10-Year-Old Girl Sings Moving Cover Of "Hallelujah", Bringing Audience To Tears

Aug 15, 2020

Children with autism can have difficulties performing tasks. Which is why when 10-year-old Kaylee Rogers, who's been diagnosed with both autism and ADHD, performed a song for a Christmas performance with the Killard House School Choir in Northern Ireland, she surprised everybody in the audience. What's more, the song she sang was Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah", a beautiful song that's very moving. Her stunning performance was so impressive and touching that it moved the audience to tears.

The choice of "Hallelujah" for a christmas performance is a very classic one and for good reason –– it's beautiful and moves people during that special time of year. Standing in front of her peers on the stage, from the second Kaylee opens her mouth and starts singing it's clear she has talent. Mesmerizing the audience with her angelic voice, she continues with Leonard Cohen's poetic words.

The rest of the Killard House School Choir is seen lined up behind her, but they aren't singing yet. Waiting their turn patiently, it's Kaylee who is the real star of the performance. 

Accompanied by a solo piano, the rendition is both stark and powerful, especially considering the strength of Kaylee's vocal talent. Towards the end of the song, the choir behind her joins in, in a harmonious ending to "Hallelujah".

What's more, Kaylee memorized the entire song –– an impressive feat for a young girl of 10 who's been diagnosed with both autism and ADHD. Children affected by both disorders can have trouble with delayed learning, which makes Kaylee's performance all the more astounding.

Her school principal, Colin Millar, told BBC Newsbeat: "She'd be a very quiet little girl, but when she sings, she just opens up." Kaylee attends the Killard House School in Donaghadee in Northern Ireland and is one of 200 students there with special needs. Mr Millar added that "She gets so much confidence from the singing. All my kids have talents, as well as barriers, and this is hers."

It's amazing to see a proud principal encouraging his students in such a positive way. Kaylee's mother Tracy also told the BBC that her daughter might have some options to sing professionally, but it would only be possible if her music teacher Mr Scates was involved. She told BBC Newsbeat: "She always loved singing, but it wasn't until she started at Killard House School that she really came into her own. He's like her safety blanket –– he's amazing."

That professional career might not be too far off, as Kaylee even has a website with links to social media and music streaming services that feature more songs from her. Another beautiful song she's performed is "Open The Eyes Of My Heart Lord". There are also links to her music on iTunes and Amazon Music. You can visit her website for yourself here.

What did you think of Kaylee's beautiful rendition of "Hallelujah"? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to pass on to your family and friends.