Blind, Autistic SoCal 'Inspiration' Wins 'America's Got Talent'

LAKIE ELSINORE, CA —A Lake Elsinore singer, Kodi Lee, played piano and belted out a duet with British chart-topper Leona Lewis Wednesday on "America's Got Talent," sealing the 23-year-old's win on the show's 14th season finale, leading to a rousing, emotional ovation from the audience and judges.

The Southern California resident, who is both blind and autistic, attended Elsinore High School in Wildomar, has been dubbed a "musical prodigious savant" and is renowned in the Southwest Riverside County community for his musical genius.

The night of his finale performance on the NBC show, Lee wrote on his Facebook page: "This entire journey has helped me with communication, and no matter what happens, I’m so thankful for the love and opportunity that @agt and all of you have given me!"

Follow this link to view a sit-down interview on NBC with Lee and his mom, Tina, on the inspirational win and how she hopes it gives hope to parents of special-needs children. View below videos of his performances.

Congrats, Kodi!

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