Kieran Rhodes, a 20-year-old self-taught pianist, wowed the judges on America’s Got Talent with his original song “Disengage,” showcasing both his piano skills and his heartfelt vocals. Despite his young age, Rhodes displayed remarkable maturity in his songwriting, exploring themes of romance and mental health with touching lyrics.
His performance struck a chord with the audience, earning him a standing ovation and becoming one of the most talked-about acts on the show, with 7.8 million views on YouTube. Judges like Sofia Vergara and Howie Mandel praised his talent and emotional delivery, while Terry Crews summed it up by declaring it “something super special.”
Rhodes’ humility was evident in his interactions with the judges and audience, showing genuine appreciation for their support. Another standout performance from him on YouTube is his rendition of “Your Song” live at the Berklee Performance Center, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
Before his audition, Rhodes confessed feeling intimidated as a self-taught musician at Berklee College of Music. Simon Cowell empathized with his journey, sharing his own experiences of facing challenges in the music industry. Cowell expressed hope that the audition would be life-changing for Rhodes, and the judges unanimously voted to send him through with four big yeses.