If you’re in need of a soul boost, “Hallelujah” is one of those songs that’s sure to do the trick. Over time it’s been covered by a wide variety of artists, but there’s one performance, in particular, that’s unforgettable.
In 2016, Kaylee Rogers took the stage with her classmates at her Northern Ireland school. With a strong and powerful voice, she led the group in a Christmas rendition of “Hallelujah” that took the internet’s breath away.
However, there’s a lot more to the performance than meets the eye.
You see, Kaylee is more than a girl with an incredible gift for singing. Some might be surprised to learn that she also has autism and ADHD.
Kaylee was 10-years-old and attending the Killard House School located in Donaghadee, Ireland when she sang before this audience. She was very timid and wouldn’t speak up in class much – but there was something about singing that brought her out of her shell.
The school’s headmaster, Colin Millar, explained to BBC Newsbeat:
“She’d be a very quiet little girl, but when she sings, she just opens up.”
Kaylee and her classmates performed “Hallelujah” as part of their Christmas pageant. She was the lead singer with the choir in the background.
It was the school’s music instructor, Lloyd Scates, who took notice of Kaylee’s amazing singing talents. In order to help build her self-confidence, he encouraged her to perform during school concerts.
Tracy Rogers (Kaylee’s mom) 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.”
It’s a video that’s left many needing a tissue.
For more than four minutes, Kaylee belts out a Christmas version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” with the school’s choir as her backup. She not only sings like an angel, but she does so with such confidence you’d never know of her struggles.
Before the world experienced the 10-year-old’s performance, it was her church that was completely moved by it.
What happened is Kaylee was supposed to sing at a church event, but sickness forced her to have to pull out. Understandably, she was upset and disappointed about it all.
Her mom Tracy told NBC News:
“She had a huge autism meltdown because she didn’t understand that when you are sick it is OK to cancel. She is very hard on herself.”
Since Kaylee couldn’t perform for the congregation they played her solo of “Hallelujah” instead. It was so moving to the members that many were left in tears.
Not long after, the video was posted on the internet, and it quickly went viral. It’s been watched millions of times and Kaylee’s been in headlines all across the globe.
The performance has also gathered countless comments from people who have enjoyed it. One YouTube user wrote:
“This is so freaking amazing! My goosebumps got goosebumps 😍
She has a better voice then 80% of singers nowdays! absolutely brilliant 😊”
Another person commented:
“I cry every time I see this. I have 2 autistic boys you give me faith and strength for my boys. God bless you”
This is the perfect time of year for beautiful, soul-boosting performances. Get ready, because this Christmas rendition of “Hallelujah” might become one of your new favorites.
Press play below to watch Kaylee sing her heart out with her classmates!
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