Kodi Lee’s audition becomes the most-watched Golden Buzzer moment in America's Got Talent history

America's Got Talent season 14 aired in 2019. This season introduced Kodi Lee, a singer and pianist getting a Golden Buzzer from judge Gabrielle Union. His audition went on to become the most watched Golden Buzzer moment in the show's history with more than 300 million views on various platforms.

At the time, Kodi was 22 years old and was on stage with his mother, Tina. With Simon Cowell asking him to introduce himself, he stated he would sing and play a song on the piano. Afterward, Tina explained that Kodi was born blind and autistic but found a passion for music in early days of his life. She shared,

“He listened and his eyes just went huge and he started singing.”

Kodi’s performance of Leon Russell’s A Song for You received a standing ovation from the judges and audience. Gabrielle Union, who had recently become a mother herself, said,

“You just want to give your kids the moon, the stars, and the rainbows, and tonight I’m going to give you something special,” before hitting the Golden Buzzer.

This led Kodi into the quarterfinals and marked the start of his journey toward winning the entire competition.

Kodi Lee performs “A Song for You” which earns him Golden Buzzer in America's Got Talent

Kodi Lee’s America's Got Talent audition began with his introduction, he shared: “I’m Kodi. I’m 22 years old.” When asked what he would be doing, he replied,

“I’m gonna sing a song for you on the piano.”

His mother, Tina, then explained that he was blind and autistic, and that music had changed his life.

“That’s when I realized he’s an entertainer,” she told the judges.

Kodi sang "A Song for You" by Leon Russell, while playing the piano. The room went quiet as everyone listened. His singing connected with the audience, the judges, and his mom, who was backstage watching, with tears in her eyes. When he finished, the crowd stood up with applause.

Gabrielle Union appeared emotional and talked about becoming a new mom. She explained she wanted to give Kodi something special and she gave him the Golden Buzzer. Gold confetti fell on Tina as she ran to the stage to hug her son. This was officially the most shared Golden Buzzer video in the show’s history with more than 300 million views.

Kodi Lee’s winning journey through America's Got Talent season 14

After advancing to the quarterfinals of America's Got Talent, Kodi returned to perform Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Simon Cowell noted that Paul Simon rarely allowed others to perform the song, but gave special permission for Kodi.

“He gave clearance within 30 minutes because he saw your audition,” Cowell said.

Kodi kept impressing everyone throughout the season. In the semifinals, he performed You Are the Reason by Calum Scott, and in the finals, he sang Lost Without You by Freya Ridings. He even changed outfits after each song, showing his focus on the details. Both the judges and the audience cheered for him, and his performances were well received.

In the final episode, Kodi was announced as the winner of America's Got Talent season 14. Along with the $1 million prize, he also got to perform in the AGT Live Show in Las Vegas. It was a big moment for Kodi and for the show.

After AGT, Kodi continued his music journey by sharing live shows, original songs, and cover videos online. He also took part in AGT: All-Stars and AGT: Fantasy League, reaching the finals in both. His story is one of the most memorable in the show’s history, starting from a powerful audition and growing into a rising music career.

Stay tuned for more updates.