logo

Blind Singer with Touching Story Left 'American Idol' Judge in Tears after Her Powerful Audition

Jaimie-lee Prince
Mar 07, 2019
08:07 P.M.

The performance of a blind singer on "American Idol" was so touching that judge Lionel Richie was brought to tears. He even stood up and did something special at the end of it.

Advertisement

As Shayy Winn took the small stage on Wednesday night, nobody anticipated the sound that was about to come out of her. The Virginia teenager sang "Rise Up," by Andra Day.

Before that, 17-year-old Winn described her journey from having sight to going blind. It happened just one year ago and at the time Winn wondered, why her?

Shayy Winn performing for American Idol on February 6, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images

Shayy Winn performing for American Idol on February 6, 2019 | Photo: Getty Images

She said:

"A year ago I started complaining to my mother about not being able to see the whiteboard. I said, 'Oh man, I gotta get glasses now.'"

But it was much worse than Winn thought. When she went to get checked out, the doctor told her, "you have to go to the ER now."

Advertisement

She continued:

"I got dragged to my MRI and that's where they found that I had a tumor in my brain."

Doctors did their best, but eventually, Winn was declared legally blind. Her classmates dealt with her new situation horribly and bullied her.

She explained:

"The kids were, like, so cruel. They'd call me names. They would kick my cane, they would push me. I asked my mom at one point like, 'why did that happen to me?'"

Advertisement

Thankfully, Winn had a support group in her family and newfound friends. The optimistic girl said she "was making the best of what [she'd] been dealt."

On Wednesday night, she also did the best she could with her vocal abilities. All three judges including Katy Perry and Luke Bryan were shaken. Lionel Richie was especially moved, with tears clearly seen in his eyes.

When Winn finished singing, Richie told her: "You have wrecked me. I am just telling you." Then went up to the courageous teen and gave her a warm hug.

Advertisement

Bryan added his comments by saying, "We cannot teach letting the music flow straight from the soul, and that's what you did."

In a more serious judgment, Richie described Winn's performance:

"You're a lesson to us all. You deliver your spirit and you've touched me. Katy and I, we don't cry together... we are in love with you."

Of course, Winn was sent through to the next round in Hollywood. Perry assured her that she had "earned this one hundred percent [and was] meant to be here."

Another performer who stole the hearts of the judges earlier this week was Alejandro Aranda. Not only could the 24-year-old sing, but he also played two instruments during his audition.

A flawless vocal show of an original song named "Out Loud" was accompanied by professional playing on the guitar. Yet it didn't end there. Richie made a special request to the talented young man.

Advertisement

He asked Aranda to play something else on the piano. With some hesitation, because he hadn't played "in a minute," Aranda again displayed his abilities and blew the judges away.

Wednesday night's show reminds us of another time a former "American Idol" judge cried on the show. Back in October 2018, Steven Tyler visited to celebrate his 64th birthday.

The hosts gave him a show featuring a surprise appearance from bandmate Joe Perry. As Tyler looked on with tears in his eyes, Perry played a rock version of "Happy Birthday" for him on the guitar.

Advertisement

Co-host Jennifer Lopez gave Tyler a hug to get through the emotional occasion. Tyler's daughters Liv and Chelsea, his son Taj and his grandson Milo were in the crowd cheering on.

"American Idol" is certainly a show that has made and continues to make amazing memories for stars and soon-to-be stars alike. We hope that Winn is successful as she continues her journey on the show.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

How Simon Cowell, Who Barely Recognized Himself Once, Would Look Today If He Never Used Fillers

December 12, 2023

Katy Perry & Orlando Bloom’s Blonde Daughter Appeared in Public for the First Time: ‘So Cute’

November 06, 2023

Lisa Kudrow Breaks Silence on Losing Matthew Perry Who Crushed on Her & Drove Her to Tears Laughing

November 16, 2023

Rich Little Girl Cries & Refuses to Return Home After Kindergarten until Teacher Checks Her Home — Story of the Day

February 16, 2024

Sarah Hardwick Addington Was Ari Emanuel's First Wife of over 20 Years

October 31, 2023

Bride's Dad Meets Groom's Sister and Recognizes His Daughter's Real Mom — Story of the Day

February 14, 2024

Grandpa, 94, Grows a Garden of Special Flowers for His Granddaughter's Wedding for around 40 Years – People Are Amazed

January 21, 2024

People Ignore Single Mom-Of-Four Stranded with Her Kids, Elderly Man Knocks Her Car Window

February 07, 2024

Sofia Richie Cradles Her Baby Bump in Green Overalls in First Public Appearance after Pregnancy News

February 01, 2024

Sofia Richie Cradles Her Baby Bump in Green Overalls in First Public Appearance after Pregnancy News

January 31, 2024

'I Feel Relief That You Are at Peace': Matthew Perry’s Ex-fiancée Shares Her Painful Tribute Following His Death

October 31, 2023

Matthew Perry Died on Ex Julia Roberts’ 56th Birthday – He Felt like ‘The Luckiest Man’ Being with Her

October 31, 2023

Millionaire Mocks Poor Woman with 3 Kids on Business Class Flight until Pilot Interrupts Him — Story of the Day

February 06, 2024

‘This Is Absolutely Heartbreaking’: Matt LeBlanc’s Farewell Message for Matthew Perry Leaves Fans in Tears

November 15, 2023