News Summary
The Birmingham Youth & Young Adult Fellowship Choir celebrated its 10th anniversary with a sold-out benefit concert at the historic 16th Street Baptist Church. Known for winning the Golden Buzzer on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ the choir showcased their exceptional talent with nearly two hours of soulful performances. Founder Ahkeem Lee expressed pride in the choir’s growth, which started with a single concert to support local children. As they prepare for their return to AGT in September, the choir continues to inspire Birmingham’s youth and represents the city’s artistic talent.
Birmingham – The Birmingham Youth & Young Adult Fellowship Choir celebrated a significant milestone on Sunday, marking its 10th anniversary with a benefit concert at the historic 16th Street Baptist Church. The concert attracted a full house and featured nearly two hours of soulful performances, including several solo acts that showcased the extraordinary talent within the group.
This celebrated choir recently gained national recognition after winning the prestigious Golden Buzzer on NBC’s renowned television competition, “America’s Got Talent” (AGT). Following this achievement, the choir is set to return for the next round of AGT in September 2023, creating anticipation among its members and supporters alike.
The choir’s founder and director, Ahkeem Lee, expressed a deep sense of pride in the journey of the choir over the past decade. The group began in 2015 with a single concert aimed at supporting local children, an endeavor that soon blossomed into a larger ensemble as more youth expressed a desire to participate.
A Standout Performance
On “America’s Got Talent,” the choir wowed judges and audiences with an innovative remix of the classic hymn “Joyful, Joyful Lord We Adore Thee,” which integrated hip-hop elements. This compelling performance earned them a standing ovation, culminating in judge Simon Cowell pressing the coveted Golden Buzzer, an action that enables participants to bypass regular voting and secure a spot in the next phase of the competition.
Community Representation
Most choir members are students from Birmingham City Schools, representing the rich musical talent that the city has to offer. Ahkeem Lee emphasized his intention to highlight the artistic capabilities of Birmingham’s youth, often overshadowed by the city’s negative reputation. The choir has previously performed at Birmingham City Hall, receiving accolades from the city’s Mayor, Randall Woodfin, who lauded their efforts in representing the community on a national platform.
Support and Praise
The choir’s performances have garnered enthusiastic responses, with concert-goers expressing their excitement about the group’s debut on a national stage. Throughout its history, the choir has had the honor of opening for notable figures such as former Senator Doug Jones, Bishop Marvin Winans, and comedian Rickey Smiley, further establishing its presence in the local arts scene.
In June 2022, the choir underwent a rebranding, officially changing its name from “The Birmingham Youth Fellowship Choir” to the “Birmingham Youth Choir.” This change coincided with the release of their first single, reinforcing their mission to provide youth and young adults with a platform to develop their musical abilities while sharing the Gospel.
Growing Influence
The choir has cultivated a robust social media presence, boasting over 5,000 followers on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Their most viral TikTok video has amassed over 310,000 views, illustrating the growing interest in their work and their impact in the digital space.
Conclusion
The benefit concert not only celebrated the choir’s past but also set the stage for future performances and opportunities. As they prepare for their next appearance on “America’s Got Talent,” the Birmingham Youth & Young Adult Fellowship Choir continues to inspire and empower the next generation of artists while serving as a beacon of hope and unity for the Birmingham community.
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Additional Resources
- Birmingham Times: Birmingham Youth Choir Returns
- NBC: Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer – Birmingham Youth Choir
- AL.com: This Birmingham Choir Stunned America’s Got Talent Judges
- Good Housekeeping: AGT 2025 Birmingham Youth Fellowship Choir
- TV Insider: AGT Birmingham Youth Choir Golden Buzzer Fan Reaction
- Wikipedia: America’s Got Talent
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
