The stage at "America’s Got Talent" turned into a celebration yesterday as Michigan's Funkateer Dancers received the coveted Golden Buzzer from the show's host, Terry Crews. The quartet, hailing from Inkster, secured their spot in the quarterfinals, dazzling judges and audiences with their energetic performance. As reported by ClickOnDetroit, the group, with a history stretching back 45 years to their high school days, prompted Crews to bypass further competition rounds, sending them directly to the live shows slated for August.
The dancers, notable for their contribution to Detroit's street dance culture, showcased a routine that brought the AGT judges to their feet. Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Sofia Vergara, and Mel B were all visibly impressed, but it was Crews who took center stage, reportedly sneaking up behind the panel to hit the buzzer, an action that was also meant to be carried out by Cowell. "That was supposed to be mine!" exclaimed Cowell, as detailed by the Detroit Free Press. However, Crews, also a Flint native, had his sights set on the group, declaring, "These are my people!" before enthusiastically joining the dancers on stage.
Known formerly as the Funkateers, the group had made a name for themselves on the Detroit TV dance show “The Scene,” and after a three-decade hiatus, they reunited to rekindle their passion for dance. During an interview with the Detroit Free Press, Ed Miller, one of the original members, shared, “When we got back together, it was just like riding a bike. It didn't take no more than about five or 10 minutes for us to do what we do." His cohort, Mike Kelly, added that they foresee three to five more years of dancing ahead, with aspirations of touring and landing commercial gigs.
Upon receiving Crews' Golden Buzzer, Cowell mused over the audition's perfection, "Sometimes people say, what is the perfect audition? And it's like, well, it's something surprising and it just makes you feel amazing," as reported by MLive. Cowell further admitted that Crews' quick action was both frustrating and exhilarating, given that he too had planned to recognise their talents with the same grand gesture. The Funkateer Dancers continue to bask in their 'golden' moment as they gear up for the live shows, carrying with them the dreams and funk-infused spirit of their Michigan roots.
