The CraigLewis Band: How Two Soulful Voices AGT
The CraigLewis Band: How Two Soulful Voices Took America’s Got Talent by Storm
From their very first note on AGT’s stage, Zuri Craig and Jeffrey Lewis proved they weren’t just another singing duo — they were something special. Let’s take a deep dive into their incredible journey, their rise to fame, and why their story still resonates years later.
🎶 Who Is The CraigLewis Band?
The CraigLewis Band is a dynamic vocal duo from Atlanta, Georgia, made up of best friends Zuri Craig and Jeffrey Lewis. Their name? A simple mash-up of their last names — Craig + Lewis — but their music is anything but simple.
Their bond goes way back. Both grew up in church, singing gospel music and developing powerful voices that could shake walls and stir souls. Long before they appeared on national television, they were performing at weddings, local events, and anywhere they could share their gift.
They rose to early fame through viral YouTube covers. Their gospel version of The Brady Bunch theme song even caught the attention of filmmaker Tyler Perry, who cast them in several of his live stage shows. Still, they hadn’t quite broken into the mainstream — until 2015, when they walked onto the America’s Got Talent stage and changed their lives forever.
🌟 Blowing the Roof Off: The AGT Audition
Season 10 of America’s Got Talent had no shortage of talented acts. But when The CraigLewis Band auditioned with James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World,” the room shifted. You could feel it.
From the moment they started singing, the judges and the audience were hooked. Their harmonies were tight, their voices were full of pain and power, and the chemistry between them was undeniable. It wasn’t just a performance — it was a moment.
Mel B called it “goosebump-worthy.” Howie Mandel stood and applauded. And America? America fell in love.
💥 Week After Week, They Delivered
Auditions are one thing, but holding attention in the live rounds? That’s where the pressure kicks in. But The CraigLewis Band never missed a beat.
They kept stunning audiences with emotional, show-stopping performances:
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Judge Cuts: “I’m Goin’ Down” by Mary J. Blige
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Quarterfinals: “Try a Little Tenderness” — Otis Redding
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Semifinals: “What’s Going On” — Marvin Gaye
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Finals: A medley of “Beggin’” and “Take Me to Church”
Every time, they poured their hearts out. No gimmicks. Just two voices and a message. And that’s what made them so powerful.
🏁 The Grand Finale — and Beyond
The CraigLewis Band made it all the way to the finals, ultimately finishing among the top acts of the season. Ventriloquist Paul Zerdin won the competition, but many fans still believe The CraigLewis Band delivered some of the most memorable performances of the entire show.
Their AGT success led to nationwide tours, original music releases, and collaborations. They released singles like “I’m Right Here,” proving they were more than just cover artists. They were storytellers, creators, and serious R&B contenders.
They continued performing for years after the show, singing in concerts, on cruise ships, at festivals, and in churches — always staying grounded in their roots.
💔 A Tragic Loss: Remembering Zuri Craig
In 2022, fans were heartbroken to learn that Zuri Craig had passed away unexpectedly at the age of 44.
It was a devastating moment. Zuri was the soul of The CraigLewis Band — with a voice that could lift spirits and bring people to tears. His passing left a huge hole, not just for his musical partner Jeffrey Lewis, but for every fan who had connected with his gift.
Tyler Perry, who had been a supporter since the early days, shared a moving tribute to Zuri, calling him “a bright light” and “a man of great talent and heart.”
Jeffrey continues to honor Zuri’s memory, keeping The CraigLewis Band’s music alive through tribute performances, re-released recordings, and heartfelt posts. Even though one half of the duo is no longer here, their music — and their message — lives on.
💡 Why Their Story Still Matters
The CraigLewis Band’s journey wasn’t just about vocal talent. It was about:
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Brotherhood: Their friendship was the heart of their music.
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Perseverance: From small church stages to national television.
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Authenticity: They never tried to fit in — they stood out by being true to who they were.
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Emotion: Every performance was deeply felt, not just heard.
They reminded us that real talent doesn’t need flashy production. It just needs heart.
🎧 Where Are They Now?
While The CraigLewis Band is no longer performing as a duo, Jeffrey Lewis continues to make music and honor the legacy he built with Zuri. Their songs still resonate, their AGT performances continue to be replayed on YouTube, and their fanbase remains strong.
If you’ve never heard them sing before, do yourself a favor: go watch their audition. You’ll understand why they became one of the most beloved acts in AGT history.
✨ Final Thoughts
The CraigLewis Band didn’t just sing. They moved people. They were two best friends chasing a dream, standing side-by-side, using their voices to connect with millions.
In a world where overnight fame comes and goes, their journey reminds us of something timeless: when talent, heart, and friendship come together, magic happens.
Their music continues to live on — and if you’ve ever heard them perform, you know: it’s not just music. It’s a feeling you carry with you.
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