KODI Lee wowed America’s Got Talent judges on season 14 with his rendition of Donny Hathaway’s A Song For You.
The blind and autistic 26-year-old singer returned to NBC in January 2023 in hopes of winning his second title on America's Got Talent: All-Stars.
Who is Kodi Lee on America's Got Talent: All-Stars?
Kodi Lee is a former America's Got Talent winner - previously taking home the season 14 prize.
The young star was born in Temecula, California, on July 7, 1996.
Lee was born with optic nerve hypoplasia and was diagnosed with autism and Addison's disease at an early age.
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Despite both his diagnoses - and the fact that he has no vision in either of his eyes - Kodi hasn’t let much stop him from reaching his true potential.
The Korean-American previously said that any day he gets to grace the stage and perform ultimately makes it a great day for him.
His mother, Tina, had told the judges that being a singer has always been Kodi’s lifelong dream.
“We found that he loved music really early on,” she said. “He listened and his eyes just went huge. He started singing, and I was in tears… that's when I realized, 'He's an entertainer.’”
When did Kodi Lee participate in America's Got Talent?
Following his incredible 2019 performance of Donny Hathaway’s song, Lee was greeted by a standing ovation from all four judges at the time - Julianne Hough, Gabrielle Union, Howie Mandell, and Simon Cowell.
“I know everybody needs a voice and an expression," Hough, who rose to fame on Dancing With the Stars, said after Lee's audition. "Your passion and your voice blew all of us away. I just want to say I heard you, and I felt you, and that was beautiful."
Nobody, however, seemed as moved as Gabrielle. The Hollywood actress shared how touched she was by Lee's story and his determination to not allow his struggles to get in the way of his true passion.
She 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."
Gabrielle’s comments were followed by the award-winning star hitting the golden buzzer - ultimately sending Lee straight to the season 14 Hollywood live show.
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During AGT's finale on September 18, 2019, Lee sang Calum Scott's, You Are the Reason, with special guest, Leona Lewis.
His victory marked the first disabled person to win the show.
When is the America's Got Talent: All-Stars finale?
On All-Star's February 20th episode, Lee secured the 11th and last spot in the series finale by performing a cover of David Bowie's 1977 track, Heroes.
Following his performance, Mandel complimented Lee by saying: "The lyric is, 'We can be heroes just for one day.' And Kodi, you're a hero everyday. You really are."
America's Got Talent: All-Stars finale premieres on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 8/7c on NBC.
It can also be streamed via Peacock the next day.
