Although the entertainment industry often mocks Christianity, it’s applauding a song popular among Christians after one 13-year-old’s performance.
On Tuesday night, Jeffrey Li sang a rendition of Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up” in an audition for America’s Got Talent. His moving performance of the song has since gone viral with more than two million YouTube views.
The popular chorus of Groban’s lyrics read:
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up... To more than I can be
In an NBC interview beforehand, the Toronto native said he began singing as a one-year-old everywhere he went, including the shower. If he won, he later added, he would use the competition’s $1 million grand prize towards getting a dog as a companion.
In the meantime, as an only child, he stressed that this song helped him when alone.
“I’m singing this song because it really helped me when I was sad,” he told the judges, “and when I’m lonely.”
In response, judge Simon Cowell wanted to help with Li’s wish.
“If you do well, I’m going to buy you a dog,” Cowell promised beforehand. “And we’ll choose one together.”
It looks like he’ll have to follow through on that one. Not only did Li win a standing ovation and screams from the audience, but also Josh Groban approved.
“Way to go, Jeffrey!! I’m honored!” Groban tweeted Tuesday.
Let’s hope this trend continues. Others also performing on entertainment shows in 2018, including a Christian father of six and a homeschooled teenager, haven’t shied away from faith in entertainment either.
