American Idol 2024 Audition: Kimi sings a brokenhearted cover of “Heal” by Tom Odell for his mother in Kosovo
Kimi is a 25 year old singer, originally from Kosovo, Albania. But currently, he lives in Brooklyn, New York. Although internet was limited in Kosovo he managed to watch American Idol online as he grew up there. His mother was a big fan as well.
Everyone at home told Kimi that he sang just like his mother, who they said had a beautiful voice. But in this new preview from Sunday’s (March 3) American Idol, Kimi shared that he never got to hear his mother’s voice. Two years after his mother gave birth to Kimi, amid the Kosovo war, she was diagnosed with PTSD and Multiple Sclerosis. She needed a lot of care, and Kimi took care of her.
His mother got in a “very dark place,” Kimi shared emotionally, where she didn’t want to talk to anybody. But, she loved to hear him sing. “I want to do it for my mom,” he explained about why he was auditioning for American Idol, “I want to do it for my mom, because she was unable to do it.”
In the audition room, Kimi described how he moved to America by himself and didn’t see his family for six years. After singing a heartfelt and emotional performance of “Heal” by Tom Odell for the judges, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. Kimi explained that the song is about his “inner child” and that he wanted people to know that no matter where you come from, you can “always make it in life.”
“We’re in it, we’re in the dream”
After becoming emotional and tearing up, Kimi apologized. The judges said, no need to be sorry. “We’re in it, we’re in the dream,” said Katy. “Don’t beat yourself up.” For his part, Kimi can’t believe that his lifelong dream is happening.
“The bottom line is that you have a really cool, nice voice,” said Luke, “But the problem is that you’re being a little premeditated and proper with it.” He added, “You’re close to being a really badass singer!”
“Are you going to sing defeated like that for your mom?” Katy wanted to know. His mom had no idea that he was auditioning for American Idol. Luke suggested that he call her right there, right now. After his parents answered the phone, Kimi translated messages from the judges. Katy asked him to sing a song that he would sing to his mom while she’s on the line. It’s a song about the war in Kosovo.
Tearfully, Kimi sang a song in his own language for his parents who are on the line watching and listening. Afterward, he explained that the song is about leaving your country, your mom and your family, but that no matter what, your heart is still with them.
“When you’re singing from your heart and not from your head,” said Katy, “You’re connected…that’s where you sing from every single time.”
All three judges give Kimi yeses as his parents listen in to them shouting “You’re going to Hollywood!”
American Idol airs on Sundays on ABC at 8 pm ET/PT and streaming next day on Hulu.
