Lionel Richie fought back tears as he listened to a blind hopeful sing during the audition rounds of the new season of American Idol.
The soul legend, who is a judge on the show, was floored by 17-year-old student Shayy’s rendition of Andra Day’s emotional Rise Up, and couldn’t hold back his emotions.
The performance, which aired on Wednesday night’s show (06Mar19), came after the teenager told Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan she was robbed of her sight last year (18) after doctors had to remove a brain tumor.
Richie and his fellow judges gave her a standing ovation and the Hello singer gave her a huge hug.
Shayy flew through the audition and scored a golden ticket to the next round of the TV talent show.
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