KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A local high school choir got to perform onstage Sunday night in Kansas City with classic rock band Foreigner.
Students from Carrollton High School won a radio contest for the unique opportunity to sing alongside the group, which after four decades together, boasts 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits.
The school’s choir won the most popular votes with their rendition of Foreigner’s #1 hit, “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
“It’s pretty cool to be with Foreigner, which I’m a fan,” said choir member Jackson Barry. “So it will be cool to be around them and get to sing with them.”
“I think we’re all pretty pumped about it. We’re ready to get out there and have fun,” agreed fellow choir member Hunter Summers.
But it’s more than just playing rock stars for the day.
Foreigner is donating $500 to the choir, while also raising money for the Grammy Foundation, which supports high school music programs across the country.
“It’s been proven that students that do well in music do better in everything else,” said Foreigner bassist Jeff Pilson before Sunday’s show. “It improves all aspects of life and education, so let’s not let these programs go to waste. Let’s help.”
And if only for one song, Pilson hopes sharing the stage with these teens inspires them to pursue their passions.
“Whether it’s music or anything else, just stay true to your heart,” he said. “Do what you believe and don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t.”
