By a Metro Detroit Real Estate Expert – Four lifelong friends from Inkster, Michigan just turned a national TV stage into a celebration of Detroit’s funk history. On America’s Got Talent Season 20, the Funkateer Dancers – an Inkster dance team formed over 40 years ago – stunned the judges and earned host Terry Crews’ Golden Buzzer. The moment catapulted these Metro Detroit performers straight to the quarterfinals, drawing cheers across the region. For local families and longtime residents alike, this triumph is more than a flashy TV moment. It’s the heartfelt comeback story of hometown heroes who never gave up on the groove, blending nostalgia, community pride, and sheer talent into one golden moment.
Terry Crews, Facebook
Funk and Footwork: Inkster Roots of a Dance Phenomenon
Inkster might be a small city just outside Detroit, but it has a big legacy in music and dance. Back in 1980, a group of teenagers at Inkster High School formed a dance crew with one goal: to impress their classmates and win the school talent show. They succeeded – the Funkateer Dancers took first place, beating out tough competition in a city known for producing stars (Inkster’s own Motown girl group The Marvelettes got their start at that very school). Little did anyone know, that high school act was the birth of a local legend that would span decades.
The Funkateers (as they were originally known) quickly gained fame for their electrifying street-dance style. “It’s just street dancing that we made up – a robotic funk, with a lot of footwork in it, just a combination of stuff,” explains Michael “Mike” Kelly, 64, one of the group’s founding members. In the early 1980s, their unique moves – often imitated, never quite replicated – set them apart in Metro Detroit’s vibrant dance scene. This was the era of popping, locking, and the Detroit Jit footwork; the Funkateers blended all that into something fresh. They weren’t just dancing to music – they were becoming part of Detroit’s funk soundtrack.
To understand their journey, consider some of their early highlights:
- 1980: The Funkateer Dancers form at Inkster High and win the high school talent competition, kicking off their dream. Inkster’s rich musical heritage (the city is even called “ground zero for techno” by locals) seems to fuel their creative energy from day one.
- 1981: The crew appears on Detroit’s popular TV dance show “The Scene,” broadcast on WGPR Channel 62. Viewers across the city watch these Inkster teens show off synchronized robot-like moves and funky footwork on a show that was Detroit’s answer to Soul Train. (In a recently unearthed photo from that year, the young Funkateers pose in matching outfits on The Scene, proudly representing Inkster’s talent.)
- 1980s: Riding their growing fame, the Funkateer Dancers go pro. They perform at iconic venues like New York’s Studio 54 and even compete on the nationally televised dance contest Dance Fever. For four kids who started out practicing in a school gym, rubbing shoulders with the disco era’s elite on Studio 54’s dance floor was proof they had something special. They nearly joined a tour to Japan with funk superstar Rick James, too – a gig that fell through at the last minute, but just being considered showed how far their Detroit-born style had reached.
- 1989: After years of thrilling crowds, the group gives what would be their last performance for a long time – fittingly, at one member’s wedding. They decide to take a break from professional dance. By now they’re grown men in their 20s, ready to start families and pursue careers outside of music. The Funkateers’ incredible run pauses, seemingly closing a chapter on an unforgettable 9-year ride.
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From Detroit Fame to Family Life: Decades off the Dance Floor
Walking away from the spotlight wasn’t easy, but it was purposeful. “They took time off to start families and foster professional pursuits outside the music industry,” notes one local report. In true Metro Detroit family-first fashion, the Funkateer Dancers shifted from stage lights to porch lights – raising children, building careers, and staying close as friends. Inkster High School eventually closed its doors in 2013, but the bond formed there among these dancers stayed very much alive. They’d get together over the years at backyard barbecues or community events, sometimes even busting out an old routine for old times’ sake. The dream of dancing never truly died; it was just on hiatus.
Fast-forward to the 21st century, and a bit of serendipity brought the Funkateers back into the public eye. In 2021, a 23-second video clip of the crew dancing at a local park event made its way online – and promptly went viral. In the grainy cellphone footage, you can see the men (now in their 50s and 60s) still moving with the same sharp, funky precision that wowed crowds in the ’80s. Thousands of people shared the clip, amazed by the “old school” dancers who hadn’t lost their touch. “And you know, it’s all God,” recalls Ed Miller, 66, describing the surprise of finding internet fame decades later. “The style of the dance was getting so much attention… we looked at the video like we didn’t really do nothing, y’all, I mean, you know?” Miller’s humility can’t hide the fact that their moves genuinely impressed a new generation. The Funkateer Dancers suddenly found themselves local celebrities again – this time in the age of Facebook and YouTube.
