Elijah McCormick survived a terrifying car accident to fulfill a dream and was able to sing about God on American Idol.
American Idol
On June 8, 2019, just hours after his High School graduation, Elijah was in a horrific accident that almost took his life. After dropping off his friend, he was in a crash where his car went up in flames. He had to be airlifted to the hospital.
The aspiring singer from Raeford, North Carolina, flatlined nine times after the accident. He spent 79 days in the hospital and went through 10 surgeries, including open heart surgery. It seemed like a miracle that he was able to survive. The young boy also had to relearn how to walk and talk again.
American Idol [@AmericanIdol]. Elijah McCormick. YouTube, March 3, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-AXHG53mf4
Elijah McCormick
Today, almost four years after the accident, he stepped on the stage of American Idol and fulfill his a dream to honor God.
“I’m just thankful to be here honestly. Thankful for the guardian angels that were around me that day… I was not supposed to be here so I have to fulfill my purpose,” he said during an interview prior to his auditions.
The 21-year-old Ophthalmologist Technician sang “God Bless The Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts in front of the judges. Lionel Richie teared up as he was listening to Elijah singing. After his touching performance, they gave him a standing ovation.
“God brought you back nine times for you to do something amazing. I’m so glad you’re here with us. That was just one of the moments in my life I will never forget,” Lionel said to him.
“God Bless The Broken Road”
Judge Katy Perry also acknowledged how God led Elijah to this moment,
“You sang ‘God bless the broken road that led me back to You.’ He blessed it,” Katy commented. “You have to relearn how to walk and talk. Elijah, do you understand this is the beginning of your story?”
He also revealed that he was scheduled to audition for the show back in 2019 but was unable to do so because of his accident.
“Your son, when he opens his mouth, it is divine,” Lionel said to Elijah’s mom. “God brought him back for a reason, there is a purpose in [his] life and it starts right on that oval. I know you went through absolute torture but God blessed you and your family and that golden child right there.”
Read also: LAUREN DAIGLE SURPRISES YOUNG CHRISTIAN CONTESTANT ON AMERICAN IDOL AUDITION
Reference: YouTube | American Idol
Header Image: American Idol [@AmericanIdol]. Elijah McCormick. YouTube, March 3, 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-AXHG53mf4
