Season 20 of America’s Got Talent just got a jolt of pure adrenaline thanks to Girish And The Chronicles (GATC), the Indian hard rock band who delivered what might be one of the most unforgettable performances of the season. In an electrifying twist, the band transformed Adele’s haunting ballad “Set Fire to the Rain” into a face-melting rock anthem — and the crowd absolutely lost it.
Stepping onto the AGT stage with leather, grit, and serious confidence, frontman Girish Pradhan and his bandmates wasted no time showing America what they’re made of. As soon as the first chord ripped through the auditorium, jaws dropped. What began as a familiar melody quickly morphed into a thunderous rock version, complete with blazing guitar solos, a pounding rhythm section, and powerhouse vocals that gave the original track a whole new emotional dimension.
The band’s creative risk paid off. The judges were visibly stunned by the transformation, with Simon Cowell praising their originality and calling it “a genius reinterpretation of a global hit.” Heidi Klum raved, “You made Adele headbang-worthy!” Sofia Vergara was left grinning ear to ear, while Howie Mandel summed it up best: “You just set fire to this stage!”
Fans online couldn’t get enough. Within hours, the clip of GATC’s audition had gone viral, with viewers praising not just their musicianship, but the bold move to reinvent such a beloved song. Even AGT host Terry Crews jumped in on social media, posting: “LOVED this rocker @Adele cover!!! 🔥 #AGT #GATC” — and he wasn’t alone. Rock fans, Adele fans, and casual viewers alike all agreed: this performance was something special.
GATC hails from Gangtok, Sikkim, and has already made waves in the international rock scene, but their AGT audition might be the moment that propels them to global stardom. Known for their throwback ‘80s metal vibes mixed with modern edge, the band brought a refreshing energy to the competition that’s been sorely missed in recent seasons.
As they move forward in the competition, expectations are sky-high. Will they continue reimagining iconic songs? Or bring original tracks to the AGT stage? One thing is certain — Girish And The Chronicles have planted their flag, and it’s flying high over Season 20.
