Why People Are Still Talking About Kodi Lee's AGT Audition
In 2019, Kodi Lee auditioned for a show he knew he was going to win. The singer and musician came up on stage with his mother Tina who introduced her son to the panel of judges: "Kodi is blind and autistic. We found out that he loved music really early on; he listened and his just eyes went huge... that's when I realized oh my gosh, he's an entertainer." Kodi then gave the viewers and judges of "America's Got Talent" an astoundingly memorable rendition of Donny Hathaway's "A Song for You."
After getting the Golden Buzzer from Gabrielle Union, the singer and pianist went on to win the finale — walking away with $1 million and a record deal with Simon Cowell. His mother told People, "Oh my God, it's surreal. I'm still like, 'Did this really happen?' And Kodi, of course, he said, 'Oh, I knew I was going to be the winner... it felt magical. Being there was like a dream. It felt like a dream coming true to actually be standing there."
Although it's been two years since his win, fans always come back to his audition video. Currently, Kodi's audition has over 34 million views and a recent comment proves that it lives in our minds rent-free, "It doesn't matter how many times I watch this, I will always cry."
Simon Cowell will remember Kodi Lee's audition 'for the rest of [my] life'
The sentiment was true of the judges as well. Simon Cowell said of Kodi Lee's incredible audition (via NBC News), "What just happened there was really extraordinary... I'm going to remember this moment for the rest of my life." Gabrielle Union also explained why she gave Kodi a standing ovation and the Golden Buzzer. "I wanted a performer that was going to change the world," she explained in an "AGT" video. " ... I believe Kodi was that act."
Since winning the 14th season of "America's Got Talent," Kodi Lee's been proving to the world that his disabilities aren't hindering him from doing what he loves. He's been performing around local shows that are selling out, per Heavy. and even made an appearance back on the talent show for an unforgettable duet with H.E.R. — fans even described it as "Grammy-worthy." His consistently brilliant shows and persistence have earned him all the adoration he deserves and his audition is a reminder of his beginnings in show business. "I'm going to keep performing for everybody," he told NBC. "I like to make people happy." If you've ever watched him on stage, you'd know we're fortunate.