An 'American Idol' contestant diagnosed with autism moved the judges to tears during his audition

• Sam Finelli, who is diagnosed with autism, moved the "American Idol" judges to tears on Sunday.
• Finelli's mom said her son was diagnosed with "high-functioning" autism and music was his therapy.
• "It's not all of who I am," he said, adding, "music was like my best friend."

Sam Finelli, who is diagnosed with autism, moved judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan to tears during his audition on "American Idol."

The 28-year-old performed a rendition of "Rainbow" by Kacey Musgraves on Sunday's episode of "American Idol" that earned him a "yes" from all three judges to move to the next round in the singing competition.

Finelli's mother shared that her son was diagnosed with "high-functioning" autism. "He has struggled at an early age," she said.

Finelli says that he doesn't like to talk about it but that he was always "different as a kid."  

"It's just a small part of who I am," he said. "It's not all of who I am. So it was lonely growing up, but music was like my best friend."

 

"You have three judges giving you a standing ovation," Richie said after Finelli's performance. "I want you to know right now we are so proud of you."

Finelli tearfully thanked them and shared that he was originally afraid to audition.

Judge Katy Perry praised Finelli for his song choice. "I think you picked the perfect song because there has always been a rainbow hanging over your head," she said.

"I needed this song 20 years ago," he said. "I did."

Bryan cosigned by adding: "I love an experience and that felt like an experience."

Finelli learned he was moving on to the next round after Richie called for Finelli's mom to join him on stage to hear the news as well.

"American Idol" airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.