Blind and autistic singer moves judges to tears in ‘most emotional’ performance

Blind and autistic singer Kodi Lee has left judges and viewers across the world wiping away tears in what has been labelled the “most emotional” performance on America’s Got Talent.

His original audition for the talent show created a buzz with judges Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union and Julianne Hough all struggling to contain their emotions after hearing his incredible vocals ring out throughout the crowd but the 22-year-old has proved he truly has it in him to become a star delivering yet another amazing performance.

The young singer returned to the stage this week in one of his final performances before the grand final where he delivered a heartbreaking rendition of Freya Ridings’ ‘Lost Without You’. And it’s fair to say he cemented himself as a front runner in the competition receiving a rousing applause and standing ovation from the crowd.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bwK05Oja2c

With just his voice and the piano echoing throughout the room, Kodi got the tears flowing with not one of the judges turning away for a second to miss the incredible performance. The audience remained silent for the majority of the song before erupting into a rousing applause for the young star.

Delighted at the response received Kodi sported a huge smile on his face as he clapped along with the others in celebration. The judges were equally impressed with Cowell describing it as: “One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard.” Before adding: “That was as good as I’ve ever heard.”

It wasn’t just those at the show that were in awe of Kodi with people across the globe sharing their thoughts online moments after it was streamed across screens. “What a phenomenal performance!” one person wrote on YouTube. “If you are going through any tough times, Kodi is your therapy!”

While another added: “Whether he wins or loses, he’s made such a difference for so many people, which is a win in my eyes.” And a third said: “This performance was amazing. It brought tears to my eyes. Kodi is absolutely breathtaking. He blows me away every time he opens his mouth. Good luck Kodi! You deserve to win!”

Speaking to People recently, Kodi’s mum Tina explained how much the experience on AGT has changed her son’s life and that it truly has given him a boost in confidence. “He’s always had this boost of energy,” she told the publication.

“I think what he’s receiving in return is what he’s been looking for. He’s always had this talent, this raw, pure talent, that he’s been wanting to how to the world.” Each time Kodi has stepped onto the AGT stage he has wowed judges with one of his previous performances of Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ receiving a flurry of pleasing comments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8c0yFBfqoE

Gabrielle was even spotted wiping tears away from her eyes following the moving performance. She told the singer: “Kodi, you’ve changed the world and you keep changing the world.

“Who you are and what you stand for and what you continue to do makes the world so much more of a better, beautiful place and we have to stop putting limits on our children. We have to keep believing in each other.”

While Simon said: “You continually amaze me and it made me realise when I watched that clip [original audition] we are nothing without people like you.” Adding:  “Furthermore, we are nothing without our audience who so generously share your clips so other people around the world can share your talent. You are genuinely one of the most extraordinary people and talents we’ve had the great fortune to have on any show we’ve ever made.”

Kodi thanked his fans for all their support and said that he loved them all, while fans flooded social media with further admiration for the singer. One person on YouTube wrote: “He is so special a true angel. I could listen to him sing all day. Such a gift he is to this world.”