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How the Detroit Youth Choir Did the Impossible and Left Simon Cowell Speechless
"This was just magic. Absolute creative magic," he said.
It's extremely rare to leave America's Got Talent executive producer and Judge Simon Cowell at a loss for words and near tears. But the Detroit Youth Choir did just that with their AGT: All-Stars Audition on January 9.
We first saw the group when Host Terry Crews awarded them his Golden Buzzer in Season 14. They went on to dominate throughout the season and eventually took home second place in the season's Final, with Kodi Lee winning the show. AGT: All-Stars marks their return after nearly four years.
“Before AGT we were just a local community choir in Detroit for 20-plus years," choir director Anthony White said. "We take those young people that’s kind of rough around the edges and show them what they are: These diamonds.”
During the most recent episode, their rousing and joyful take on Imagine Dragons' "Thunder" brought the house down and had all the Judges—and the crowd—on their feet. It was clear the choir hasn't lost one bit of magic since Season 14.
“Can I be honest with you? I’m actually speechless, I mean seriously speechless," Cowell said before becoming choked up. "This was just magic. Absolute creative magic. It’s one of the best things...I’m actually quite emotional."
When Cowell was unable to finish his sentence, Howie Mandel jumped in: “This is the competition of champions. That was a championship performance.”
It turns out that Crews was just as moved by the Detroit Youth Choir now as he was the first time around. The Host enthusiastically took the stage to grant them his coveted Golden Buzzer again.
“Mr. White, you have changed the lives of thousands of young men and women all over," he said. "For what you have done for the city of Detroit. For what you have done in this world, one Golden Buzzer! Is that enough?”
The kids celebrated through tears on stage after they learned they had an automatic ticket to the Final. They're also joining the Bello Sisters, Howie Mandel's Golden Buzzer Light Balance Kids, and Aidan Bryant.
Watch AGT: All-Stars Mondays at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock.
