Man With Autism Receives Standing Ovation On 'American Idol'

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA — A 28-year-old Gwinnett County man with autism made it to the next round Sunday on "American Idol."

Sam Finelli, who works at a Peachtree Corners bakery, was the last person to audition in Sunday night’s episode of “American Idol.” During his introduction, his mother shared that Finelli was diagnosed with autism, but is high-functioning.

“It’s just a small part of who I am. It’s not all of who I am,” Finelli said in the cameras.
“It was lonely growing up, but music was my best friend.”

He performed Kacey Musgrave’s “Rainbow,” in front of judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. Finelli received a standing ovation.

“This is my dream, and I’m ready to go after my dream,” he said.