The 82nd Airborne Division All American Chorus had their television debut after appearing on America’s Got Talent on Tuesday, July 11.
The soldiers, decked out in uniforms, appeared to be all business when they marched out onto the stage in perfect unison but after starting their audition with a military-style cadence they suddenly broke out into a show-stopping rendition of The Temptations’ “My Girl,” surprising the Judges and quickly endearing them to the crowd.
Staff Sgt. Marcus Gilbert acted as the group’s spokesman and explained before their performance, the 82nd Airborne Division All American Chorus “hail from North Carolina” and “represent the 19,000 men and women that support and serve the Airborne Division."
“The All American Chorus embodies the hearts and souls of the paratroopers, past and present, for the 82nd Airborne Division,” the group’s website added. “Compiled from paratroopers from across the division, the chorus performs traditional cadences, Americana, and select vocal arrangements of popular tunes to uphold the tradition of the airborne legacy as the face of Americans Guard of Honor.”
The chorus prides itself on "telling the Army Story" to support the soldiers and their families.
So, I’m really curious. Obviously, this is what you do full-time, so what’s the big dream then coming on the show?” Judge Simon Cowell asked.
“We’re here to win,” Gilbert replied.
Winning wasn’t the only thing that brought them to the AGT stage. Their mission also had a much more personal tie for the group.
“We wanted to dedicate this performance,” Gilbert continued. “Last week, we lost one of our soldiers, Specialist Elijah Crawford, so we’re dedicating this performance to him and all of the soldiers that have passed before him.”
“That is very respectful and I’m very sorry by the way,” Cowell said before adding, “We’re all rooting for you.”
After falling back into formation, the chorus began with a military cadence, a work song that is composed of a call and response.
When the short cadence wrapped up, the group unexpectedly broke out into the pop culture favorite “My Girl,” originally made famous by The Temptations.
Cowell broke out into a smile as the group performed an upbeat a-capella version of the sunny hit.
The song even had Host Terry Crews dancing along as he watched from off-stage.
Read more about the chorus on their website here and see the clip of their AGT audition here.
The group will be advancing to the next round of America's Got Talent.
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