EXCLUSIVE | America’s Got Talent’s Kenadi Dodds grateful to Paralympian dad for leaving his dream to focus on her
'America’s Got Talent' Season 15 is in full swing. The current season has seen a variety of artists exhibiting their talent on the global stage. From vocalists to dancers, from comedians to gymnasts, Season 15 saw it all. A few lucky ones have now been safely moved to the semifinals and it won’t be long before we see someone’s dream coming true on this stage.
One of the artists, who stood out from the crowd and is now in the semifinals, is the 15-year-old singer-songwriter and pianist Kenadi Dodds. The talented teenager got introduced to music through Shania Twain when she was only a 9-year-old while attending her life’s first music concert.
To know more about her dreams, hopes, and aspirations, MEA WorldWide (MEAWW) spoke to Kenadi in an exclusive interview. We asked about how her father has inspired her since and how much he contributed to her journey. Her dad, Chris Dodds had been part of the Paralympic Games with USA Men's Goalball and was a 2004 bronze medalist. Kenadi said, “My father has always been there like a strong pillar. He even left his dream to focus on mine. And, I will always be grateful for his sacrifice. He has been with me through all the ups and downs, and I am glad I have someone with whom I can share my journey.”
Kenadi has been the crowd favorite and judges adore her. She displayed her immaculate skills with singing and on the piano and as mentioned earlier this has allowed her to move to the semifinals safely. When asked how she chose country music and if there are any other genres she likes, she stated, “Country music is something I could always connect to. It is a very difficult genre to pursue, but since this is my passion, country music is something I would want to do all my life. My dream is to sit and perform with stalwarts like Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood."
Responding to the second part of the question, Kenadi asserted, “Even though country music is my all-time favorite, I do listen to alternative rock, soft rock and rock.”
The 15-year-old performed her original track on September 1 in the quarterfinals called ‘Dancing Through the Stars’ which she wrote for her little sister Alexis. She mesmerized the judges with her flawless singing and polished piano skills.
Apart from Kenadi, guitar duo Broken Roots and spoken-word poet Brandon Leake got the most votes in the quarterfinals which immediately made them safe for the next round. Celina Graves also made it to the semifinals with her powerful singing. The acrobatic trio Bello Sisters was another act which managed to enter the semifinals.