Talent shows are a great way for school kids to showcase their skills and abilities, and one fourth grader did just that to the delight of his mother and, soon after, millions across the world.
Adam Kornowski, who was winding up Fourth Grade at Lakeside Elementary School in Chisago City, Minneapolis, took to the stage for the school’s talent show in 2018. His mother, Michelle Kornowski, was sitting in the audience, ready to film his rendition of the classic hit “Imagine” by John Lennon. The brave young boy stepped up to the piano. As his calm and soothing voice began to fill the hall, all in attendance fell silent. By the time he was done, there was not a dry eye in the house.
Being the proud mother that she was, Michelle posted his entire performance on Facebook to share with her family and friends. What happened next is a true testament to Adam’s talent. The post ended up being liked nearly 200,000 times and garnered 14 million views. She captioned it:
“Adam had his all school talent show today. He did ‘Imagine.’ There wasn’t a parent in the room with a dry eye by the end. He got a standing ovation and the applause lasted forever!! A woman stopped me to tell me that she would buy it on iTunes if I put it out there!! I love his bow at the end… so polite!”
The video showed Adam playing the piano flawlessly, while his serene and lilting voice lent the inspirational song great emotion. Michelle said she only intended for family and friends to see his performance and was thus taken by surprise by how the clip went viral.
Michelle told USA Today, “I only have 150 Facebook friends, so this was alarming.” She added even though Adam was surprised by the overwhelming reaction too, they would just “see what comes from this.”
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s just been a lot of fun,” Michelle said, adding, “From reading the comments (on the Facebook post), I think I know what happened. People saw a young boy singing a song like that and where we are in the state of world and I think people are looking for beauty. This was the right song at the right time.”
As for why he chose to sing “Imagine,” Adam told KARE 11 he believed in the message of its lyrics. “It’s a song about peace and hope. About no conflicts. It has a lot of meaning, especially what we’re going through right now,” he told the outlet.
His mother felt it was the right song choice as well, saying “There is so much strife in the world and he wanted to do a song that had peace and hope in it, hoping that people would listen to that. He listens to the music he plays and I think the John Lennon song resonated with him and he just wanted to send a message as a 10-year-old kid.”
She said Adam, who was taught to play the piano by his musician dad at the age of 5, isn’t letting internet fame change him and is back to all the normal hobbies, such as baseball, that 10-year-old kids are fond of. She told CNN, “He was excited, because it is exciting, but then he was on to the next thing.”
Now a viral sensation, Adam’s talent has drawn new fans online, many of whom praised his skills and composure. Many also lauded Adam for doing justice to the classic song as well as being able to keep his nerves in check while performing in front of his peers, teachers and parents.
“Never underestimate the brilliance and talent of little people👍💕..how fitting the boy’s choice of song… just when the world needs it the most! 🙏John Lennon would sure be proud of this boy👍❤️🎼,” one comment read.
“I’ve pulled this kid’s version up on YouTube whenever I need a pick me up for two years now. This is honestly the most beautiful version I have heard of this song. Good enough to be an AGT golden buzzer moment for sure but it’s just an ordinary school talent show with a young man with an extraordinary talent,” another fan wrote.
“This hits even harder from the voice of a child. So beautiful, so powerful,” a third comment read.
While Michelle had initially tried to personally thank each person who left a kind word about the video on Facebook, the deluge proved too much. Instead, she left a message to express her and Adam’s gratitude.
“So Adam’s videos have blown up. I started out trying to thank everyone who shared it and respond to all the comments, even if just to say thank you. But alas I can’t keep it up. Please know if you liked, commented or shared it we are very grateful. People have said the most beautiful things and I know he is feeling wonderful about it. I will keep reading the comments and sharing them with Adam. I am in awe of the response. So thank you all!!”
Were you surprised by Adam’s amazing talent? Do you or your kids have special talents of their own? Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to family and friends, too.
