Life comes with obstacles, difficulties and hardships, but one American Idol contestant has overcome more than his fair share of hurdles.

Elijah McCormick, in addition to being a terrific singer, is an absolute survivor. Prior to his audition on American Idol, Elijah explained how he was nearly killed in a fiery car crash and flatlined nine times.

“Graduation day 2019, I was, I was in a bad car accident,” Elijah said. “Car caught on fire. I had to learn to walk again, learn to talk again.”

Elijah later added that he nearly died several times while being transported to the hospital and during surgery. 

“I flatlined a couple times in the process of being airlifted,” Elijah stated. “And then I flatlined a couple times on the operating table, a total of nine times.”

For all that he had been through, Elijah picked the absolute best song to sing in front of Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan: “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts.

Almost as soon as Elijah began singing, Lionel was overcome with emotion. He continued dabbing and wiping his eyes throughout the young man’s audition. 

Simply put: Elijah put on a terrific performance! He shows off his God-given musical talent. All three judges gave the aspiring singer a standing ovation. Additionally, each walks over and gives Elijah a warm and loving embrace.

Lionel told the young man that God has a purpose for Elijah’s life.

“But let me just tell you this: God brought you back nine times for you to do something amazing,” he said. “I’m so glad you’re here with us and that was just one of those moments in my life that I will never forget.”

All three judges were moved by Elijah’s story of perseverance, determination, love and his extraordinary performance. 

Luke, Katy and Lionel all agree and send the young man onto the portion of the competition. Elijah is going to Hollywood!

James 1:12 “There is a blessing on the man who undergoes testing; because, if he has God’s approval, he will be given the crown of life, which the Lord has said he will give to those who have love for him.”