The Ndlovu Youth Choir Just Scored a Deal with Simon Cowell

Two weeks ago, South Africans were rooting for the Ndlovu Youth Choir to win America's Got Talent (AGT) and the coveted million dollar prize as well as a chance to be a headline act in Las Vegas. While the group lost to the crowd favorite, Kodi Lee, they received an incredibly warm welcome when they returned to South Africa and were even gifted R1 million (USD 66 000) by Thandi Moraka, the member of the executive council (MEC) for Limpopo's Department of Arts and Culture. Yesterday, in an interview with Radio 702, choir director Ralf Schmitt revealed that AGT judge Simon Cowell and his company had offered to officially sign the Ndlovu Youth Choir.

There's a reason why contestants on AGT and it's British spin-off want to impress Cowell. Not only is he usually the toughest judge on the panel but he's also been instrumental in promoting the music careers of artists such as Susan Boyle and Leona Lewis as well as groups including Westlife, Little Mix, Il Divo and Fifth Harmony. Most recently, the insanely talented South African choir is now on his list of stardom.

Speaking about the deal, Schmitt said that, "We are very excited that Simon Cowell and his company have exercised their option to sign the choir and together with Sony Music in South Africa are working on exciting projects." He added that, "It is a wonderful compliment to these young people because he wouldn't do that if he didn't think there is a future for them and the work they have done."

While the details of the deal itself have not been made clear as yet, we're certain that the future of the Ndlovu Youth Choir is bright.