Ahkeem Lee, Assistant Director of Student Engagement and Enrichment at UAB, turned his local gospel choir into a national sensation.

Lee’s journey began in Birmingham, where he graduated from Ramsay High School in 2015. Just weeks after finishing school, Lee and two former classmates envisioned a benefit concert to give back to their community. What started as a one-time event evolved into the Birmingham Youth and Young Adult Fellowship Choir.

“I was the one with the musical directing skill set, so I naturally stepped into that role,” Lee said. “We thought it was just one concert, but after seeing the interest from young people, the choir continued, and here we are 10 years later.”

The choir spans ages 8 to 29. Lee emphasized that its gospel focus wasn’t arbitrary. “Being from church, and growing up in Birmingham, I saw a need for a youth gospel choir, a space for young people to develop their talents, grow together, and spread the gospel,” he said.

Over the years, the group grew in size and ambition. From 30 members in its early days to over 50 today, the choir has become a high-performing ensemble, traveling for performances and building a strong reputation.

The choir’s rise to national attention began when a 2024 performance video went viral on social media. Its popularity led to an audition submission for America’s Got Talent, followed by an invitation to the live auditions in Pasadena, California.

Lee recalls the pressure of preparing while recovering from two knee surgeries, yet the excitement among choir members was palpable. For many, it was their first time on a plane or performing outside of Alabama.

One of the most defining moments came when the group debated their song choice. Other options outside of the gospel genre were explored in order to appeal to a broader audience, but this only led to uncertainty about the opportunity.

“When you’re going on a platform like that you want to definitely present your message, but you also want to make sure America can resonate with what you are doing,” Lee said. “So, it was very difficult early into the process to find a musical selection that did both.”

Ultimately, sticking with their roots paid off. The performance earned one of Simon Cowell’s only two golden buzzers that season, validating both their talent and faith.

With national exposure and growing recognition, Lee and his choir continue to elevate their craft. They rehearse twice a week, have received international invitations, and are preparing to release a single in the future. Lee’s vision includes recording a full live album by 2026, continuing to shine a light on Birmingham and inspiring young people through gospel music.

“This choir has changed lives, including mine,” Lee said. “It’s taught them leadership, responsibility, and it makes me feel like I’m fulfilling my purpose in life. And I don’t see this ending anytime soon.”

As Ahkeem Lee and The Birmingham Youth and Young Adult Fellowship Choir continue to captivate audiences, they are proof that talent, dedication, and authenticity can resonate far and wide.