Youtube Screenshot
Source:
Youtube Screenshot
Advertisement

Thatโ€™s Ruben. He carries the full weight of the song, enhanced by his fellow performers.

Heโ€™s a superstar in the making alright!

This is clearly a strong talent in its budding stage.

Youtube Screenshot
Source:
Youtube Screenshot
Advertisement

Itโ€™s a performance that canโ€™t be missed and you can watch it below.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Article Sources:
To learn more read our Editorial Standards.
Advertisement
Advertisement