Blind AGT pianist Kodi Lee amazes viewers with emotional performance of ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’

15 August 2019, 15:23 | Updated: 15 August 2019, 15:27

Blind and autistic performer Kodi Lee has already inspired millions of people around the world, and he did it again on Aerica's Got Talent this week.

The contestant on America’s Got Talent blew the judges and viewers at home away after his performance of Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ earlier this week.

In the clip - which you can see above - the 22-year-old showed off his amazing vocal range and piano skills, to help launch the show's first quarterfinal round.

Kodi was born with optic nerve hypoplasia, a visual disorder, and had to undergo life-saving surgery aged just five.

He was later diagnosed with autism, but he has still continued his dream of becoming a successful musician.

AGT judge Gabrielle Union said that Lee had “changed the world” with his first audition, and had done the same again with his next performance.

She said: “Who you are, what you stand for and what you continue to do makes the world become so much of a more beautiful place.”

Simon Cowell added that songwriter Paul Simon had given Lee special permission to perform the song “because he saw your audition".

He said: “I want to thank Paul Simon, who never really gives permission for anyone to sing (‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’) because it’s very precious to him, and he gave (Lee) clearance within 30 minutes.”

“You are genuinely one of most extraordinary people and talents we’ve had the great fortune to have on any show we’ve ever made. God bless you.”