American Idol 2013 auditions are well on their way and we have gotten to see some of the very best and some of the very worst. Kayden Stephenson, 16, blew the judges away with his unbelievable voice, his extremely charismatic personality and his personal story about his terminal illness. He was diagnosed at 18 months of age with Cystic Fibrosis.
Stephenson told the judges on Thursday night that he waited until he was “of age” to fulfill his dream of auditioning for American Idol. This go-getter won’t allow his terminal illness stop him from what he believes he was meant to do: Sing!
The absolutely adorable Kayden Stephenson told the judges that he was only expected to live until the age of 35 and that although it is scary, he is excited to do everything that he ever wanted to do while he is still young.
He performed the song, “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder and the judges not only loved it, they granted him the golden ticket to Hollywood.
Nicki Minaj said, “Loved your voice. Reminds me of a baby Michael [Jackson]. You are so unique. I think so many children would be inspired by you. I’m really inspired by you myself.”
Mariah Carey said she was, “beyond inspired.” She said that she was ready to go and make a record right then with Stephenson and she also said, “I think girls will fall on the floor when you walk in the room.”
Cystic Fibrosis or CF is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, and intestine. Its main target is the lungs though. The main symptoms tend to be salty tasting skin, poor growth and poor weight gain despite a normal eating, frequent chest infections and coughing or shortness of breath. There are other symptoms, but those are the most common.
The handsome blonde haired, Kayden Stephenson, who you wouldn’t ever imagine has a terminal illness, bounced into the auditioning room on American Idol with an unbelievable maturity level and a huge air of confidence about him. He was polite and well spoken and the judges loved him! They all voted on the count of three, “Yes.”
We wish the talented young Kayden Stephenson all the best of luck in Hollywood and beyond on American Idol 2013.
