Kodi is blind and has autism. He was 22 years old, and he told the judges he was going to sing a song for them on the piano.
Before he started, Tina explained what music has meant to their family. “We found out that he loved music really early on,” she said. “Through music and performing, he was able to withstand living in this world. Because when you’re autistic, it’s really hard to do what everyone else does. It actually has saved his life, playing music.”
Then Kodi sat down at the piano and began to sing “A Song for You.”
His voice is rich and full of feeling, and his playing is just as strong. It doesn’t take long to see the effect he has on the room.
When he finishes, the whole room jumps to its feet. Judge Julianne Hough is crying. Howie Mandel tells him, “I heard you, I felt you and it was beautiful.” Simon Cowell calls the performance “extraordinary.”
Then Gabrielle Union saves the best for last. She slams down on the Golden Buzzer, the first one of the season, sending Kodi straight through to the live shows.
The story has an even happier ending. A few months later, Kodi Lee went on to win the whole season.
It is a reminder that every person has a gift inside them, and sometimes all it takes is someone who believes in them to help it shine.
Did this one bring a tear to your eye? Share it with someone who needs a little hope today.
