Have you ever tried to display a talent in front of others? For some of us, it is enough to get up in front of family or friends and sing a song but imagine getting up in front of a worldwide audience? You would really have to be sure of what you were able to do but sometimes, the situation may be less than ideal. That is what happened when Shayla Winn of Midlothian, Virginia decided to get up and sing for the judges of American Idol. Her story started much earlier.
She was a student in the Thomas Dale high school’s performing arts program and she was doing quite well. She had to go to the doctor for tests when she was having some vision issues and she had no idea that her life was going to change so completely. She was diagnosed with hydrocephalus that occurred as a result of a tumor in her brain. Doctors could remove about half of the tumor but she is now legally blind and she is not sure about her medical future.
This young girl, who now goes by the name of Shayy is doing her part to get through life as a blind individual. She learned how to read braille and to navigate the world with a cane but it has been difficult and she has even had to endure some bullying. Even though that is the case, she remains positive and is grateful for people who support her.
When she traveled to Louisville, Kentucky to audition for American Idol, she was thrilled that she made it to the next level. The world got to meet her for the first time in a recent episode of that talent competition and they were amazed with what she was able to do.
Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan were the judges that sat in front of Shayy and listened to her sing. You could tell that they were impressed with this young girl and it was Lionel that seemed to connect with her story. He even started tearing up before she got her start with singing. When you hear something this tragic that somebody is going through, you can’t help but be empathetic.
She sang “Rise Up” by Andra Day and it was perfect for what she is going through. It’s all about getting through obstacles and dealing with the pain and loss we may experience. When you consider the fact that Shayy is not really sure about her own future, this highlights her determination to keep going.
“My main goal when I sing is to touch someone. I think I accomplished that,” she said.
Shayy not only told a good story, she has a beautiful voice and the judges were amazed, with Lionel even wiping tears as she was performing. She hits all the high notes and it is certain to give you chills.
After she sings, Lionel gathers all of his strength to say: “You have wrecked me.”
“Lionel you look like you’re walking a daughter down the aisle,” Luke joked before remarking to Shayy, “You have what we cannot teach. We cannot teach letting the music flow straight from the soul, and that’s what you did.”
Katy agreed, telling her she sings “like an angel” and making it clear that as far as the judges were concerned, her future was “not a question mark.”
The decision to move her onto the next round in Hollywood, California was unanimous. She was crying and her mother wanted to give the judges a huge hug. Shayy is encouraged by her progression on the show.
“Don’t let anything stop you from your dream and what you want to do. If you want to do it, you can do it. You may have to find another way, but you can [do it],” she said.
You can see this singer bring Lionel Richie to tears in the following video:
