Sam Finelli, a contestant who auditioned for American Idol, brought the judges to tears with his performance on Sunday’s episode.
Sam has high functioning autism and explained to the judges that he never “connected with people very well” but music was always his “best friend” and a great coping mechanism for him growing up.
The 28-year-old explained that it had been his dream since childhood to audition for the show but had never sang anywhere except his bedroom, basement and shower, aside from an occasional karaoke night. He admitted:
“i’m going to be honest with you: i never thought i’d be here in a million years,”
Sam works in a bakery by day but is ready to go for what he wants, saying:
“I’m ready to go after my dream”
“I hope in the future for more, i think”
By the end of Sam’s song (Kacey Musgrave’s – “Rainbow”) Katy Perry was crying, Lionel Richie was crying AND Luke Bryan was crying, with all three judges giving Finelli a standing ovation.
The 28-year-old upon seeing the judges reaction, then also started crying but added:
“These are happy tears, i promise!”
Lionel told the superstar:
“we are so proud of you…you were born enough. And what you consider your handicap is your gift.”
While the ‘Dark Horse’ singer added:
‘”There’s always been a rainbow hanging over your head.”
Watch Sam’s audition below:
You rock, Sam!
