Talent shows such as American Idol experience a wealth of talent entering their doors every year, as millions around the world hope to be the next big superstar and change their lives forever. For David Francisco, who shares the very same dream, his world was about to change in several ways when he appeared on American Idol for his audition performance.
Before even considering his astounding performance, the judges learn that he has overcome paralysis after a terrible accident. His character and personality shine through both his words and his performance, which he excels at. Accompanied by his fiancee, who has come with him to provide emotional support, Francisco blows the judges away in an uplifting, tear-bringing performance. Watch Francisco perform below:
In his backstory, Francisco tells us that his life changed significantly when he was hit by a car shortly after moving to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue a music career. The 25-year-old was T-boned by a distracted driver and left paralyzed from the waist down, which is a terrible ordeal for anybody to experience, let alone someone who was just beginning his life.
This didn’t make the young Francisco give up on his dreams, however. He underwent intense physical and psychological strain as he fought to regain control of his body, and allow his snapped back and damaged spinal cord to heal. He fought his way out of the wheelchair and regained the feeling in his body, and for that, he is an inspiration to many who have had their lives unexpectedly and severely changed.
His story may be touching, but American Idol is ultimately a talent show, and the judges have to make hard decisions sometimes to choose who enters the competition, and who goes home empty-handed. That’s not a problem for young David, however, who immediately astounds the judges with his beautiful acoustic rendition of Stevie Wonder’s classic love song, Isn’t She Lovely.
The reactions on the judge’s faces are a sign enough that this young man, who has gone through so much in his short life so far, has a very bright future ahead of him and a vast amount of talent. As their jaws leave the floor, pop star Katy Perry is trying her best to hold back tears as she realizes how much Francisco’s fiance lights up when he’s performing. Their love is infectious, and it carries through into the young performer’s music.
Not only is Katty Perry affected by Francisco’s performance, but Lionel Richie is so moved by his story and song that he goes over to him for an embrace. The entire interaction between these world-class superstars, and a young man with a dream, is incredibly touching, and reminds us that the human condition is to care for and love one another; music is simply a way of helping people do exactly that.
After his stellar audition, David Francisco became a fully-fledged musical star and has continued to perform whenever he can. Some of his standout performances include opening for The Voice’s Chris Blue on a sellout tour and performing alongside Martina Bride and Steven Curtis Chapman. If you would like to see more from David Francisco, you can subscribe to his YouTube channel or follow him on Facebook or Instagram. You can also visit his official website for more information.