A brave burns survivor was deemed the “champion of life” after performing a beautiful and tear-jerking song on hit television show America’s Got Talent this week.
Kechi warmed hearts around the globe and showcased the true meaning of strength as she stepped onto the stage to sing an emotional rendition of ‘You Are The Reason’ by Callum Scott.
The 28-year-old impressed the crowd and judges with not only her stunning voice, but her courage to battle on with life after surviving a terrible plane crash that claimed the lives of 107 of the 109 people on board.
At just 16 years old Kechi’s life was turned upside down when the plane she was travelling in plummeted to the ground, killing 59 of her fellow school mates. She suffered third degree burns to 65 per cent of her body and was given only a 30 per cent chance of survival. But she fought through, using music as her comfort.
“I feel like I owe it to the kids that lost their lives in the accident to live in exemplary ways that would make those who we lost proud if they were here,” she said before stepping on the stage.
“That’s why I am here on America’s Got Talent Champions. This is my chance to follow my dream and I know what it means to be here right now. This is my chance to prove that I am a champion.”
Now 12 years later she has been hailed a real champion, for fighting day by day and not giving up her hopes and dreams of becoming a singer.
This week, Kechi brought the crowd to their feet in an emotional performance that earned her the “golden buzzer” – the ultimate recognition for a fantastic performance.
From the moment she walked out the crowd were already cheering, waiting with anticipation to hear her incredible voice, having heard her perform on a previous series of the show.
All eyes were fixed on Kechi as she sang, the crowd waving lights from side to side. Others, including the judges, struggled to hold back tears, clearly overcome with emotion.
Once finished, the crowd and judges got to their feet, giving her a roaring applause, before the judges shared their thoughts on the performance and decided whether she should move forward to the next round.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEq0vuqXDco
While comedian Howie Mandel labelled her a “champion of life” and Mel B commented how much Kechi’s singing had improved, it was Simon Cowell’s reflection of the performance that really got the tears flowing.
“I think it was in this very theatre that we met you for the first time and I remember you being very shy,” he began. “But based on what we’ve seen tonight, I’m going to be honest with you, I didn’t really like it that much.”
There was silence in the room before the emotional judge pressed the special golden buzzer and added: “I actually loved it!”
This sent the crowd into hysterics, as lights flashed and gold-coloured confetti fell from the roof, covering a very emotional Kechi who stood centre stage trying to take in the joyous and obviously emotional moment.
“I have always wanted to do that for you, you so deserve it,” Cowell said as he gave Kechi a big hug.
“This is what defines the word champion. My one regret is that I never got the chance to give her the golden buzzer, you want to know what a champion is, this is a champion.”
Backstage, Kechi tried to come to terms with what had happened, gobsmacked that she was through to the finals.
“Oh my God, I’m so happy, I thought I was going home, I was so sure,” she said.