American Idol 2023: North Carolina car crash survivor puts on emotional performance

NEW YORK — There is never a shortage of amazing talent and inspiring stories on American Idol.

Elijah McCormick is one of those members that brings tears to the eyes and hope to the heart.

Prominent North Carolina lead singer McCormick nearly died in a head-on collision on June 8, 2019, just 3 hours after graduating from high school.

He spent 79 days in the hospital, undergoing several surgeries, dialysis, a feeding tube and relearning how to walk and talk. As soon as he was able to speak again, the first question he asked was: “Mom, can I sing?”

Elijah was nicknamed “The Golden Child” by the medical team at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill because the ends of his hair were dyed blonde.

Also auditioning this week is the youngest winner of the adult Apollo night contest, We’ Ani.

We’ Ani was born in Harlem and raised in Paterson, New Jersey. She began singing at the age of 4 and attended the Harlem School of the Arts.

“My father told me that if I want to make music, I have to work,” she explained to Eyewitness News entertainment reporter Sandy Kenyon. “As an athlete, you have to be in the gym. You have to train, and that’s exactly what I was trying to do.”

She stands out during the audition partly because her voice in conversation and in singing are noticeably different.

Also appearing this week: Olivia Soli says at the age of 5 she knew she wanted to perform. By the age of 11, she was already writing songs. These days, she performs in Los Angeles, including singing the national anthem at a Los Angeles Clippers game.

Another contributor from Southern California is Adin Boyer, who racked up millions of views on TikTok in 2020 with his music comedy videos.

Auditions continue on the next episode of American Idol on Sunday nights at 8/7 and air the next day on Hulu.

Learn more about American Idol 2023: http://www.americanidol.com

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