By | October 26, 2010
Entertainers from the Air Force's performing arts group, Tops In Blue, perform a rendition of "Papparazzi" by Lady Gaga at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Oct. 21, 2010. Tops In Blue is an all-active duty Air Force special unit made up of amateur performers selected for their entertainment abilities. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)
The entertainment cast from Tops In Blue line the stage for the grand finale and sing "I'm proud to be an American" at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Oct. 21, 2010. Each year thousands audition and compete in base talent contests in hopes of becoming a part of Tops In Blue. The result is an elite group composed of 35 of the most talented vocalists, musicians and dancers that the Air Force has to offer. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)
Entertainers from Tops In Blue put on a show stopping performance of Michael Jackson's song, "Thriller" at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Oct. 21, 2010. Tops In Blue began in 1953 and have performed with celebrities such as Ed Sullivan, Bob Hope, Boyz II Men and many others. Since 1996, their mission has led them through hostile environments and locations so that they may perform for our nations joint military services and raise morale. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)
Tech. Sgt. Lesley Hunter sits on a brightly lit stage as she sings during a Tops In Blue performance at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Oct. 21, 2010. Before each performance, the Airmen of Tops In Blue unload and set up more than 80,000 pounds of equipment and use more than two miles of cable to power their electric performances. The stage is set up to feature special effects lighting that is equivalent to 556 lights. Sergeant Hunter is a vocalist with Tops In Blue. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)
Tops In Blue entertainers perform a high energy song and dance routine during a show at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Oct. 21, 2010. During the past 55 years, Tops In Blue has performed more than 7,000 shows and featured more than 1,700 Airmen in the Air Force's premier entertainment showcase. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)
Entertainers from Tops In Blue perform a Ray Charles impersonation at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Oct. 21, 2010. The performance was one of many impersonations, others included Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga and Beyonce. Since the beginning of Tops In Blue in 1953, the cast has performed at six world fairs and more than 100 festivals. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)
Tops In Blue entertainers line the stage during a performance at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Oct. 21, 2010. The members of Tops In Blue must complete a highly accelerated educational process to prepare them to succeed as world class entertainers during their nine month tour. Some of the performers' responsibilities include setting up the stage, lighting, audio and special effects equipment. They must learn to work as a self-contained operational unit that can manage their own lodging, transportation, dining and wardrobe. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)
The Tops In Blue band performs during a show at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Oct. 21, 2010. The band portion of Tops In Blue consists of 10 members who have been selected from hundreds of Air Force applicants. In the past decade, Tops In Blue was among the first entertainment groups to travel into Afghanistan, Uzebikstan, Pakistan, Qatar and Kyrgyzstan to raise the morale of the troops. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)
The men of Tops In Blue serenade the audience during a performance at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Oct. 21, 2010. Tops In Blue has performed for audiences of thousands of people, such as the Daytona 500. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)
Entertainers from the Air Force's performing arts group, Tops In Blue, perform a rendition of "Pokerface" by Lady Gaga at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Oct. 21, 2010. Throughout the years Tops In Blue has performed for heads of state, dignitaries throughout the world and for the Super Bowl XIX half time show. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)
Staff Sgt. Harron Elloso is led off stage by Tech. Sgt. Katie Badowski after a Lady Gaga impersonation performance during the Tops In Blue show at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Oct. 21, 2010. Major Al Reilly created the Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest in 1953 to recognize talented Airmen in various categories ranging from comedy, drama, vocals and musical instruments. During the first year, Tops In Blue performed 230 shows in 235 days. The same breakneck pace continues today. Sergeant Elloso and Sergeant Badowski are both vocalists with Tops In Blue. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)
The women of Tops In Blue serenade the audience during a performance at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Oct. 21, 2010. Tops In Blue has performed for audiences of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)