America’s Got Talent Fantasy League: Kodi Lee Tackles Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’
In Kodi Lee’s first two appearances on America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League, the singer took a risk on original songs. Now, Kodi will go back to what got him started–covers of well known songs.
However, he’s still taking a big risk as he tackles the beloved Queen classic, “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
He changes the lyric “Mama, just killed a man,” to “Mama, my time has come.” He also skips the part about putting a bullet in a man’s head. Changing the lyrics of an iconic song. That’s an even bigger risk. He slows it up, creating a march-like vibe in the performance. The song is really chopped up. It’s an odd song choice for a consequential moment.
Howie Mandel is impressed that the singer took a Queen song, and “Kodi-fied it.” He calls the performance “amazing” adding, “You’re a star, you always deliver. I’m so proud that I could be the mentor of your dream team.” Howie stole Kodi from Simon Cowell during the semi-finals, assuring the singer would advance to the Top 10.
Mel B. isn’t sure about Kodi’s pick. “Even though that was a good song choice, I love it when you do your original songs so I can hear your vocals, your heart, your passion,” she added, “I just want you to be you.” Singing covers is Kodi’s bread and butter, though. A well-chosen cover would have been fine. But, picking a huge Queen song to cover. Gotta have the vocal chops for that. And if a song’s lyrics make a singer squeamish, it’s likely not a good choice for an important performance.
“The final just wouldn’t be the same without you in it”
Heidi Klum said, “I think that you are so very talented. You sit at that piano and you can sing anything.” She mentioned that she loved his last song, which was about his mom, who constantly by the side of the blind and autistic singer. “Not to take away from what you just did, but I loved your own songs so much!” That’s a way to soften criticism–compliment Kodi’s songwriting!
Simon noted that Kodi got far in the competition after singing original songs. But he’s sticking to compliments. “No matter what you suggest…you always do your own take on it. You’re always so interesting to watch.” Simon complimented Kod’s star quality, and that he’s gotten better as an artist over the years and has “never given up.” Simon concluded, “The final just wouldn’t be the same without you in it.”
While Kodi was hesitant to leave Simon’s team, he tells host Terry Crews that working with Howie was “so amazing!” Simon pretends to be mad!
The America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League Top 10 perform on NBC Monday Feb 12 at 8 pm. The audience votes, and the grand prize winner will be revealed on the Feb 19 finale.
