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'AGT' Season 18: Viewers blame 'blind patriotism' after 82nd Airborne Division Chorus advances to the finale

Although 'AGT' judges praised 82nd Airborne Division Chorus's talent, some fans did not want them to advance to the Finale

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: 'America's Got Talent' has held its final results show before the live finale and viewers are not pleased. In the course of the broadcast, host Terry Crews eventually announced the top five performers of the week, and one performance in particular upset the audience.

On 'AGT' Season 18, the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus recorded a hero's victory. The military-based acapella ensemble, which impressed the judges with their vibrant performance of Pink's 'I Am Here', was chosen to perform in the Season 18 finale on September 20, 2023.

Judge Howie Mandel, who praised the singing ensemble for its military service on Tuesday, was unsurprised by the group's victory. "They're heroic anyhow, and then you have this talent," Howie explained, adding, "America loves you. America needs you."

Howie, one of the show's four celebrity judges, said the chorus' song choice underlined the value of military service.

"You can’t live in this country and be at home as part of who we are and where we are and not love what you just did," Howie remarked Tuesday evening.

"We are here because you are here. Without you, we couldn’t do what we’re doing. We wouldn’t have the freedom, we wouldn’t have the peace, we wouldn’t have the safety. I can’t thank you enough – for more than your performance – just for being here," he said.

Fort Liberty is the home to the 16-member chorus.

Right after the episode, unhappy fans took to X to express their disappointment over the group advancing to the Finale. One wrote, "The 82nd airborne chorus can't do the Vegas show, can't win the money. They should be embarrassed to be knocking out people who are vying for that money and that Vegas show. Patting yourself on the back while you crush a kids dream shouldn't be what that uniform is about."

While another chimed in, "I am sorry but 82nd Airborne Chorus does not deserve to be in the finals. Thanks for your service but sorry not for this." 

One person joked, "When 82nd airborne makes it over people who were way more talented than them." Another viewer said, "82nd AIRBORNE DIVISION CHORUS made it to the finals! (did not see that one coming tbh)."

One user further tweeted, "Can’t believe 82nd airborne choir made it to the finals."

Another person added, "I’m sorry, but Eduardo (cute as he is) beating out Grace was a travesty. Gabriel was the best singer this year, and should have been in the final over 82nd Airborne, but . At least there was no question that the #RamadhaniBrothers belonged in the finals!!"

On Reddit, a viewer claimed, "82nd Airborne Chorus is a mediocre act and they only made it into the finals based on blind patriotism. It had to be said."

One user chimed in, "It’s sooo cheesy and over the top 🙄🤮."

One person noted, "lmao it's patriotic choir + sob story choir in the finals now, imagine they both make the top 5, there'll be riots." 

Another wrote, "Jingoism and military worship. Mediocre is high praise for them. They shouldn't have got past the auditions."

What does 82nd Airborne Division Chorus plan to do with $1M if they win 'AGT' Season 18?

Even more inspiring than the song is the fact that the chorus has already signed documentation stating that if they win the million dollars, they will not take it. They are donating it to charity.

"That million-dollar prize will go straight to a charity of whatever choice America's Got Talent wants to send it to," Staff Sgt Marcus Gilbert told Parade. "We are simply here to represent our country, our division, and that is it."

When will 'AGT' Season 18 finale air?

Mark September 26 and 27 on your calendars for the 'AGT' finale. The top 11 performers will compete for a grand prize of $1 million and a sought-after Las Vegas performance.

Who will compete in 'AGT' Season 18 finale?

After September 20's episode, the Top 11 acts to perform on 'AGT' finale on September 26 are as follows:

Murmuration

Adrian Stoica and Hurricane

Ahren Belisle

Mzansi Youth Choir

Avantgardey

Putri Ariani

Lavender Darcangelo

Ramadhani Brothers

Anna Deguzman

Chibi Unity

82nd Airborne Division Chorus

'America's Got Talent' Season 18 airs every Tuesday and Wednesday on NBC at 8 pm ET.