By 2023, a second viral video of the Funkateers dancing made the rounds on social media, further cementing their status as enduring icons of Detroit’s dance culture. The city of Inkster took notice in a big way. In the winter of 2024, the city added the Funkateer Dancers to their official “Welcome to Inkster” road sign, right alongside legends like Malcolm X (who briefly lived in Inkster in the 1950s) and the Marvelettes (Motown’s first gold record group). Imagine driving down Michigan Avenue into Inkster and seeing that sign: “Home of the renowned dance group The Funkateer Dancers.” For the four friends, it was a full-circle moment – recognition from the community that raised them. It said, You belong here. We’re proud of you.
Sadly, the past few years weren’t all triumphs. The group mourned the loss of two original members: DeA’mon “Cricket” Ellison passed in 2022, and Tony “Lace” Lacey in 2024. And in 2024, member Tony Warren lost his mother. But even in her final days, Mrs. Warren saw big things ahead for her son’s crew. “She said, ‘You’re gonna do well, son, I love you,’” Tony shared – a mother’s prophecy that fueled his resolve. With those blessings in their hearts, the remaining Funkateer Dancers – Mike, Ed, Tony, and Jeffrey “Jeff” Healey (59) – decided it was time for one more big adventure. As Jeff Healey put it, “It’s a language to it, a language to our dance. And we ain’t done yet."
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Tony Warren, Facebook
A Show-Stopping Audition on America’s Got Talent
Reuniting after 36 years away from the big stage, the Funkateer Dancers set their sights on America’s Got Talent (AGT) – the hit NBC talent competition – to show the entire country what Detroit already knew about them. “Let’s give America’s Got Talent a shot,” they thought. So on June 17, 2025, the four friends walked onto the AGT stage in Los Angeles for the Season 20 auditions. Dressed in matching red tracksuits and brimming with positive energy, they introduced themselves to the judges and audience as the Funkateers. The judges – Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, Howie Mandel, and guest judge Mel B – smiled politely, perhaps unsure what to expect from four contestants all eligible for AARP membership. But the Funkateers quickly made it clear: age is nothing but a number when you’ve got moves like theirs.
They told the judges their backstory: high school buddies, now dancing together on and off for 45 years. They even admitted with a laugh that they first formed the group to impress girls back in school – a strategy that clearly paid off in more ways than one. (Yes, they did win over those girls, and the talent show trophy.) Simon’s eyebrow may have arched when they mentioned their last big performance was at a wedding in 1989. But any doubts dissipated the second the music started.
When the opening riffs of Rick James’ funk classic “Give It To Me Baby” hit the speakers, the Funkateer Dancers came alive. They launched into a spirited dance routine packed with crisp robot isolations, silky-smooth slides, and lightning-quick footwork that would challenge guys a third their age. The audience in the theater jumped to their feet almost immediately, clapping and dancing along. Backstage, host Terry Crews – himself a former Detroit native (born in Flint) and a lifelong fan of funk – was pointing at the stage in excitement, shouting, “Look at the footwork!” as the Funkateers grooved in perfect sync. It was as if a bit of Detroit’s soul had taken over the Hollywood stage: one judge, Sofía Vergara, started dancing in her seat; another, Howie Mandel, was grinning ear to ear at the joyful spectacle. By the time the fellas hit their final pose, the entire theater was on its feet cheering. The Funkateer Dancers had just delivered a master class in old-school funk and proved that the groove only gets better with time.
The Funkateer Dancers light up the AGT stage. Performing to Rick James’ “Give It To Me Baby,” the four friends (now in their 60s) move with the energy and precision of dancers in their prime. Their audition had the audience – and the judges – dancing in their seats, proving that Detroit’s funk legacy is alive and kicking on national TV. After 36 years away from show business, the Funkateers made it look like no time had passed at all.
When the music stopped, the judges practically fell over themselves with praise. “Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES!” exclaimed Simon Cowell, applauding enthusiastically. Sofía Vergara gushed, “Perfect… I loved it,” calling the performance flawless fun. Howie Mandel noted how remarkable it was to see them still dancing at this level – if they were that good in their 20s, he joked, it’s even more entertaining watching them now “at this age”. The performers beamed on stage, catching their breath and soaking in the moment. One of the Funkateers grabbed the microphone and shouted with pride, “Age ain’t nothin’ but a number!” The crowd roared in agreement – this wasn’t just a catchy phrase, it was the truth embodied right in front of them.
