'America's Got Talent' season 14: Golden buzzer winner Kodi Lee on his musical aspirations and his family's pride in his achievement

Golden buzzer winner Kodi Lee spoke to MEA Worldwide as he recalled his audition performance and shared what his family had to say about it
PUBLISHED JUN 11, 2019

'America's Got Talent' season 14 has been serving us with some really good talent, and we can't help but get hooked to the series. With just two episodes in, the competition has already left us with many favorite performances to choose from. 

From magicians, singers, dancers, comedians, and many more the series has us entertained thoroughly. We even got to witness two well-deserved golden buzzers; the first was Kodi Lee, a 22-year-old autistic and blind singer and pianist and the second was singer Joseph Allen. 

It was Lee's rousing performance that made an impact first. His performance of Leon Russell’s “A Song for You” brought judges Julianne Hough and Gabrielle Union to tears. He also received a standing ovation from all four judges and the audience. It was a really inspiring performance that left everyone emotional. 

America's Got Talent  -- "Auditions 1" Episode 1401 -- Pictured: Kodi Lee (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

MEA WorldWide (MEAWW) caught up with the golden buzzer winner for an interview and Lee excitedly recalled one of the best moments in his life. He also talked about his family's role in helping him get to the stage and revealed who he considers his inspiration.

Lee's biggest supporters and fans are his mom and family. They have supported him through the entire journey. Talking about what they have to say about his audition and the amazing reaction he received from the judges and audience, Lee said, "My mom, dad, brother and sister are so proud of me for finally seeing my dreams come true. They've always known how special I was, but to see the world embrace with such kind, open, welcoming arms really makes them so happy. They are so excited to finally see me show the world what I can do. The judges' reaction and the audience reaction brought them to tears because so much hard work was finally be recognized." 

His dream is to become a rockstar and perform in front of a major audience while touring. Revealing who he would like to perform on the stage with, Lee said, "Oh there are so many artists I would love to sing with. Stevie Wonder, Ed Sheeran, Lionel Ritchie, Elton John, Billy Joel, I mean I can keep going but I would be so excited for any professional musician to share the stage with me!" 

America's Got Talent-- "Auditions 1" Episode 1401 -- Pictured: Kodi Lee (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)

We asked Lee who are his inspirations when it comes to singing and playing the piano. He said, "Honestly I love ALL music and ALL music has influenced me in one way or another. Some artists that I really respect are Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Ray Charles because of everything they overcame to be shining stars to the music world. Plus, there are too many artists to count that I am inspired by every day." 

Lee was the first contestant to receive a golden buzzer from Union, and now he advances straight to the live shows. Talking about his preparations and his excitement, Lee said, "I am super excited to be back on the stage to rock out for the world again. I work very hard every day so preparing is just a normal day for me. I and the AGT team are working hard to shock the world once again." 

'America's Got Talent' season 14 airs every Tuesday night on NBC. Check your local listings for more information. 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Timothy McGee was initially reluctant to step up following Gibbs' exit in Season 19, but then eventually changed his mind.
5 hours ago
The streamer dropped a behind-the-scenes featurette ahead of the new installment of 'Avatar: The Last Airbender,' to announce the release date.
5 hours ago
Two-time NBA star Lamar Odom opens up on his drug-related struggles, battles with addiction, and the subsequent price that he had to pay.
7 hours ago
Played by Kelsey Asbille, the character was not going to be part of the Luke Grimes-led 'Yellowstone' spinoff.
7 hours ago
'Reacher' fans share their reactions to a struggling Alan Ritchson's 2004 'American Idol' audition, as he received praise from Paula Abdul.
9 hours ago
'Paradise' Season 2 ended with an explosive finale, setting the tone for Season 3, which is confirmed to be the final installment.
10 hours ago
Episode 7 of 'Paradise' Season 2 has left people wondering about the fate of Jane Driscoll and what will happen next.
10 hours ago
Eric Dane's character, Cal Jacobs, appears alongside Jules Vaughn in the recently released preview of 'Euphoria' Season 3.
12 hours ago
The series will see Xavier and other survivors make their way to the second bunker hidden underneath the Denver International Airport in Season 3
16 hours ago
The upcoming series will chronicle Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and is based on Julie K. Brown's book, 'Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story'
17 hours ago