All the tears! Mzansi Youth Choir Shines on America’s Got Talent with Golden Buzzer-Worthy Performance.
Global (31 May 2023) – In a stunning and emotional display of talent, Mzansi Youth Choir from South Africa took the stage on America’s Got Talent and left both the judges and the audience in awe. Their breathtaking rendition of Nightbirde’s song “It’s Ok” not only paid homage to an inspiring artist but also touched the hearts of everyone present.
The heartfelt performance was so moving that, for the first time in the history of AGT, the Golden Buzzer was awarded by the audience.
Mzansi Youth Choir, known for its impeccable harmonies and vibrant energy, brought their unique sound to the AGT stage with an emotional twist. The decision to cover Nightbirde’s song was not a random choice. The choir was deeply inspired by Nightbirde’s story and her uplifting message of resilience in the face of adversity. They saw the opportunity to pay tribute to a fellow artist who had touched the world with her strength and courage.
As the members of Mzansi Youth Choir filled the stage, their voices united in perfect harmony. The beautiful composition of their voices, coupled with their powerful choreography, created a mesmerizing performance that transcended language and cultural barriers. The audience was captivated from the very first note, feeling the raw emotion pouring out from each member of the choir.
The choir’s rendition of “It’s Ok” was a heartfelt portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit. Their voices carried the weight of the lyrics, reminding everyone that it is okay to face challenges and find the strength to persevere. The emotional impact was tangible, and tears flowed freely from both the judges and the audience.
As the last note echoed through the auditorium, the room was filled with a profound silence. The judges, visibly moved by the performance, rose to their feet in a unanimous standing ovation. The audience erupted in thunderous applause, expressing their deep appreciation for the choir’s exceptional talent and the heartfelt tribute they had just witnessed.
Just when it seemed like the moment couldn’t get any more extraordinary, the unexpected happened. The AGT host, overcome with emotion, gave the audience the choice to award Mzansi Youth Choir with the coveted Golden Buzzer. The deafening cheers and tears of joy filled the air, as the choir members hugged each other, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the honour bestowed upon them.
“You defined what this show absolutely is all about,” Simon Cowell’s stated.
The Golden Buzzer, usually reserved for the judges, signifies a truly exceptional performance that has the power to move and inspire. In this historic moment, the audience recognized the profound impact of Mzansi Youth Choir’s tribute to Nightbirde and their ability to touch the deepest corners of the human soul.
The choir’s music director, Sidumo Nyamezele, explains: “During every new season of ‘America’s Got Talent’, each of the four judges and the host are given one opportunity to press the Golden Buzzer for any act they liked most during the series. For every season there is also one Group Golden Buzzer. That one Golden Buzzer allows the participant to move straight to the semi-final rounds. For the first time in the 18th season 2023, an Audience Group Buzzer was introduced to the former Group Buzzer: all four of the judges, the host in the wings as well as the audience representative come together, put their hands on top of one another and press the Golden Buzzer simultaneously. This is the first season where the Audience Golden Buzzer was introduced, and Mzansi Youth Choir made history by receiving nothing less than all six Golden Buzzers simultaneously”.
From a small local start to a world audience of more than 10 million viewers and in front of a fantastic audience, on the one and only stage of America’s Got Talent – their AGT participation is undoubtedly the choir’s most significant highlight and milestone on its memorable journey. On 23 November 2003, the choir hosted their first performance, in the modest Old City Hall of Alberton, east of Gauteng, with choristers performing in their own clothes. Over the years, the choir developed and grew, celebrating its 20th birthday in July 2023.
The choir’s artistic director and choreographer, Alfred Phakathi, continues: “This was an absolute spectacular experience for the choristers, who handled the pressure with such poise and grace, mainly due to their numerous collaborations with local and international artists and various tours locally and abroad. We are immensely proud of them for this extraordinary achievement, for which they worked so hard.”
The Mzansi Youth Choir’s performance on America’s Got Talent will forever be etched in the show’s history as a powerful testament to the transformative power of music and the universal language it speaks. Their ability to unite people from different backgrounds and cultures through their extraordinary talent is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.
Watch the video below:
by 