Terry Crews’ Golden Buzzer Surprise
What happened next is something none of the Funkateer Dancers could have imagined back in their teen talent show days. As the judges began deliberating, host Terry Crews had a plan of his own. Unbeknownst to the four friends on stage, Crews left his post in the wings and started sneaking up the aisle of the auditorium. The judges were still showering the group with compliments when Terry suddenly popped up behind the judges’ table – and slammed the Golden Buzzer with both hands!
For a split second, the judges (and the Funkateers) were stunned – then a rain of golden confetti fell from the ceiling, and the theater erupted in joy. Terry Crews had used his once-per-season Golden Buzzer to send the Funkateer Dancers straight to the live shows, bypassing all the intermediate elimination rounds. The four dancers on stage were momentarily speechless, eyes wide and mouths open in disbelief, before they jumped and embraced each other as the realization hit. They did it – they were going to the AGT quarterfinals!
On stage, Terry joined the jubilant group in a big bear hug, shouting, “Hey! Listen! You are my Golden Buzzer! I got you!”. The crowd went wild at this show of hometown solidarity. (Crews often mentions his Michigan roots, and in this moment he couldn’t have been prouder.) “These are my people!” Terry declared of the Funkateers, beaming, as he danced among them in the falling confetti. It was an emotionally charged scene – here was a Hollywood actor and host, a Flint native, embracing a quartet of Metro Detroit dancers who started in a humble school gym. The shared Michigan pride on that stage was palpable. Families watching at home across Detroit surely had goosebumps seeing one of their own (Crews) lifting up some of their own (the Funkateers) on national TV.
Once the excitement settled, the judges revealed that Terry’s buzzer press had actually “stolen” a chance from Simon Cowell – and they couldn’t have been happier about it. Simon had been reaching for his own Golden Buzzer (each judge gets a limited number per season) when Terry beat him to it. “That was supposed to be mine!” Simon yelled in mock protest, though he was smiling the whole time. Judge Mel B laughed and teased Simon, “You snooze, you lose!”. In truth, Simon didn’t mind – he later admitted the Funkateers’ audition was the very definition of a perfect surprise. “Sometimes people say, what is the perfect audition?” Simon mused. “Well, it’s something surprising and it just makes you feel amazing”. And that’s exactly what the Funkateer Dancers delivered: pure amazing surprise and joy. Simon even joked with Crews afterward, saying he “hated and loved” Terry at the same time for beating him to the punch. If anything, this friendly squabble on the judges’ panel only underscored how special the performance was – everyone wanted to give these guys a Golden Buzzer!
With that, the Funkateer Dancers officially became Golden Buzzer winners on Season 20 of AGT, securing their spot in the live quarterfinals in August. As they walked off stage, tears in their eyes and confetti still in their hair, the four men reflected on what just happened. They came to Los Angeles as underdogs, an Inkster dance crew from the ’80s stepping into the 2020s spotlight. They left the stage as the pride of Michigan, with a national audience now as excited about the Funkateers as Detroit has been for years.
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America's Got Talent, Facebook
Detroit Pride and the Deeper Significance of Their Comeback
It’s hard to overstate what this Golden Buzzer moment means to Metro Detroiters. For those who grew up in the 1970s and ’80s, the Funkateer Dancers are a living link to a golden era of Detroit entertainment. Many remember watching them on The Scene after school, or hearing about their latest dance battle down at Cobo Hall. Seeing these same performers now – grayer, maybe, but still dancing with youthful passion – feels like seeing hometown champions finally get their due. It’s a testament to Detroit’s spirit: we take care of our own, and we cherish our cultural icons, whether Motown singers, techno DJs, or funky dance crews.
Local social media has been abuzz with congratulations and nostalgia. On the Funkateers’ Facebook page, longtime fans from Inkster and Detroit have been sharing memories and well-wishes. “I remember you guys from the talent show in ’80 – still got it!” wrote one commenter. Another said, “The world finally gets to see what a Funkateer is!” – referencing the group’s very name becoming synonymous with their style. (In Detroit, to “funkateer” could almost be a verb, meaning to dance with funky flair, thanks to these guys.)
Younger Detroiters, including many who discovered the Funkateer Dancers through those viral videos, are equally inspired. In an age dominated by slick TikTok choreographies and youth-centric pop culture, the Funkateers blew everyone away simply by being authentically themselves. Their success shouts a message that resonates in our community: creativity and talent don’t have an expiration date. If anything, they age like fine wine (or maybe like a classic vinyl record that sounds better with a little crackle of time).
