20-year-old New York native Kieran Rhodes got accepted in the Berklee College of Music after deciding that he wanted to play the piano and sing even though he loved baseball.
He was a Division 1 baseball player in college, but it was in his freshman year of high school when Rhodes made the sudden decision to pursue music.
“Music came out of nowhere and I taught myself how to play and write. I just had a sudden urge to be a musician and my life took a complete right turn,” he said.
He seems like a shy, humble kid but don’t let his looks fool you. This guy can play, and he can really sing.
“I think AGT is the best place for me to introduce myself to the world,” he explained.
Kieran had a brief chat with Simon Cowell where he spoke of his life and how he just wants to sing.
It was the piano man Billy Joel who inspired him to do so.
“I would just lay up in bed at night and watch videos of him (Billy Joel) on YouTube… I would be like that’s what I want to do. I would try and mimic him and learn things by myself,” he said.
He first spent some time on the piano, until Rhodes decided to try singing along to the piano backings.
He found out he could do it well.
“I opened my mouth and I tried to sing and I realized that I could…which is another thing that I’m just so grateful for. I didn’t know that I had a voice,” he said.
The judges were certainly interested so Simon tells him to go ahead and play.
He sits down, plays the piano and sings Billy Joel’s “She’s got a way”.
And wow can he play and can he sing!
Simon knew this kid had more so he raises his hand to stop the performance, drawing a few boos in the process, but he goes on to ask if Rhodes could perform an original song.
The song is called “Disengage”.
Rhodes battled with depression hence the song.
He takes a deep breath and proceeds to sing, with lyrics saying, “someone’s got to help me, disengage” and “this is all inside your head, your life is fine, your love ain’t dead.”
The judges and the audience fell silent together.
Simon found he connected with the song. Cowell shared that when he began in the music industry, other kids teased him and it remained with him as he grew older.
To think he’s now very successful.
“You know it plays on your mind and you get depressed, but I didn’t have the talent you got,” Cowell said. “because you are a great singer. I really liked your original song. I really do hope this audition can change your life.”
Kieran received a standing ovation, and even the judges had nothing but praises for him. With talent like that, you bet Rhodes is going to the next round!
Watch and listen to this very talented young man below!
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