Blind And Autistic Pianist Gets First Golden Buzzer On America's Got Talent

Viewers across America were left stunned as talented autistic and blind musician shocked audiences, and received the first golden buzzer of the season - and what a tear-jerker it was.

On the opening night of America's Got Talent 14th season, Kodi Lee gave an unreal performance of 'A Song For You', with the 22-year-old leaving the judges and audience in tears after his soulful rendition.

Before his performance, he can be seen guiding himself on stage, arm-in-arm with his mum, who leads him to face the judges. The studio was already on his side - with him telling new judge Gabrielle Union: "I'm going to sing a song for you on the piano."

Speaking to the audience and judges, mother Tina said: "We found out that he loved music really early on.

"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."

She then asked him: "This is your time, OK? You ready?"

He responded: "Yeah!" - making his way to the piano.

He launched into the track, giving an incredible performance, and was met with cheers from the whole room.

NBC

Judge Howie Mandel said: "Not only do we feel the authenticity of what you do but you're a great inspiration and a great talent. It was amazing."

"Your voice blew us all away," Julianne Hough added. "I heard you, I felt you and it was beautiful."

Simon Cowell's verdict was just as complimentary. He said: "What just happened there was extraordinary.

"Your voice is absolutely fantastic, you have a really beautiful tone. Thank you so much for trusting us on this show. I'm going to remember this moment for the rest of my life."

Speaking to Kodi's mum, Tina, Gabrielle Union, an American actress, activist, and author, said: "I'm a new judge this season and I'm also a new mom this year.

"It's the toughest job I've ever had and the most rewarding job I've ever had. You just want to give your kids the moon, the stars and the rainbows. And tonight I'm gonna give you something special."

Then she gave Kodi that first golden buzzer, meaning he skips the rest of the process and will go straight to the live shows.

Well deserved, Kodi, what a talent.

Topics: TV and Film, US News

Amelia Ward

Amelia is a journalist at LADbible. After studying journalism at Liverpool John Moores and Salford Uni (don't ask), she went into PR and then the world of music. After a few years working on festivals and events, she went back to her roots. In her spare time, Amelia likes music, Liverpool FC, and spending good, quality time with her cat, Paul. You can contact Amelia at [email protected].

@amelialadbible