Why the 82nd Airborne Division All American Chorus Chose a Pink Song for Live Shows

The 82nd Airborne Division All American Chorus made the entire country extremely proud during their AGT 18 audition with a classic rendition of The Temptations’ “My Girl."

The chorus is based in North Carolina, with Staff Sgt. Marcus Gilbert explaining that they “represent the 19,000 men and women that support and serve the Airborne Division."

When looking back on their unforgettable AGT debut, Specialist Oscar Roldan said during September 19's Live Show: "Every single one of us was nervous about one person particularly, so to see a positive reaction from Simon Cowell was probably one of the greatest accomplishments we've had."

Gilbert added, "It is a statement for what the 82nd Airborne Division is. We are America's guard of honor here to answer the call if it's ever needed."

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The chorus continued their impressive run with their Live performance, and along with The Ramadhani Brothers, advanced to the Top 2 with America's Vote and will compete in the Finale.

Photo: Trae Patton/NBC

Set to a large backdrop depicting images of a forest, the choir pulled off multiple formations and dance moves, making this performance even more dynamic than their audition.

"Last time we chose 'My Girl' which was a very comfortable song for us, but this is the big time now, so we're doing a song that is more dynamic," explained group member Specialist Oscar Roldan. 

What the Judges thought of the 82nd Airborne Division All American Chorus

Photo: Trae Patton/NBC

Simon Cowell: "I speak for everyone here when I say, thank you for your service. Thank you for not doing an obvious song. This is a Pink song which you turned around with a perfect lyric, and it was fun. It was emotive. For me this was a moment. You are one of my favorite Acts this year."

Sofia Vergara: "It was fun, it was uplifting, it was perfect. You guys sound great, I mean I think this Act was better than the Audition. I think you guys came together and stepped it up a notch. Congratulations!"

Heidi Klum: "Well, we always see you at 'Attention!' So it was nice to see you at ease, having fun, dancing, singing. I love it, I hope America loved it, too."

Howie Mandel: "You can't live in this country and be at home as part of who we are and where we are and not love what you just did. It was so perfect, even that song, even if it's a Pink song, we are here because you are here. Without you we couldn't go what we're doing. We couldn't have the freedom, we wouldn't have the peace, we wouldn't have the safety. I can't thank you enough more than your performance. Just for being here."

What's next for the 82nd Airborne Division All American Chorus

The group is now moving on to the September 26 and 27 Finale and will compete in the Top 11 alongside The Ramadhani Brothers, Avantgardey, Chibi Unity, Anna DeGuzman, Putri Ariani, The Mzansi Youth Choir, Murmuration, Ahren Belisle, Lavender Darcangelo, and Adrian Stoica & Hurricane. 

“We’re really trying to reach every person who has ever been in a military uniform at all,” Staff Sgt. Marcus Gilbert told Parade. “We want to make sure that all of our supporters are known, the U.S. Army for allowing us to even be on the show, and mostly our division because we have so much 82nd pride. We just want to make sure that everybody who has allowed us to be here knows that we're not here just messing around. We're here, we're serious and we're going to compete.”

However, in an AGT first, if the choir wins the show and the $1 million grand prize they will not be accepting the cash for themselves. 

“That million-dollar prize will go straight to a charity of whatever choice Americas Got Talent wants to send it to,” he told the outlet. “We are simply here to represent our country, our division and that is it.”