One by one, the stream of singers belonging to the Angel City Chorale strode confidently onto the risers at America’s Got Talent, ready to take the judges by storm. Their performance involved audience participation, which the crowd loved. Chorale director Sue Fink explained to the judges that the 160-member group would be performing Toto’s groovy song “Africa.” The group rubbed the palms of their hands together, snapped their fingers, clapped their thighs and used their bodies to cleverly replicate the sounds of an incoming thunderstorm.

Then their musical prowess shined as their multi-part harmony belted out the classic song. Small groups and one solo part peppered the spectacular performance. Judge Howie Mandel complimented the group afterward on their creative beginning to the audition. Mel B described their performance as impactful and uplifting. But it was the often-grumpy Simon Cowell who surprised everyone. The shocked look on his face as the group members flowed steadily from behind the curtain was comical, but then throughout the audition, he was immersed in their special sound.