Entertainment

Choir’s jaw-dropping performance reduces Australia’s Got Talent judges to tears

Aug 12, 2019

Hummingsong's Australia's Got Talent performance left the judges in tears. Source: YouTube.com/Australia's Got Talent

Australia’s Got Talent is here for another year and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house on Sunday night when the inspirational Hummingsong Choir stormed the stage to audition for judges Lucy Durack, Nicole Scherzinger, Shane Jacobson and Manu Feildel. There were so many singers in the choir that they didn’t all fit onto the audition stage, with some spilling out right in front of the judges.

“I’m a little speechless because I’ve never seen anything like this,” Nicole said, while Manu – who is also a judge on cooking show My Kitchen Rules – joked that he wasn’t cooking the singers lunch. “It’s so overwhelming,” Lucy added, as Shane began crying before the audition even began.

Lead singer Anna Humberstone explained that the choir was created as a way for women to get together and sing, while also raising money for women and children escaping domestic violence. Meanwhile, another singer said she herself was a survivor of domestic violence and how hard it is for victims to speak up and tell people.

“The choir has helped me become visible and I broke a silence that was never to be broken,” she said. “Knowing that I’m accepted and that it’s alright to be me. I got so much support and I’ve even had people tell me now that because I have become visible and spoken that they’re going to do it too, which is wonderful.”

The group of more than 100 women aged between 19 and 83 then performed a haunting rendition of ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ by Keane. Nicole could be seen singing along from the audience as the inspiring women performed their hearts out on stage, while the other judges began crying as the song progressed. Even host Ricki-Lee Coulter watched on in awe from the side of the stage.

The entire audience gave Hummingsong a standing ovation when the song was complete and Nicole was the first to judge the performance, telling the choir: “When they say there’s power in numbers! That was so unbelievably powerful. It was quite spiritual for me.”

Lucy added: “That was one of my favourite, most beautiful experiences. It was just such a gift for all of us watching here and at home. So thank you from the bottom of my heart, every single one of you.”

Shane said he wished his family were there to witness the audition, but was ultimately left speechless by performance. He wiped away more tears as all four judges voted the choir through to the next round of the competition.

Members of the choir later took to social media to share their experience with others. Singer Lisa Joy said she hoped viewers at home were inspired by the performance and wrote: “Perhaps a few people last night, women and men, watched our segment and drew from it the strength and courage they need to make the first step to leave a relationship that is hurtful to them or to their children. As communities, we can support each other, lift each other up and celebrate life and love.”

Member Kylie Grewal said: “This community of women that I belong to is the real deal. Genuine friendships, support, fun, laughs; all brought together through the sheer joy of singing together. Find yourself a local choir people! Loved being a part of this experience. Thank you Australia’s Got Talent and Hummingsong.”

Another singer, Lynne McGrath, added: “I have the privilege of being a member of this wonderful choir.”