A gifted singer who suffered severe burns all over her body after surviving a deadly plane crash as a teen stunned America’s Got Talent’s judges with her touching performance on Tuesday night.
Kechi Okwuchi, 27, was 16 years old when she was caught in the crash, which killed 107 out of 109 passengers. The Nigeria native, who now lives in Houston, Texas, was one of the two survivors.
As she recovered from the ordeal, Kechi, who has been singing since she was a child, relied on music for providing her with an escape—and her talents have since blossomed, leading her to wow judges Howie Mandel, Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum and Mel B throughout the competition.
Beautiful: Gifted singer Kechi Okwuchi, 27, stunned America’s Got Talent’s judges with her touching performance on Tuesday night
Story: The singer, a Nigeria native, who now lives in Houston, Texas, was 16 years old when she was caught in the crash, which killed 107 out of 109 passengers
Relief: As she recovered from the ordeal, Kechi, who has been singing since she was a child, relied on music for providing her with an escape
Moving: Kechi’s strong connection with music was apparent as Kechi flawlessly sang Frances’ Don’t Worry About Me on Tuesday night
‘Lying in a hospital bed with bandages head to foot, not being able to move or do anything else, music was my escape and that’s why it means so much to me,’ Kechi explained during her first appearance on the show in June.
Her strong connection with music was apparent as Kechi flawlessly sang Frances’ Don’t Worry About Me on Tuesday night.
She began with a stunning a capella segment, showcasing her gorgeous vocal range, before a pianist joined her.
The audience clapped and cheered throughout her performance, and Mel could be seen wiping tears of emotions as Kechi kept singing.
Feelings: The audience clapped and cheered throughout her performance, and Mel B could be seen wiping tears of emotions as Kechi kept singing
Moved: Heidi Klum also looked deeply touched by Kechi’s performance during the semifinals
Praise: After Kechi was done singing, Simon Cowell, Heidi, Mel and Howie Mandel all got up from their seats to give her a standing ovation
All four judges saluted the singer with a standing ovation, with Howie delivering heartfelt comments afterwards.
‘II can’t do what I want to do, and all I want to do is hug you and I want to hold you,’ he said. ‘I don’t have words.’
Mel, Heidi and Simon all praised the singer, pointing out that she took to the stage with impressive confidence and talent.
Kechi’s future in the competition now depends on the audience’s vote. The results will be announced tonight.