All-boys choir members at Chicago's Leo High School, 'America's Got Talent' finalists, get ready to compete for $1M Tuesday night

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Leo High School all-boys choir is set to take the national stage for the finale of “America’s Got Talent” on Tuesday night.

ABC7 had the opportunity to chat with some students who expressed their awareness that their hometown is cheering them on. These choir members, now in Los Angeles, admitted to feeling a touch of nerves, yet they remain confident. The group is harmonized and poised to clinch that million-dollar reward.

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“That moment when we’re on stage, knowing we’ve put in so much effort and advance to the next round, that’s the highlight for me,” shared Kevin Wilson, a member of the Leo High School Choir.

Currently, the choir has reached the final round. ABC7 caught up with Baritone Kevin Wilson mere moments before he entered the Los Angeles studio to gear up for his last performance on “America’s Got Talent.”

“For me, personally, being part of a group that’s inspiring and impacting people not only in the South Side of Chicago but worldwide feels incredible,” Wilson remarked.

Their achievements are turning heads across the nation. But those at home in Chicago say they always knew they were meant for greatness.

“Over the past three to four months, we’ve performed for 30,000 attendees at Rate Field and 40,000 at Wrigley Field. Now, appearing on national TV is pretty close to achieving global recognition,” noted Leo High School President Dan McGrath.

McGrath mentioned that a recruiter discovered the choir after one of their performances gained viral attention. They auditioned during spring break, and now they’re just one song away from earning $1 million.

“It’s a really inspirational moment for all of us,” McGrath said.

He says each of the 18 boys competing will get a generous share of the money that can be put toward college. But whether they win or not, they are showing their fellow students what is possible.

“It makes me feel more braver to sing my own music inside the school,” said Leo High School student Gabriel Sims.

Sims says every watch party has been packed.

“It’s very loud, and if you’re tired, that’s one way you can wake yourself up,” Sims said.

Now, the choir’s hard work takes the final test, but there is comfort in knowing that the city is behind them.

“If Chicago believes, it helps us believe. I want the world to know that then, kids our age could do anything that’s possible,” Wilson said.

The Leo High School Choir will take the stage on “America’s Got Talent” at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Leo High School will have a watch party starting at 7 p.m. The winner will be announced on Wednesday.

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