Birmingham often finds itself under negative scrutiny, yet the Birmingham Youth and Young Adult Fellowship Choir recently brought a ray of hope through their performance.
This choir gained nationwide attention after receiving the prestigious golden buzzer from Judge Simon Cowell on America’s Got Talent.
Akeem Lee, the choir director and a Ramsey High School alumnus, shared how it all began. “I started this choir when I was 18—it was just supposed to be a fun idea at first,” he said.
The choir hails from Birmingham, Alabama, a city often overlooked, yet filled with a rich legacy. “We come from places that frequently face criticism or are overlooked when people think of American cities. But Birmingham has a profound history, especially when considering its role in the civil rights movement,” they noted.
The choir’s moving performance had both audience members and judges on their feet. Cowell commended them for their enthusiasm, unity, and passion before hitting the golden buzzer, propelling the choir directly to the live shows.
“This is just the beginning,” Cowell remarked, declaring their audition one of his favorite moments in the series.
According to Birmingham City Schools, the Fellowship Choir is made up of current and former students, including Payton Marbury, Jessica Judge, and Braylem Malone. Members expressed the thrill of performing before thousands, calling it a “dream come true.” One singer credited his former high school music teacher, Bobby Stringer, for preparing him for this moment.
The group had auditioned in March and spent months perfecting their act, keeping the Golden Buzzer moment a secret until it aired.
On Sunday, July 20th, the choir marked its 10th anniversary with a benefit concert at the historic 16th Street Baptist Church, providing free school supplies to K-12 students and celebrating their moment in the national spotlight. Donations to support the choir’s travel and competition expenses can still be made via their website or email.
The Birmingham Youth and Young Adult Fellowship Choir will return to America’s Got Talent when the quarterfinals begin in September.
