The Detroit Youth Choir shown here with the host of America’s Got Talent, Flint, MI native,Terry Crews. The choir was invited to perform in the America’s Got Talent All-Stars. Photos courtesy of America’s Got Talent
SPOILER ALERT**
By Rina Risper, The New Citizens Press
entered the national competition “America’s Got Talent” where they traveled to Los Angeles, CA. The youth choral group from the Motor City impressed millions of “America’s Got Talent” viewers and the host, Terry Crews, who is from Flint, MI. After heartfelt words and a few tears, Crews walked down the steps of the stage and hit the Golden Buzzer.
However, they were still first-place winners in the eyes of Detroit and America. Upon returning home, they were awarded a 1 million dollar endowment to ensure that funding for the program continues. Mayor Mike Duggan has expressed many times how the choir has energized the city of Detroit. The choir is the youngest recipient of the key to the city.
Anthony White, the choir’s director, is teaching more than music to the youths. He is providing them with an opportunity to see their worth, experience opportunities, and increase their self-confidence. DYC teaches and develops students through music education, dance, and theatrical arts. Their program is designed for youth between the ages of 8-18.
“We have a few choirs at all levels. The choir that we brought to AGT has been trained and practiced the choreography together for a longer time,” said White.
All the BUZZ
DYC also performed a 12-minute mashup on October 4, 2022, which ended with Megan Thee Stallion’s hit song “Savage” as the musician and host of the evening arrived and kicked off the fun according to Forbes. She made sure that she made time to talk to the choir members and take photos. During the session titled “Megan Thee Mogul,” the entrepreneur, philanthropist, college graduate, and rapper had an exclusive interview with Forbes Chief Content Officer and Editor, Randall Lane
Their vision to offer the youth of Metro Detroit a world-class performing arts experience that develops their creative skills and talents has come to fruition with their nationwide performances as a result of their appearance on “America’s Got Talent” shows. In no time 38 DYC members were traveling to Las Vegas for the “America’s Got Talent All-Star” show.
They advanced to the finals of “America’s Got Talent: All-Stars” with a thunderous performance on the night of January 9th, 2023. They are included in the 60-act and they are all former winners or viewer favorites. At the end of the spinoff performance, Crews walked to the judges’ table and said, “Mr. White, you have changed the lives of thousands of young men and women all over. And for what you have done for the city of Detroit. For what you have done in this world, One GOLDEN BUZZER is not enough!
DYC received another GOLDEN BUZZER from Crews and the DYC and the venue erupted in tears and screams of joy as gold glitter fell from the rafters. The current line-up of judges consisting of Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, and Sofía Vergara also made positive comments about the performance.
Mr. White said, “Terry he sees himself in us. We were the first African American group to receive two golden buzzers. Our repertoire is diverse and our prime-time choir works hard. Our Carnegie Hall performance in New York City cemented the notion that we were going places. We allow all of the children to shine. It doesn’t matter big, tall, or small. It doesn’t matter.”
The NBC reality competition will be eight episodes.