Angel City Chorale’s stirring 9/11 tribute lights up the night during Tuesday’s semi-finals episode of “America’s Got Talent”
Grab a tissue for this stirring rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s “The Rising”, performed by the multi-talented Angel City Chorale.
This Tuesday night semi-finals performance wasn’t just any Tuesday. Knowing that the Chorale group would be returning to “America’s Got Talent” to perform on September 11th, the group wanted to offer a fitting tribute on this, the 17th anniversary of the tragedy that shook our nation.
Angel City Chorale saw this as an opportunity to honor our nation’s first responders and unite viewers in the audience and in homes across America.
The choral group gave fans a hint about this moving tribute in a post to social media on Monday. “We have been waiting to sing tomorrow’s song all season long. Please join us tomorrow night on America’s Got Talent for a very special tribute to the ones who risk their lives for total strangers because they know that every life is precious – regardless of age, race, or beliefs. Let’s all unite on this somber day in our country’s history to create one joyous song! “
And a joyous song it was indeed! The 160-person choral group took to the stage, adorned in all white, each armed with a single white light. The Dolby Theater lit up with the soft glow of tiny flashlight beams that the chorus had given out to audience members, giving them the opportunity to join in on the show. Their powerful performance will send chills down your back.
Howie Mandel, celebrity judge of America’s Got Talent, summed it up perfectly, “You are so much more than just a choir. You know, you make us feel whatever song you are singing and you can feel that music in your heart. But I love what you add to it. I love the choreography, I love the lights, I love how the room just exploded. And like me, you guys are rebels: we’re wearing white after Labor Day.”
All jokes on fashion faux paux aside, the choice of song couldn’t have been a more fitting tribute. In the aftermath of 9/11, Springsteen wrote and recorded the album “The Rising”, featuring this moving title track.
Springsteen tells of being inspired after witnessing the smoldering remains of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, from Sea Bright, according to his memoir, “Born to Run.” The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and it garnered a Grammy for Best Rock Album.
This diverse chorale group from Los Angeles first won of the hearts of America with their mind-blowing rendition of Toto’s “Africa”. The Choir has a very clear mission of “building community one song at a time.” Well, they certainly accomplished that with this performance. With one song, viewers across America were brought together, in a moment, to share a message of hope.
“This was magical! And I love how they did a tribute to the victims of 9/11! So good!” said one viewer.
Another fan of AGT commented “I’ve got chills all over my arms, I really really love them! Their energy is amazing, what they are able to create is real art.”
ALSO ON THIS EPISODE: Singer stuns with “Somewhere” from West Side Story — they say he’s the next Josh Groban
What are you waiting for? Watch this stunning performance and tell us what you think of their moving 9/11 tribute.
https://youtu.be/WYgpeReGFGU
