LAND O' LAKES - The dimmed variation of colorful lights and music drew suspense as the audience waited for 17-year-old master bubble performer and magician Blaise Ryndes to enter the stage during one of his "Spheres" shows.
Blaise, who resides in Land O' Lakes, found himself not on a stage at the Pasco County Fair or Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry, but in Hollywood, competing on Season 13 of America's Got Talent. Before 2,000 people, he enveloped host and supermodel Tyra Banks in a giant bubble.
Blaise got a standing ovation for the performance that aired on NBC over the summer. He may get another one when he performs at the Ruskin Seafood Festival Saturday (Nov. 3) and Sunday (Nov. 4). He'll be part of an effort to entertain kids at the 30th edition of the popular SouthShore event.
The festival attendees may not realize how much it took for Blaise to make the show. Out of 70,000 who auditioned, he earned one of 250 spots before judges Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell.
"I like bubbles and I like you," Mel B. told the teenager.
Blaise felt fortunate to be part of that group even though it took him several attempts, his persistency and hard work paid off.
"I received a call last year and I am just honored that I could fulfill my dream of wanting to be on America's Got Talent since the age of nine," Blaise said.
In regards to working with some of the celebrities on America's Got Talent he found it to be more exciting than intimidating.
"The people seemed genuine and care," Blaise said. "They made me feel right at home."
The exposure has exponentially improved his business. He's on pace to conduct more than 200 shows. He's performed around Florida and put on shows at the Boston Children's Museum and in San Diego, along with making appearances on various local television channels.
Blaise says all the attention has motivated him to enhance his career, improve his act and bring new ideas to the table.
His interest in entertainment began in 2010 when he got a magic kit for his ninth birthday. He devoted thousands of hours studying Tom Noddy's bubble magic material. Blaise went on to develop his own techniques through self-teaching. In addition, Blaise also can juggle, do balloon art and magic tricks.
"Overall, I appreciate the support from my parents as they gave me a chance to follow my dreams," Blaise said.
For more information about Blaise Ryndes, visit spheresbubbleandmagicshow.com.
Contact Tatiana Ortiz at hillsnews@tampabay.com.