Culturally, the Funkateer Dancers’ comeback shines a spotlight on Detroit’s often overlooked dance heritage. This is the city that gave the world Motown’s polished choreography, the Detroit Jit (our homegrown street dance with blazing footwork), and the ballroom hustle style popular at family gatherings. The Funkateers carry that legacy in their limbs. Their “robotic funk” routines nod to the mechanical elegance of Motown’s assembly line era and the raw groove of P-Funk jam sessions. They show that Detroit’s street dance culture – born in block parties, church picnics, and TV studios like The Scene – can compete with the flashiest acts Vegas or New York has to offer. When Terry Crews exclaimed “These are my people!”, it wasn’t just about hometown pride; it was validating Detroit’s cultural contribution on a worldwide stage.
Even the civic leaders are taking note. Inkster’s mayor publicly congratulated the Funkateer Dancers, inviting the whole city to watch and vote for them in the live shows. There’s talk of an “Inkster Funkateer Day” celebration in the works, and local dance studios report a surge of interest from older adults wanting to take dance classes – proving that the Funkateers are inspiring people of all ages to get up and move. It’s as if all of Metro Detroit is sharing in this victory. After all, our region loves a good comeback story (look at the resurgence of Detroit itself in recent years). This one hits particularly close to home, and it’s got everyone from grade school kids to grandparents buzzing.
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From Funkateers to Finalists: What’s Next for the Golden Buzzer Winners
Now, the Funkateer Dancers face their next big challenge: the AGT live quarterfinals in August, broadcast coast-to-coast. They’ve already made history, but they’re far from done – in fact, they’re hard at work dreaming up new ways to wow America. The stakes are high; the ultimate winner of America’s Got Talent receives a $1 million prize and a headlining show in Las Vegas. That life-changing reward isn’t lost on the Funkateers. It’s incredible to think that a group of friends who started out dancing in an Inkster High hallway could now be just a few performances away from a million dollars and a Vegas spotlight.
Back home, they have plenty of motivation to keep them going. Their families – many of whom never saw the Funkateers in their 1980s glory – are now their biggest cheerleaders. These men are fathers and even grandfathers, and you can imagine the pride in their children’s eyes watching Dad (or Grandpa) showing the world how it’s done. It’s a beautiful full-circle moment: the guys who took a break to raise their kids are now being lifted up by their families and community to finish the dream they put on hold.
According to a recent interview, reuniting after all those years felt completely natural to the Funkateers. “When we got back together, it was just like riding a bike. It didn't take more than about five or 10 minutes for us to do what we do,” said Ed Miller, marveling at how quickly their chemistry returned. Mike Kelly echoed that confidence, noting that they foresee “three to five more years” of active dancing ahead. In their 60s or not, they’re planning for the future – talking about hopes to go on tour, maybe even land some fun commercial gigs with their newfound fame . In other words, win or lose on AGT, the Funkateer Dancers are open for business and ready to spread Detroit funk far and wide.
As Metro Detroit’s real estate experts might say, the Funkateers are a prime example of property value appreciating over time – the longer they’ve been around, the more priceless they’ve become! Their story encourages all of us to invest in our passions and our communities, because you never know when that investment will pay off. Today it’s a Golden Buzzer on national TV; tomorrow it might be a local talent show or art fair where another hometown dreamer gets discovered.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Metro Detroit, these are our guys – let’s support them all the way. Mark your calendars for the AGT live shows and show your love, whether by tuning in, voting, or hosting watch parties with friends and family. More broadly, let’s continue to celebrate and support local talent every chance we get. Take your kids to that neighborhood dance recital, check out the next community talent showcase, or visit Detroit’s cultural landmarks that preserve our artistic heritage. Who knows? You might witness the birth of the next Funkateer-like phenomenon.
In the end, the Funkateer Dancers’ journey isn’t just about four men or one TV show – it’s about the power of community, perseverance, and the funky, funky beat that lives in the heart of Detroit. They’ve shown us that it’s never too late to chase a dream and uplift those around you. As the Funkateers groove their way into the quarterfinals, one thing is certain: Detroit is dancing right there with them, every jubilant step of the way. And as Jeff Healey proudly said, “we ain’t done yet.” So let’s dance with them, support them, and keep that funk alive for generations to come.
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