Surely you’ve watched the 16-year-old television show, “American Idol,” at some point, even for a brief moment. If so, then you know that many of the contestants often have something about them or about their past that wasn’t all sunshine and daisies: the diagnosis of a medical condition, the loss of a friend or family member, or even an abusive past.
Shortly after 25-year-old singer David Francisco moved to Nashville, he was hit by a distracted driver. While lucky to be alive, David became paralyzed from the waist down. He kept his focus towards singing, his desired career path, which eventually landed him a well-deserved audition in the 2018 “American Idol” competition!
When he arrived at his audition, David walked up with two walking sticks to help support him (he recovered significantly) along with his then fiancéé (now wife), Kristi, who was holding his guitar.
Next thing you know, David begins strumming and singing Stevie Wonder’s hit, “Isn’t She Lovely,” and the judges’ jaws drop. During the audition, all eyes are on judge Katy Perry’s reactions. I noticed in the video, as David sung that Katy glanced over at fiancée Kristi as if she knew David was indirectly singing about her (which was probably correct because she is gorgeous)!
Shortly after, Katy’s eyes began to water, and she straight up started to cry as if she was being serenaded to. Her vulnerability was so sweet!
Even Lionel Richie said, “Stop, stop” and had to get up and walk away mid-performance to take in the intensity of David’s voice and even later told him that he was an “inspiration,” and I agree entirely.
Katy also gave us an explanation as to why she burst out in tears: because she saw and felt the love Kristi had for her fiancé as she was watching from afar.
Overall, the judges, including country singer Luke Bryan, loved David’s performance and gave him the Golden Ticket to Hollywood!
While David Francisco has an incredible voice and clear potential in the world of music if he chooses to continue pursuing his passion, he was unfortunately later eliminated after his “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5 performance.
Regardless, David has had a successful, powerful, and inspiring journey so far, and I commend him for being brave and learning to be happy again after he suffered physically, mentally, and emotionally due to his accident!
Listen to David’s outstanding performance in the video below. Afterward, share the video on Facebook to show him some support!
