News Summary
The Birmingham Youth & Young Adult Fellowship Choir earned the Golden Buzzer in Season 20 of ‘America’s Got Talent’ for their dynamic performance of ‘Joyful, Joyful Lord We Adore Thee.’ The choir’s unique blend of hip hop and traditional hymn captivated both the audience and judges, particularly Simon Cowell, who praised their passion and talent. Founded in 2015, the choir has grown tremendously and aims to showcase Birmingham’s rich musical talent while honoring its historical significance.
Birmingham – The Birmingham Youth & Young Adult Fellowship Choir made a significant impact on the sixth episode of Season 20 of ‘America’s Got Talent’ (AGT) by winning the Golden Buzzer. This accolade was awarded by the show’s judge Simon Cowell, honoring the choir for their remarkable performance of the hymn “Joyful, Joyful Lord We Adore Thee,” which featured a unique blend of hip hop elements.
The performance garnered an enthusiastic response from both the audience and the judges, resulting in a standing ovation throughout the panel. Simon Cowell expressed his gratitude for the performance, acknowledging the effort and passion that the choir members displayed. The choir’s success has placed them among the ten acts eligible for the Golden Buzzer in this current season of AGT.
Formed in 2015, the Birmingham Youth & Young Adult Fellowship Choir was established to contribute positively to the local community and provide a platform for youth to express their musical talents. The group’s growth was spurred by the increasing interest in joining, driven by the youth in the Birmingham area. The decision to audition for AGT stemmed from a desire to highlight the talented individuals from Birmingham, a city that often does not receive national recognition in terms of its talent pool.
Impact of Historical Context
The choir’s director, Akheem R. Lee, emphasized the importance of Birmingham’s historical significance, particularly referencing the tragic bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in 1963. This event resulted in the death of four Black children and brought national attention to the civil rights movement, shaping Birmingham’s reputation over the decades. Lee noted that the choir seeks to demonstrate the wealth of talent present in the community while continuing the legacy of resilience associated with this historical backdrop.
Through their participation in AGT, the choir aimed to show the nation that Birmingham has the potential for great artistry and can provide meaningful contributions to the cultural landscape, countering the often overshadowed image of the city.
Growth and Community Engagement
Since their inception, the Birmingham Youth Choir has evolved from providing concerts for community school supplies into a thriving group that responds to ongoing requests from youth wishing to join. They have shared the stage with notable figures including Former Senator Doug Jones, Bishop Marvin Winans, and Comedian Rickey Smiley and have performed at various community events including the Gospel Musical Workshop of America and local basketball games.
In 2022, the choir officially changed their name from “The Birmingham Youth Fellowship Choir” to “Birmingham Youth Choir” as they released their first single, marking their evolution and expanding public presence. The choir’s mission is to provide a nurturing environment for youth and young adults to grow in their musical abilities while actively proclaiming the Gospel.
Social Media Presence and Future Aspirations
The choir has built a robust social media presence, boasting over 5,133 followers on Instagram and nearly 5,000 on TikTok, which has helped them connect with a wider audience and engage with their community. As the choir continues to thrive, their journey on ‘America’s Got Talent’ not only showcases their musical talents but also reinforces their commitment to serving as role models for young people in Birmingham and beyond.
With the Golden Buzzer win, the Birmingham Youth & Young Adult Fellowship Choir is not just in contention for further advancements on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ but they also highlight the vitality and artistic depth that Birmingham has to offer, encouraging youth involvement and community spirit.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Businesses Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week Nationwide
Birmingham Teen Drummer Caleb “Twizz” Heath Shines in Local Jazz Jam Session
UAB Graduate Programs Shine in Latest Rankings
Birmingham Hosts Weekend Events for Community Engagement
Birmingham Community Luncheon Inspires Change and Unity
Birmingham Celebrates Black History Month with Events
City Stages Festival: A Catalyst for Birmingham’s Cultural Renaissance
Birmingham’s Exciting Week of Community Events: Music, Debates, Festivals, and More!
Additional Resources
- NBC Insider: Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer for Birmingham Youth Choir
- AL.com: Birmingham Youth Choir Wins Golden Buzzer on AGT
- Talent Recap: Everything to Know About AGT Golden Buzzer – Birmingham Youth Choir
- Wikipedia: America’s Got Talent
- Encyclopedia Britannica: America’s Got Talent
- NBC Insider: AGT Season 20 Episode 6 Auditions Recap
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.
