Maureen Welch, June 12, 2017

In the Stairwell, the U.S. Air Force Academy’s all-male a cappella singing group, performed on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, June 13.

Show producers saw the group’s fall YouTube broadcast and contacted the Academy.

Their video was shown to America’s Got Talent producers, who picked their favorites and showcased them to NBC executives,” said Lt. Col. Kris Conde, Air Force entertainment liaison.

NBC invited the 16 singers to Los Angeles to perform in front of judge Simon Cowell.

“NBC unanimously loved the singing group,” said producer Nigel Caaro.

Freshmen cadets formed the group in 2004 to sing together in the only place they could: the dorm stairwells. They are now recognized as the Academy’s official all-male a cappella group.

“[Performing for AGT judge Simon Cowell] was by far one of the coolest experiences that our group has ever had the opportunity to be a part of,” said vocalist Thomspon Knox. “America will be surprised.”