TikTok stars Gisborne Boys' High choir sing Stand by Me

They're the New Zealand high school choir who broke the internet with their magical rendition of Ben E. King's 'Stand By Me', a performance that won hearts here and around the world.

Supported by the Ministry of Education's Creatives in School fund, the Tūranga Tāne Choral Group from Gisborne Boys High School is open to anyone - as long as they love sweet, sweet harmonies.

"What I love is that they bring joy," choir founder Gill Armstrong told the Education Gazette.

"People love to see and hear them singing in harmony. Families who might not come to the school for any other reason will come to hear our students sing."

The choir got its start in 2006 when Armstrong teamed up with singing coach Andrew Ulugia.

Both saw it as a great opportunity to gather some talented boys from the school into a group that showcases their big hearts and powerful voices.

Today, it comprises 20 members, which includes everyone from Rockquest competitors to kapa haka performers to rugby players.

The pandemic pushed pause on the choir's concert performances, but they're now practicing their songs to get ready for the Tūranga Tāne Choral Group Showcase later this year.

When their rendition of 'Stand by Me' was uploaded to TikTok last week, people went nuts. It's already clocked up more than 800,000 views and earned them an appearance on Australia's Today show.

"It's been pretty weird having people coming up to me, calling me Mr Australian TV and all that," choir member Xavier Henare told The Project. "Just all-around pretty buzzy."

While all the boys are great, lead singer Salem Randall has been garnering high praise. On Three's AM, Kiwi icon Stan Walker told him he had a "mean" voice.

"My family and I have been raving about that for days," Randall told The Project. "My whole family loves Stan Walker and his music."

Despite all the attention, Randall is humble and keen to credit his whānau when people complement his singing.

"My whānau are really musical. My mum and brother have been my most massive inspiration."

And what does he think about all the attention the group has earned in recent days now that their video is climbing closer and closer to one million views?

"It's been amazing. It's just been insane," he said. "I didn't even expect it to get as many views as it has gotten."

Watch the video to hear Tūranga Tāne Choral Group belt out 'Stand by Me' from Tuesday night's The Project.