Some people aren’t able to fulfill their dreams because of what other people put them through.
Those harsh words, mean stares, and painful laughter leave an invisible scar in a person’s heart. It can leave people with no self-confidence or even self-love.
18-year-old Douglas Mills knew this.
Mills loved and treasured his music because it became his safe place.
Douglas Mills experienced hardship at an early age. People he didn’t know hated him for no reason at all. They called him ‘gorilla,’ ‘King Kong,’ and other things.
These words scarred Douglas.
He was confused why people despised him. He didn’t do anything. He was just judged and hated.
“Still, today, it’s hard for me to love myself,” Mills said in his audition.
Thanks to music, he was able to stand up again.
“When I’m singing, I don’t care what no one says. Music can heal and help you love yourself for who you are,” Mills added.
There were people who loved him, and amongst them were his teachers, friends, and family. In fact, his teachers knew him as an outstanding singer in his Houston high school choir.
They wanted Mills to be heard.
That was why the people who believed in him surprised him with a silver VIP Affiliate Ticket Pass! This special ticket allowed Mills to audition for American Idol.
After telling his story, Mills said that he has chosen a special song.
The title of the song was “Strange Fruit,” a beautiful, deep, and haunting song that was a tribute to the Black community.
“We have gone through so much pain over the past few centuries. It’s time to bring awareness to it,” Miss said before singing.
Mills’ voice goes beyond the expected!
His voice was full of emotion, it was pure, and it was powerful. His vocal control was superb.
He was able to seamlessly transition between belting and an enchanting falsetto.
Talent beyond experience.
Mills’ technique is seen in professional opera singers, and he’s just 18 years old.
The lyrics of the song were also as powerful.
After the song was finished, Perry, Richie, and Bryan all gave him a standing ovation.
“What happened?” said Richie. “I blanked out, passed out, woke up… Young man, that was superb.”
Katy was moved by his journey and his voice. She asked Mills why he didn’t try out for the American Idol before.
Mills said that people have always told him that he wasn’t good enough and couldn’t make it.
They were all in disbelief.
Those people who told him that he couldn’t do it almost won. Good thing he was able to do it now, and it was all worth it.
“You transcend time and space. You froze the room,” Perry told the young contestant. “That was iconic.”
Richie, Perry, and Bryan all smiled at Mills and told him that he would be going to Hollywood.
Mills cried, he must have felt all the hardships of his past, his battles, and now, he’s here, one step closer to his dreams.
All three judges hugged him tight.
This is one of those auditions that make you want to cry. We’re all people, and we all deserve love and respect.
No one should be told that they can’t fulfill their dreams.
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So, if you’re seeing this, you deserve to live your dreams, too.
Watch Mills’ beautiful audition in the video below!
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