Kieran Rhodes, a 20-year-old from New York, made a life-changing decision in his freshman year of high school.
Although he was a passionate baseball player, even playing at the Division 1 level in college, Rhodes felt a sudden, irresistible pull towards music.
He chose to follow this new passion, teaching himself to play and write music, and was accepted into the prestigious Berklee College of Music.
His journey into music was unexpected but transformative, marking a significant right turn in his life’s path.
Despite his shy and humble demeanor, Rhodes is a powerhouse of talent.
He believes that “America’s Got Talent” is the perfect platform to showcase his skills to the world.
His journey to AGT was a testament to his dedication and belief in his musical abilities.
Rhodes’ inspiration came from an iconic source, Billy Joel.
He spent countless nights watching Joel’s performances on YouTube, aspiring to emulate him.
“I would just lay up in bed at night and watch videos of him on YouTube. I would be like that’s what I want to do.
I would try and mimic him and learn things by myself,” Rhodes shared, highlighting his self-taught journey in music.
Initially focusing on the piano, Rhodes soon discovered another hidden talent – his voice.
“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.
This revelation added a new dimension to his musical prowess.
When Rhodes appeared on AGT, he had a brief conversation with Simon Cowell about his life and his desire to sing.
The judges, intrigued by his story, encouraged him to perform.
Rhodes chose to sing Billy Joel’s “She’s got a way,” showcasing his exceptional piano skills and vocal talent.
However, Simon Cowell sensed there was more to Rhodes than his cover of Billy Joel.
In a surprising move, Cowell halted the performance, drawing some boos from the audience.
He then asked Rhodes to perform an original song, a request that would reveal the depth of Rhodes’ artistry.
Rhodes’ original song, “Disengage,” was a poignant reflection of his battle with depression.
The lyrics, “someone’s got to help me, disengage” and “this is all inside your head, your life is fine, your love ain’t dead,” resonated deeply with the audience and judges alike.
The performance was a powerful display of his songwriting skills and emotional depth.
Simon Cowell, moved by the performance, shared his own experiences with bullying and depression.
“You know it plays on your mind and you get depressed, but I didn’t have the talent you got,” Cowell said to Rhodes.
He praised Rhodes’ singing and songwriting, expressing hope that the audition could be a turning point in his life.
The performance earned Rhodes a standing ovation, with the judges and audience alike recognizing his extraordinary talent.
It was clear that Rhodes had not only impressed everyone but also secured his place in the next round of the competition.
His journey on AGT was just beginning, but it was evident that Kieran Rhodes was a name to remember.
He’s an incredibly talented young man – see below!
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