Kodi Lee is a singer and pianist from Season 14 of America's Got Talent. He was the winner of the competition, claiming the $1,000,000 prize and the headlining of a show in Las Vegas. He returned for America's Got Talent: All-Stars where he finished in the Bottom 6 of the Top 11. He returned again for America's Got Talent: Fantasy League, competing on Simon Cowell's team, however he was stolen by Howie Mandel in the Semifinals after pushing the Golden Buzzer for him. He finished in the Bottom 5 of the Top 10.
Background[]
Kodi Lee is a 22-year old blind and autistic musical prodigious savant. He is one of only approximately 25 in the world today who possess his extraordinary abilities. Kodi's amazing gift lies within his musical expression, perfect pitch, and passion for all forms of music. Kodi has an audio photographic memory, in which he can recall music he hears after just one listen. An unbelievable gift in itself, but his musical expression and prowess top even that.
He has been performing his singing and piano expertise all across the globe for many years. He currently performs locally at a variety of venues including local restaurants, wineries, and music events all around town. Recently he was invited to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City. His musical repertoire ranges from rock to jazz, to R & B, and pop. Plus his mastery of the classics such as Bach, Chopin, Mozart and the list goes on. He literally has a library of songs in his mind that would rival any jukebox. But he doesn’t stop there. He recently has picked up tap dancing and he continues to amaze with his musical expression through dance and vocalization.
Kodi’s story, his inspirational determination, and indomitable spirit to overcome all obstacles have been featured in Orange County Register, LA Times, numerous broadcast television features and documentaries. He also shares his gift to help bring awareness to autism and many other charitable organizations.
Born with optic nerve hypoplasia, surviving a life-saving surgery at 5 days old, and being diagnosed with autism at an early age has never stopped Kodi from reaching for his dreams. Kodi continues to pursue his musical career and his dream is to be a “rock star” performing for thousands of fans. Any opportunity Kodi has to perform is a good day for him, and the bigger more energetic the audience, the more he loves to shine. [1]
Audition[]
Kodi Lee's audition in Episode 1401 consisted of singing Donny Hathaway’s "A Song For You" while playing the piano. Moved by the performance, Gabrielle Union pressed her Golden Buzzer, sending Kodi straight to the Quarterfinals.
Quarterfinals[]
Kodi Lee's Quarterfinals performance in Episode 1411 consisted of singing Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge over Troubled Water" while playing the piano. Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough, and Simon Cowell all gave him standing ovations. Kodi received enough votes to advance to the Semifinals in Episode 1412 along with Voices of Service.
Semifinals[]
Kodi Lee's Semfinals performance in Episode 1417 consisted of singing Calum Scott's "You Are the Reason" while playing the piano. Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough, Simon Cowell and guest judge Sean Hayes all gave him standing ovations. Kodi received enough votes to advance to the Finals in Episode 1418 instead of Greg Morton.
Finals[]
Kodi Lee's Finals performance in Episode 1421 consisted of singing Freya Ridings' "Lost Without You" while playing the piano. Howie Mandel, Gabrielle Union, Julianne Hough and Simon Cowell all gave him standing ovations.
Finale[]
For the finale in Episode 1422, Kodi sang "You Are the Reason" with Leona Lewis. He received enough votes to advance to the Top 5 instead of Light Balance Kids. Kodi was announced as the winner of Season 14, ahead of Detroit Youth Choir, Ryan Niemiller, V.Unbeatable and Voices of Service, winning $1 million and the headlining of a show in Las Vegas.
All-Stars Preliminary[]
Kodi Lee's Preliminary performance in Episode AS06 consisted of singing Calum Scott's "Biblical" while playing the piano. Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell all gave him standing ovations. He received enough votes from the Superfans to enter the Top 3 of the night. He received more votes than Brandon Leake and Josh Blue, advancing to the Final.
All-Stars Final[]
Kodi Lee's Finals performance in Episode AS07 consisted of singing a stripped-down version of David Bowie's "Heroes" while playing the piano. Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell all gave him standing ovations.
All-Stars Final[]
In the Episode AS08 finale, Kodi collaborated with Light Balance Kids performing Avicii's "Wake Me Up". He did not receive enough votes from the Superfans to enter the Top 5, eliminating him from the competition along with Tom Ball instead of Ana Maria Mărgean.
After The Show[]
Kodi returned as a guest performer in Episode TC207 of America's Got Talent: The Champions singing Harry Styles' "Sign of the Times". He then returned in Episode 1510 performing FINNEAS' "Break My Heart Again", and also returned in Episode 1612 performing a duet of "Hold On" with H.E.R as well as Episode 1715.
Fantasy League Nominations[]
Kodi Lee was nominated as one of the top 40 acts, sending him through to the Draft Pool.
Fantasy League Draft Pool[]
Kodi was drafted onto Simon Cowell's team.
Fantasy League Preliminary[]
Kodi Lee's Preliminary performance in Episode FL01 consisted of singing his original song “Change” while playing the piano accompanied by a backing group. Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Mel B and Simon Cowell all gave him standing ovations. He received enough votes to advance to the Semifinals.
Fantasy League Semifinals[]
Kodi Lee's Semifinal performance in Episode FL05 consisted of singing his original song "Journey of You and I" while playing the piano, written for his mother. Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Mel B and Simon Cowell all gave him standing ovations. Moved by his performance, Howie used his Golden Buzzer to steal him from Simon's team, sending him to the Final on his team.
Fantasy League Final[]
Kodi Lee’s Finals performance in Episode FL07 consisted of singing Queens “Bohemian Rhapsody” while playing the piano. Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Mel B and Simon Cowell all gave him standing ovations.
Fantasy League Finale[]
In the Episode FL08 finale, Kodi performed "Until I Found You" with Stephen Sanchez. He did not receive enough votes to enter the Top 5, eliminating him from the competition instead of SAINTED Trap Choir.
Trivia[]
- Kodi is the first blind contestant to reach the finals on AGT, and is the first known contestant with autism to reach the finals.
- Kodi is the first male singer to win since Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. in Season 6. He is also the second winner of Asian descent in a row, as well as the third of all time, behind Kenichi Ebina and Shin Lim.
- Kodi is good friends with Season 13 Golden Buzzer act Makayla Phillips [2], and they have also performed together in the past.
- Kodi was the only solo singing act to make it to the Top 5.
- During the Semifinals, he sang 'You Are The Reason' in 'A major' meanwhile during his finale with Leona Lewis, he sang in 'Bb major' (the original key of the song).
- Kodi is the fourth Golden Buzzer act to win.
- Kodi is the sixth act to receive the Golden Buzzer twice on AGT, following Angelica Hale, V.Unbeatable, Light Balance Kids, Detroit Youth Choir, and Sofie Dossi.
External Links[]
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