American Idol hopeful “Kai the Singer” has revealed that it was her faithful local church who stumped up the cash so that she was able to travel all the way from South Carolina to LA and audition for the show. A native of Kingstree, S.C., Kai told People Magazine that her hometown family of faith has always been willing to do whatever it takes to help her realize her dreams of becoming a recording artist.
Once Homeless Teen Unwittingly Teaches Powerful Faith Lesson During American Idol Audition
“Everybody says nothing comes out of Kingstree,” she said, noting the exceptional kindness and generosity of her local church. “When my church raised funds for me to get to the first audition, I was lost for words,” she added. “They’re amazing people.”
Kai made it to the audition, and the result was something to behold, with her performance leaving judge Katy Perry, along with millions of viewers, in tears:
https://youtu.be/Dh-CvYbkToc
“My whole childhood, we were in and out of shelters and hotels, we were even homeless once and living in the car,” Kai explained of her tough upbringing. “It still is tough financially. There’s eight people in the house right now, and only two of my brothers have beds, and it’s like a bunk bed.”
But she is not letting up on pursuing her dream of a better life and a successful music career.
“My strategy is to challenge myself and stay on it and not let up,” she said. “Because I have too many people counting on me.”
After he stunning audition, Katy Perry noted how she herself had been “raised in the church,” and offered some wonderful words to the budding musician.
“I relate to what you’re saying, and I think it’s so beautiful, and I think it doesn’t really matter where you come from,” she said. “I know it’s so hard, this struggle, and you’re an inspiration to so many people by getting here today.”