When the curtain rises on the famed stage at Radio City Music Hall, you know you're about to see something amazing.
Musicians, comedians and, of course, the Rockettes have all performed here. But on May 26, they'll be replaced by acts featuring kids.
"Going on stage and playing my cello, it's special," said Richard, a 7-year-old from New Jersey.
It is special. And it's all happening thanks to the Garden of Dreams Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to make dreams come true for children facing incredible obstacles.
This year, more than 150 kids and teens are getting their moment.
Like 14-year-old Giza, a cancer survivor who has fought for every second of this.
"It was a long, tough road. She's a cancer survivor and she's visually impaired. We didn't know what it was going to be, so we just stayed with faith," her mother said.
"How did you feel up there?" Eyewitness News entertainment reporter Joelle Garguilo asked.
"I felt very powerful, and I just enjoyed what I was doing up there," Giza said.
And then there's Liv, whose performance almost didn't happen.
"I was diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia when I was 7. It was a really tough time, but I learned some things along the way, and it just makes me so confident that I've come all this way," she said.
"A clinical trial saved her life, and now she's almost five years post-transplant," her mother said.
"Who did that transplant come from?" Garguilo asked.
"It came from my mom. I'm feeling great," Liv said.
Feeling great not only because of where she's performing, but also who she's performing for.
"Who are your mentors?"
"The Rockettes are my mentors. No words, it's crazy," Liv said.
"It's the most inspiring experience, not just the night of the talent show, but the days leading up to it. To see the confidence that's been built is incredible," the Rockettes said. "They're incredibly resilient, and they're inspiring us to be even better versions of ourselves, so we're just inspiring each other."
Other mentors this year include Leslie Odom Jr. and Michael Park, who has a special connection to the talent show.
"My daughter Annabelle has been part of this organization for years now. It's kind of nice being on the other side of it. I was two hours early today, that's how excited I was," Park said.
"When you see your little girl on that stage, what does that do for you as a mother?" Garguilo asked
"It's priceless. For her to do what she loves after what she's been through, it's amazing. There are no words," Liv's mom said.
"I'm so proud of her. I'm looking forward to what great things are going to come, and I love you very much," Giza's mom added.
Sometimes, it even means dreams coming true, like meeting one of your heroes. Liv met Leslie Odom, Jr.!
One stage, 150 kids, all shining exactly like the stars they are.
For more information and tickets visit: https://www.gardenofdreamsfoundation.org/programs/talent-show
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