Lionel Richie Sheds Tears While Listening to Blind 'American Idol' Contestant Sing

Living legend Lionel Richie, who is working as one of the judges of “American Idol,” couldn’t hold the tears back during the audition of one of the contestants.

The person who brought the “Three Times a Lady” singer to tears was Shayla Winn, a 17-year-old girl from Virginia who became legally blind in 2018. As it usually happens with striking auditions, Shayla’s story was told in detail before performing.

In the video, the singer revealed that she started experiencing problems with her sight a year ago. She never thought that the issue was severe and her only fear was to be forced to wear glasses.

HER VISION PROBLEM

Unfortunately, doctors found that she had a tumor in her brain and had to operate so that she wouldn’t go blind. At that point, Shayla noticed that wearing glasses would have been the best scenario.

The lady said that her sight didn’t improve after the surgery. For her, the worst part came when she went back to school as she experienced bullying. Thankfully, her friends and family members have been very supportive during the process.

After the video introduction, it was time for Shayla to sing. A person walked her to where Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan were, and she told them her story.

HER PRESENTATION

Then, the girl started singing Andra Day’s “Rise Up,” and her voice captivated the judges. The one who got more emotional, though, was Lionel as he started crying as soon as he heard the first notes of the piano.

When Shayla finished her presentation, the man told her, “you have wrecked me. You’re a lesson to us all. It’s the power of the spirit, and you’re the reminder just how blessed we are. I’m so in love with you.” Lionel even hugged the young girl!

In the end, judges gave her the ticket for Hollywood, which means that she was accepted to perform in the upcoming episodes of the show. It is not the first time that a judge cries for the presentation of a contestant.

ANOTHER JUDGE CRYING

Simon Cowell, one of the most recognized talent show judges in the world, couldn’t even speak after the performance of Josh Daniels in the “X Factor” in 2015. Josh, who was the last person who auditioned on that day, sang “Jealous” by Labrinth.

When he started singing, the audience broke into cheers, and all judges were clearly enjoying his remarkable vocals. Simon’s reaction was different, though, as he placed his hands together in front of his face and was trying his best to fight tears off.

It was impossible, though, and Simon started shedding tears. When Josh finished his performance, and it was time for the judges to share their thoughts, Simon could not say a word.