Howie Mandel thanks Palestinian-Israeli The Jerusalem Youth Chorus for bringing World Anthem to 'AGT' Season 19
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: The Jerusalem Youth Chorus is a choral and discussion youth initiative that serves both Palestinian and Israeli teenagers in Jerusalem. When they eventually hit the stage on July 16 on Season 19 of 'America's Got Talent,' everyone in the audience, including the judges, was grateful for what the group represented.
The Jerusalem Youth Chorus approached the stage and sang Phillip Phillips's song 'Home', while a voiceover from the ensemble conveyed what it meant to be on the 'AGT' stage. As they finished the song, the judges and the live crowd gave them a standing ovation.
The choir then identifies itself to the judges as a Palestinian-Israeli ensemble. They feel that, through music and discourse, they are taking a step toward creating an incredible future filled with justice, freedom, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
After winning, they hope to build additional spaces where individuals may join together to work toward erasing global disparities.
In the midst of constant misery in Israel and Gaza, the Jerusalem Youth Chorus is attempting to accomplish what few others appear to be capable of these days: seeing each other as individuals and enjoying each other via a shared love of music.
'AGT' judges moved by The Jerusalem Youth Chorus's audition
Heidi Klum told the group how fantastic they sounded. "I got goosebumps a little bit. It sounded beautiful, you harmonizing together."
Howie Mandel had the same passion when he declared, "This is a world anthem. We all live our lives on this planet together, and thank you so much for appearing here on that stage."
Sofía Vergara described the performance as "spectacular" and "heartwarming." She moved on to admire the voices. "I mean, what a treat!"
"I love this audition. You made something very complicated, beautiful through friendship." Simon started the vote with a yes.
The gang pushes on with four huge yeses.
At the backstage, host Terry Crews said to the group, "You guys symbolize so much for so many right now."
Who is The Jerusalem Youth Chorus in 'AGT' Season 19?
Singing another song in the midst of the continuous agony in Gaza and Israel. The Jerusalem Youth Chorus is making an effort to accomplish what it seems like very few people can these days: to appreciate one another as fellow human beings who share a passion for music.
The choir speaks out against global violence and rejects war, occupation, and terror, instead advocating for peace, justice, inclusiveness, and equality for all. In 2017, they released their debut album, 'Home'.
In 2022, they released a version of 'A Million Dreams' from 'The Greatest Showman' as well as an original song named 'Reason to Love'.
'AGT' group The Jerusalem Youth Chorus's tour got cancelled due to attacks since October 7
Music has the ability to unify, as demonstrated by the Jerusalem Youth Chorus (JYC), which has worked for years to improve lives and promote tolerance. The chorus was supposed to perform in Washington DC, last October, but the trip was canceled due to the October 7 slaughter and the ensuing commencement of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
However, the journey has been rescheduled for 2024, and it will include stops in four North American cities: Washington, Boston, Los Angeles, and Vancouver for TED.
Despite the difficulties that resulted from October 7 onwards, the group continued to gather for weekly rehearsals in Jerusalem. Members collaborated to plan secure transportation and provide a safe location for youngsters from both West and East Jerusalem to meet, discuss, and sing together.
Following the cancellation of the North American tour, JYC's leadership worked with the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to plan a virtual concert and workshop in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC, New York, and Boston. During this exceptional event, JYC was able to convey its ethos of music, discussion models, and safe spaces for healing throughout the war.
'America's Got Talent' Season 19 airs on Tuesdays on NBC at 8 pm ET.