When high-schooler Shayla Winn of Virginia underwent a surgery for brain tumor removal, the procedure cost her most of her vision leaving her legally blind.
While Shayla has had to learn to read Braille and use a cane, she hasn’t lost something very important to her: Her voice.
Shayla or Shayy, as she likes to be called when she is performing, never let her health issues take away her dreams of being a singer.
A few months ago, the teenager jumped at the chance to attend an “American Idol” audition in Louisville, KY and, to her excitement, she managed to make the cut!
Shayy was recently on the television show and had the opportunity to show off her talents to the rest of the world.
Needless to say, she blew the socks off of the audience and judges alike!
“Rise Up” was Shayy’s breakthrough performance, giving her the opportunity to sing a song with a strong message about overcoming problems in life.
She explained that the song helped her through her own struggles and that her mission in singing is to touch the heart of someone else.
Obviously, Shayy managed to accomplish her goal!
While all three judges were touched by her performance, Lionel Richie began to struggle with emotions even before he heard her sing.
As the teen explained her story and the loss of vision that she experienced, Lionel started to get emotional. Once she started singing, he was completely blown away.
During Shayy’s performance, Lionel was constantly wiping tears away from his eyes and explained that she had “wrecked him” when she finished her song.
While the other judges didn’t get as emotional, they also were very moved by her performance and sent her forward to the next round in the competition.
We look forward to seeing how far Shayy can move on her journey through “American Idol”!
