Members of the Boston University community came together for a viewing party Tuesday at BU Central to cheer on BU alumni from Sons of Serendip, a musical group who performed live on the “America’s Got Talent” finals.
The School of Theology and College of Fine Arts co-hosted the event to support their former students, one of six acts vying for the show’s $1 million cash prize.
Sons of Serendip members Micah Christian, Mason Morton, Kendall Ramseur and Cordaro Rodriguez met at BU while pursuing graduate degrees within STH, CFA and the School of Law before forming Sons of Serendip.
“I want to thank Boston University for their support since day one for making us feel included and appreciated,” said Christian, singer of the ensemble. “If it were not for you guys, maybe we would not be performing in the finals. We never imagined something like this would happen, and we are very grateful.”
Rodriguez, the group’s pianist, said performing for a national audience has been an honorable and humbling experience.
“Six months ago, we were not a group,” he said. “The support is really great and has made this journey enriching. Without it, it would probably be painful, but instead, it has been incredible.”
About 20 students, faculty and friends attended the viewing party. As the group took the AGT stage twice to perform a crowd favorite and new song, attendees at BU Central expressed their pride, smiling and tearing up during the live performances.
BU alum Cecilia Yudin said it is great to have talented and inspired musicians to represent BU in the competition.
“It is amazing that they are all from different parts of BU,” she said. “No matter where you come from, you can pursue your passion and find a connection from people. Art brings people together, and they all found each other here.”
Robin Olson, a coordinator of spiritual life at STH, said it has been amazing to see how the group has grown.
“When Micah was here, it was not like he was known as the singer,” she said. “I first heard from him when they auditioned, and it was a surprise…When they got on TV, it was a big deal.”
Despite pressure to win over the judges in the competition, Olson said she appreciates how Sons of Serendip has remained true to their music and themselves.
“To know who they are and not have to be all about flash and image and to stay centered on being themselves and enjoying every moment is the win,” she said. “I am proud to see them go from singing at Marsh Chapel to performing at Radio City Music Hall.”
Preya Patel, a senior in the School of Management, said although she has not been following the entire competition, she felt it was important to cheer on her fellow BU students at BU Central and that more people should have attended.
“Since they are BU alumni, more people should have come to support and show spirit the same way they would at a hockey game,” she said. “I hope a lot of students end up voting for them to show their support.”
America’s Got Talent will announce a winner during their reveal show Wednesday, beginning at 8 p.m.
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