By Dan McGrath
The Leo High School Choir enhanced their “world-renowned” reputation and solidified their status as the school’s best ambassadors with two bravura performances over a five-day span.
Over spring break, the Choir flew to Los Angeles to audition for “America’s Got Talent.” Their audition aired on the Tuesday, June 10 edition of the popular program, and a national television audience saw and heard a powerful, upbeat, skillfully synchronized performance of “Born for This.”
So powerful was the performance, in fact, that all four judges, including the famously acerbic Simon Cowell, moved the Choir on to the next round of competition. Cowell was effusive in his praise of Mrs. LaDonna Hill, the peerless director, whose knowledge, talent and passion infuses every Choir performance.
They’ll be back in Los Angeles in August for Round 2.
On Saturday, June 14, the Choir was invited to perform at the Archdiocese of Chicago’s celebration of Pope Leo XIV’s Chicago roots at Rate Field, home of the White Sox. Word of their AGT appearance must have spread, because they were greeted with high-volume cheers before they’d sung a note. As they made their way to their seats after a three-song set that included the National Anthem, hundreds of well-wishers greeted them, congratulated them and thanked them for a sparkling performance.
They were also summoned to the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s box for a congratulatory visit.
The whirlwind tour moves to Wrigley Field this Thursday, June 19. The Cubs are acknowledging Juneteenth, and the Choir will sing the National Anthem and “Lift Every Voice” before a 1:20 p.m. game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
A crowd of 40,000 is expected. After a national TV appearance and another before a stadium full house, it’s just another day at the office for a world-renowned Choir, the best ambassadors Leo has.