LOS ANGELES — A mariachi band composed of Los Angeles Police Department officers and other Southern California law enforcement personnel advanced to the next round of America’s Got Talent after earning a standing ovation from the crowd during their audition. The group, known as Los Servidores, performed a Spanish-language mariachi rendition of “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves.

The performance drew immediate enthusiasm from the studio audience and all four judges on the panel. The Los Angeles Police Department later confirmed that the band received four affirmative votes, securing their place in the subsequent stage of the competition. Band members informed the judges that the group has been performing together for more than eight years.

Judge Mel B noted her initial confusion followed by recognition of the familiar tune. “At first when you started, I was like, ‘What are they saying?’ And then I recognized the song, ‘Walking on Sunshine,’” Mel B said. She added that the arrangement stood out to her.

“And what I like is that you’ve taken a song and made it mariachi. I’ve never heard that before. I like that a lot,” Mel B said.

Judge Simon Cowell expressed surprise at the reception the act received. “I don’t think we were expecting that,” Cowell said. He noted the tone of the music after the performance began.

“Then you started to play, and I thought, ‘This is very happy music,’” he said. He emphasized the crowd's reaction as a key indicator of success. “And most importantly, the audience loved this audition. I could tell,” he said.

Judge Sofía Vergara stated that she loved the performance. One of the mariachi performers described the ensemble as a group of law enforcement officers who gather to sing for our community throughout the Southern California area. Los Servidores’ Instagram page indicates the group includes members from multiple Southern California law enforcement agencies in addition to the LAPD.

A listing for one of the band's past live performances states the group was officially founded in 2017 by Detective Chris Reza. The organization describes itself as distinct in its format and mission. “Mariachi Los Servidores is the 1st mariachi ensemble of its kind and is dedicated to community service and enhancing the relationship with law enforcement and the community through mariachi music,” according to the group's description.