At Disneyland, a young boy sat in his wheelchair, tapping the beat as an a cappella group performed nearby. One of the singers noticed his sense of rhythm and invited him to join. The boy began to sing.
His mother, Tina, watched his whole expression change. It was one of the first moments when she understood how deeply music belonged to him.

Kodi Lee was born with optic nerve hypoplasia and is blind. At three months old, his family learned that he would not have sight. He was diagnosed with autism at four. As a child, he found it difficult to hold a simple conversation. His emotions could become overwhelming, and he learned breathing exercises to help him calm down after crying spells.

By the age of four, his family could name a song or sing a small part of it, and Kodi could often continue from beginning to end. He had perfect pitch and an unusual memory for sound. A melody heard once could remain in his mind.

His parents began finding places where he could perform. He sang at school, community events and charity concerts, and later joined a band called Kodi and the Chillbodis. Onstage, he appeared focused and at ease. His father, Eric, once said that music was like air to him.

Music also gave Kodi a clearer way to connect with other people. He has explained it in a simple sentence: “Music helps me communicate better.”

His mother later said that performing helped his spoken language grow as well. He began using fuller sentences and taking a more active part in conversations.

In 2016, pianist and teacher Yiyi Ku began working with him on fingering, posture and the movement of his arms and wrists. Kodi already understood music by ear, but these lessons helped him develop stronger technique. He later won first prize in the Golden Classical International Music Awards competition and performed at Carnegie Hall.

In 2019, Kodi walked onto the stage of America’s Got Talent with his mother. He sat at the piano and sang “A Song for You.”

Judge Gabrielle Union gave him the Golden Buzzer, sending him directly to the live shows. A few months later, he won the season.

The programme introduced Kodi to a worldwide audience. It was also the beginning of a new working life. He performed in Las Vegas, travelled across the United States and began creating original songs with producers, musicians and co-writers.