One of the biggest sayings or clichés that get invoked all the time is the fact that it’s “a small world.”
Still, what do people really mean when they say that? Though it’s easy to throw that phrase out there at any convenient time, what it really means on a deeper level is that we tend to be more connected than we think we are. No matter how many obstacles we have to overcome or how much pain we go through, we can take comfort in the fact that we all go through many of the same pains and joys.
At least, that’s what one contestant on American Idol just learned.
The performer in question was Ryan Hammond, a former church singer from Modesto, California.
Hammond brought his entire family with him to the audition and explains how he got interested in music through going to church with his family and singing there. After a few moments, judge Katy Perry has a question to ask him: “Is your dad Mark Hammond?”
After he says yes, Perry has her own story to tell. “Both my parents are pastors,” she says, “and they started a church in Stockton. I think my parents praise the Lord with your parents!”
Although Hammond knew that he’d have the church singing background with Perry before the audition, he didn’t know how much!
As it turns out, there’s even more interesting details in Hammond’s story.
Before he came to audition on American Idol, he lost more than 170 pounds. Though nobody would expect it from seeing him now, he had been 330 pounds in the past and had a weight loss surgery to help get his weight under control.
Still, there were complications with the surgery—doctors told him that there was a hole in his stomach that was causing him life threatening problems.
Though he was only 24 years old, he thought he would die.
Fortunately, Hammond’s medical team and his family made sure to take care of him and nurture him through the hard time.
Though his story is definitely miraculous, the judges wanted to see if he also had a voice to match it. After all that, Hammond tells them he’s going to sing “Lay Me Down” by Sam Smith for his audition.
Needless to say, Hammond has a powerful and soulful voice that doesn’t disappoint. While it’s not a perfect audition, what’s clear beyond a doubt is that Hammond has so much passion and so much soul.
When it’s all over, the judges are nearly speechless.
As Lionel Richie says, the best part of his performance was that he took someone else’s song and made it his own.
The others commented that he definitely had the power and the volume, even if the pitch wasn’t perfect. Finally, Perry tells him that she wants to help him move out of the church vibe to see more of his range and versatility… and with that, Hammond gets his three yeses and is on his way to Hollywood!
When he emerges from the room, the whole family rushes him with big hugs.
Congratulations to Ryan Hammond on overcoming hardships and pursuing his dreams! Watch the full clip below:
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