'Music flows out of his soul': Utahn, 'America's Got Talent' winner Kodi Lee releases album

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah native who went viral when he sang for the first time on "America's Got Talent" seven years ago has been hard at work since winning the reality television competition. And now, Kodi Lee is celebrating the release of his first album, "Exactly As I Am."

"I hope my music brings healing and joy to everyone," Lee said in a social media post when he announced the release of the album.

Born blind and diagnosed with autism, Lee, 29, chose to release his album in April as it is Autism Awareness Month.

While promoting his song called "One People," Lee said, "This is my gift of hope and unity to the world."

Lee's name may sound familiar to some Utahns as he was featured in a KSL story in 2008. At that point in time, he was an 11-year-old living in Tooele and blowing people away with his musical talent.

In May 2019, Lee captured the hearts of America with his impressive audition on "America's Got Talent." His mother, Tina Lee, walked with him onstage and introduced Kodi, explaining that while he may struggle with normal conversations, he was born to be an entertainer.

Lee then sat down at a piano and proceeded to sing a touching rendition of Donny Hathaway's "A Song For You" that brought tears, chills and the entire crowd to their feet. He even garnered a golden buzzer from one judge, sending him straight to the live shows.

A few short months later, the then-22-year-old clinched the victory of the entire show.

According to his mother, Lee has been through a "whirlwind" accomplishing things since winning "America's Got Talent." He had a residency in Las Vegas at the Luxor Hotel and Casino, headlined the "America's Got Talent Presents Superstars Live" show for three years, released a Christmas EP, and has traveled all around the country to perform for charitable foundations, corporate events and festivals.

"He is passionate about bringing awareness to the autistic and disabled community, and supports them every chance he gets. He is always in the studio creating new, original music while still enjoying time with his family and a nice cup of hot chocolate!" his mother said.

Over the last two years, Lee has been dutifully working on his album. Lee has some communication and verbalization difficulties, but through help from his "awesome team" of producers, co-writers and bandmates, he was able to express what he wants to say through music.

His mother said she is so grateful for the music team who took a chance on her son.

"Many may assume that working with him presents challenges, but what they don't realize is just how profoundly Kodi's genius shines through. Those who collaborate with him quickly discover that the experience is not only rewarding but also a true blessing. His passion and creativity make the process seamless and inspiring," Tina Lee said.

Dedicated to his craft, Lee spent many hours in the studio, sometimes 12 hours at a time, but the grueling process took a toll on him. To help with his emotional and mental well-being, his music team would take more breaks so he could regulate.

"Making the music is easy for him. Music just flows out of his soul like air, and he could play the piano and sing all day if you let him. It's the challenges of dealing with his emotions becoming overwhelming that was tough for him," Tina Lee explained.

Lee also suffers from Addison's disease, which has led to a few alarming situations while they were in the "stressful waiting periods" of releasing the album, his mother explained. His anxiety was heightened, and his support team had to be vigilant. But committed to releasing music that would make people feel happy, he strove on.

"Yet through all this, his dedication and incredible desire to finish his album drove him every day. There were many meltdowns and rough patches, but he got through them, pushed forward and never quit," his mother said.

"Exactly As I Am" encapsulates themes of loss, grief, mental health, friendships, social equality, family and love. Lee has faced judgment, marginalization and exclusion throughout his life due to his differences, and far too many others have endured something similar.

"This album is a testament of not giving up and never being afraid of being who you are. No matter how big the dream, to never stop and always move with love, passion and a positive attitude," Tina Lee said.

Lee's mother couldn't be prouder of her son. Every day, her focus is on his well-being, physical and mental health and helping him navigate the world. But each day, she is "humbled and amazed by him."

"It hasn't been an easy journey, but seeing his never-quit attitude on life and his passion, while always laughing and smiling, makes me work harder to support his dreams. He never complains, always pushes himself out of his comfort zone, and he treats every moment with passion and love. I know the world around him is not a comfortable place, but he fights every day to get through it and always finds a way to find the good in everything and everyone," she said.

Lee never lets his challenges stand in his way, she said, adding that making the album has been a "truly amazing endeavor."

"He is so proud of what he was able to create and share with the world. I think he probably listens to his album on repeat all day, every day since it's come out," she said.

One of Lee's greatest joys is performing live with his band and feeling the energy from the audience.

"These moments are not just performances; they are shared experiences filled with connection and joy, and they mean the world to him," Tina Lee said.

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