'AGT: Fantasy League' Finale: Internet questions if Stephen Sanchez sang 'live' during Kodi Lee's Result Show act
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'America's Got Talent' has showcased numerous outstanding artists over the years, but the 'America's Got Talent: Fantasy League' finale featured an unexpected duet that left audiences astonished. In a groundbreaking performance, 1950s-style crooner Stephen Sanchez and musical savant Kodi Lee—'AGT's Season 14 champion and 'Fantasy League' finalist—performed together on stage. However, some fans speculated that Stephen was "lip-syncing."
Together, they performed Stephen's viral hit 'Until I Found You,' originally sung as a duet with Em Beihold. Leveraging their unique talents, the duo delivered a mesmerizing mashup that stands among the finest performances in 'Fantasy League' history.
On Facebook, while fans kept raving about Kodi's performance, most couldn't help but call out the 21 years old, "You could tell Stephen was lip synching." One user snarked, "Was this a live performance?"
On X, one user wrote, "HE RUINED IT GET THIS LOSER OUT OF THERE." A fourth user sighed, "Kodi sounds great as always but sry I have no idea who the other person is?"
Kodi sounds great as always but sry I have no idea who the other person is? #AGT
— Markimoofan123 (@Markimoofan29) February 20, 2024
On Instagram, fans noted, "I never really cared for that song before but hearing Kodi duet with him! I love it!"
Kodi Lee plays 'Until I Found You' alongside Stephen Sanchez on 'AGT'
Don't be deceived by the familiarity of Stephen's viral hit 'Until I Found You,' as it's an original composition from 2021, not a cover from another era. The timeless track garnered over a billion views on TikTok and reached number one on Billboard's Hot Rock & Alternative Song chart. Kodi embraced the classic ambiance of 'Until I Found You,' skillfully playing the piano in a bejeweled white suit.
The dreamy country-pop song gained momentum as Kodi and Stephen harmonized on the second verse, delivering true emotional intensity to the 'Fantasy League' stage. Kodi's penchant for vintage sounds shines through, as he often pays tribute to the late Elvis Presley, crooning classics like 'Blue Christmas' and 'Blue Suede Shoes' with his velvety baritone.
Kodi Lee calls it 'an honor' to perform with Stephen Sanchez on 'AGT'
It's astonishing that this was the first collaboration between the talented duo. When asked by Terry Crews about their experience, Stephen commented, "It was incredible. He’s such a talented performer. I watched him four years ago when he first auditioned, and it’s been amazing to get to do this with him." Kodi's beaming smile conveyed it all. "It was such an honor to be performing with him," he said to Terry before the musicians hugged.
Who is Stephen Sanchez?
The California native rose to fame in a way most teenagers only dream of: by going viral on TikTok. Stephen released songs he created in his high school bedroom and quickly amassed millions of views, ultimately securing a record deal.
He credits his grandparents with sparking his appreciation for Rat Pack-era crooners like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Dean Martin. His debut album, 'Angel Face,' is filled with these iconic sounds.