Ndlovu Youth Choir

Ndlovu Youth Choir
Information
Age (at audition)	13-27
Sex	Mixed
Act	Choir
Seasons	14

Ndlovu Youth Choir is a choir act from Season 14 of America's Got Talent.

Background

Since its inception in 2009, the Ndlovu Youth Choir has profoundly affected the lives of the choristers and demonstrates the potential of any human being to achieve excellence no matter their background, education or place of birth. From its humble beginnings as an after-school activity the choir has evolved into a truly outstanding professional ensemble. The Ndlovu Youth Choir is part of the Ndlovu Care Group’s globally acclaimed childcare community programme. The choir aims to ensure that a child from a disadvantaged community enjoys the same level of musical tuition, care and opportunities as a child from a more affluent society.

Choristers that have been part of the Ndlovu Youth Choir have said that the chance to be part of a world-class extramural developmental program offers them hope, not only for enhanced opportunities but as a diversion from the challenges that come from living in disadvantaged communities. The risk of alcohol, drugs, teenage pregnancy and other problems are practically eliminated because choral music requires such a time investment. The Ndlovu Youth Choir aims to create a place of comfort and care and strive to nurture values such as self-discipline, self-confidence, tolerance, respect and leadership in our choristers.

The Ndlovu Youth Choir sings songs in all 11 South African languages which include Zulu, Xhosa and English. The choir’s music incorporates traditional South African genres such as isicathamiya, a style popularized by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Their repertoire also includes ancient tribal chants, inspirational gospel, contemporary Afro-Pop and Jazz by globally acclaimed South African artists such as Hugh Masakela and Miriam Makeba, as well as original songs describing African life with a call for African unity.

The choir is vibrant, exuberant and colourful, and delivers a toe-tapping and energetic South African musical performance irresistibly combined with mesmerising choreography. [1]

Audition

Ndlovu Youth Choir's audition in Episode 1405 consisted of singing and dancing to "My African Dream." Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough, and Simon Cowell all voted "Yes," sending Ndlovu Youth Choir to the Judge Cuts.

The Ndlovu Youth Choir From South Africa Will Leave You EMOTIONAL - America's Got Talent 2019

Audition

Judge Cuts

Ndlovu Youth Choir's Judge Cuts performance in Episode 1407 consisted of singing and dancing to "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)". Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough, Simon Cowell, and guest judge Brad Paisley all gave them standing ovations. Their performance was strong enough to advance to the Quarterfinals.

South African Choir Celebrates Life With INSPIRING "Waka Waka" - America's Got Talent 2019

Judge Cuts

Quarterfinals

Ndlovu Youth Choir's Quarterfinals performance in Episode 1413 consisted of singing and dancing to U2's "Beautiful Day". Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough, and Simon Cowell all gave them standing ovations.  The group finished in 6th, 7th or 8th place in America's Vote.  In the Dunkin' Save, they received fewer online votes than Chris Kläfford. In the Judges' Choice, Howie Mandel and Julianne Hough didn't vote for them but Gabrielle Union and Simon Cowell did, forcing a tiebreaker; whichever act had received more votes from America would progress. They received more votes than Charlotte Summers, advancing to the Semifinals in Episode 1414.

Ndlovu Youth Choir Performs STUNNING Rendition Of "Beautiful Day" by U2 - America's Got Talent 2019

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Ndlovu Youth Choir's Semifinals performance in Episode 1417 consisted of singing and dancing to Steve Winwood's "Higher Love". Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough, Simon Cowell and guest judge Sean Hayes all gave them standing ovations.  The group finished in 4th, 5th or 6th place in America's Vote.  In the Dunkin' Save, they received fewer online votes than Light Balance Kids.  In the Judges' Choice, Howie Mandel did not vote for them but Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and Simon Cowell did, advancing to the Finals in Episode 1418 instead of Robert Finley.

Ndlovu Youth Choir Puts AMAZING Spin On "Higher Love" by Whitney Houston - America's Got Talent 2019

Semifinals

Finals

Ndlovu Youth Choir's Finals performance in Episode 1421 consisted of singing

Finale

For the finale in Episode 1422,

Trivia

• Ndlovu Youth Choir is the first choir in the history of America's Got Talent to make the finals.
• They are also the first act since Smage Bros. Riding Shows in Season 6 to win the Judges' Choice twice.
  • Both times they were in the Judges' Choice, they beat a solo singer.