Steve Harvey “throws in the towel” to the 5-year-old who claims to be the world’s best drummer

In the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, a unique institution has been transforming the lives of young people through the power of percussion since 2011. The Atlanta Drum Academy was founded with a clear and noble purpose: to provide children with a constructive, creative outlet that keeps them off the streets and focused on a craft that demands discipline, teamwork, and passion.

On a high-energy episode of Little Big Shots, host Steve Harvey introduced the world to this extraordinary group of drummers, whose journey from local practice rooms to the Hollywood stage represented the culmination of years of hard work.

For many of these children, the trip to Los Angeles was a series of firsts—their first time on an airplane and their first time in California. But as their instructors noted, every moment of practice leading up to this point was a preparation for this specific spotlight. They didn’t just come to perform; they came to “rock the house.”

While the entire academy brought immense talent to the stage, it was five-year-old Evan who immediately stole the show. Standing alongside ten-year-olds Chase and Darius, Evan possessed a level of self-assurance that left Steve Harvey—and the audience—in stitches. When Harvey asked Evan just how good of a drummer he was, the boy didn’t hesitate for a second: “I’m the best drummer in the world,” he declared with a straight face.

Evan’s role in the group was to play the “mini drums,” but he made it very clear that his ambitions were much larger. He had his eyes set on the snare drum, the central and most prominent piece of any drum line. Harvey, in his signature comedic style, had to give the five-year-old a reality check regarding the physical demands of the instrument. “You got to build up to that though, cuz see you five,” Harvey joked. “This drum is holding you down! You got to get a little more weight on you because right now you don’t weigh but 12 pounds.”

Despite the gentle ribbing, Harvey offered Evan some sage professional advice. He recounted his own humble beginnings in comedy, making only $25 a night, to remind Evan that everyone starts somewhere. “You’re in the group. You’re on your way. You’re successful,” Harvey encouraged.

The segment took a hilarious turn when Steve Harvey decided to try his hand at being a part of the Atlanta Drum Academy. Strapping on a harness and picking up a pair of drumsticks, Harvey attempted to follow the lead of the young professionals. However, the five-year-old Evan proved to be a tough critic.

As Harvey tried to keep a beat, Evan watched him with a look of pure skepticism. When Harvey asked how he did, Evan’s silent but expressive face said it all. Harvey laughed off the “hatred” from his young mentor, eventually deciding to step aside and let the real expert show the world how it’s done. “I’mma give you your shot on TV,” Harvey said, clearing the stage for Evan’s solo.

The performance itself was a masterclass in precision, choreography, and raw energy. The Atlanta Drum Academy isn’t just about playing drums; it’s about the visual spectacle of a synchronized drum line. The children moved in perfect unison, their sticks blurring in the air as they executed complex rudiments and “stick tricks” with flawless timing.

The sound was thunderous, a rhythmic wall of sound that echoed through the studio. The sheer joy on the faces of the children—especially Evan, who finally got to show off his skills without the weight of the harness—was palpable. They spelled out “A-T-L-A-N-T-A” through their beats, a proud tribute to their home city and the community that raised them.

Evan’s solo was a particular highlight. Despite his small stature, his sense of rhythm was impeccable. He attacked the drums with a ferocity and technical skill that far exceeded his five years. By the time he finished, he was beaming with a smile that Harvey noted was his brightest of the evening.

As the performance concluded, Steve Harvey was visibly “blown away.” He recognized that what the audience just witnessed was more than just a musical act; it was a demonstration of what happens when young people are given a platform and the tools to succeed.

“Let me tell you something,” Harvey said, addressing Evan directly. “You showed up at a critical moment. One day, you’re going to be on that snare.” He acknowledged that the weight of the professional drums might be too much for a 12-pound five-year-old right now, but the talent and the “weight” of Evan’s character were already there.

The Atlanta Drum Academy’s appearance on Little Big Shots served as a powerful reminder of the importance of arts education in urban communities. These children aren’t just learning to play an instrument; they are learning that they are capable of greatness on a global scale.

Click the video below to watch the Atlanta Drum Academy rock the house