The beautiful performance of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” of a school in Northern Ireland has gone viral for a very special reason. The main singer is 10-year-old Kaylee Rodgers, who is singing with the choir of Killard House Special School — and her voice has stunned millions around the world.
Rodgers has autism and ADHD, and her family and teachers say that this performance shows the amazing progress she has made, from barely speaking in class to singing beautifully in front of everyone. “For a child who came in P4 and wouldn’t really talk, wouldn’t really read out in class, to stand and perform in front of an audience is amazing,” Colin Millar, principal of Killard House, told UTV. “It takes a lot of effort on Kaylee’s part.”
This isn’t your average parent’s shaky video of their child’s school concert, either. The video, which was professionally taped and edited, was posted on Facebook by Nichola Martin on Sunday. Martin has no relation to Rodgers, and was sharing for another student singing in the choir. I don’t think she was expecting the video to go viral, but in just a few days the video has over 1 million views, 12K likes, and almost 7K shares.
The video is especially resonating with many who have or know their own children with developmental disabilities similar to Rodgers and the other students.
Over 1.7K comments are sending love to Rodgers and her classmates from all over the world.
“You’re an angel … awesome job Kaylee! Thank you for sharing your beautiful voice with us all. Can’t stop listening to this and can’t wait to hear more music from you. Loving you, moved to tears and applauding you from Hawaii! Merry Christmas,” wrote Patty Ann.
“Bravo Kaylee and friends, we listen [to] you in south of France,” Marc Falga commented. “Wish you merry Christmas and all the best for next year!”
“Fantastic job Kaylee!!! Watching from Ottawa Ontario Canada! Keep singing! You have an amazing talent!” Lee Anne Watt added.
Rodgers has an amazing voice and gave a stunning performance that has been heard and loved all around the world.
We’ll be listening to this perfect rendition on repeat this holiday season.
h/t: Mashable