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‘American Idol’ judges moved to tears by autisic man’s brave performance
It was an emotional end to Sunday’s American Idol, thanks to a brave performance by 28-year-old Sam Finelli. Sam has high-functioning autism and struggles to connect with people, which is why, outside of a few karaoke nights, Sam does not sing in public… that is until he stepped into the Idol audition room. The judges loved Sam’s raw performance of Kacey Musgraves’s “Rainbow” so much that they gave him a standing ovation, which started the water works. “These are happy tears, I promise,” Sam assured the judges. It was an emotional moment for everyone in the room, especially when Lionel Richie showered Sam with love and support. ” I want you to know right now we are so proud of you, man,” Lionel told him, before adding, “Sam, You were born enough. And your — what we consider your handicap is your gift.” Before giving Sam their judgment, they brought in his mom so she could be there when they all sent him on to Hollywood.
