Students from Jefferson Davis High School Marching Band in Montgomery had their “America’s Got Talent” performance air on NBC last Tuesday night.
The group, led by Band Director Brandon Howard, had become something of a phenomenon on the internet after clips of the group performing were widely shared.
Driving interest has been Justin Heideman, the only white member of the ensemble, who has earned the nickname “Vanilla Funk.”
Heideman keeping rhythm with, and leading alongside, the black members of the band has driven the popularity of the now-viral clip.
that boy john done transferred schools on these folks!??? pic.twitter.com/elvcbsu6lv
— Pubby Longway (@PubbyLongway) October 5, 2019
According to the Montgomery Advertiser, an “America’s Got Talent” producer saw the clip online and invited the group to come play on the show.
Only 36 of the normally over 100 members of the band were able to make it to Los Angeles for the performance.
The group performed a mashup of songs by the popular artist Lizzo.
Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIv379N8IS0
The judges advanced the band to the next round, where they will continue to compete for the $1 million prize.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95