Fun Friday: "American Idol" Contestant with Austim Brings Judges to Tears

Welcome back,

Since I am preparing to do another interview next week, I thought I'd make this another "fun" Friday- highlighting another American Idol contestant.

American Idol does it again, encouraging young artists to go for their dreams despite whatever fears they may have. 28-year-old Sam Finelli sang his own rendition of Kasey Musgrove's "rainbow"; during the audition, Sam also opened up about his struggles with autism and interacting in social situations. He even wondered if he was "good enough" for the show. The judges' answer was a standing ovation and three yeses to the next round. Please take time to watch this YouTube. It proves that handicaps are not always seen as disadvantages but as "gifts."

Another "Fun" Friday Post: Cole Hallman Shares "Screen Time" with His Sister

Another "Fun" Friday Post: Cole Hallman Shares "Screen Time" with His Sister

Since I have exciting plans for the coming weeks, I'm going to highlight something special today. As many of you know, American idol is celebrating their 20th year on television. The cast has the unique ability to spot talent within a matter of minutes of meeting someone; Cole Hallman is just one example. When we first are introduced to Hallman, he is playing guitar sitting by his sister, Katy. She has a chromosome deletion disorder which affects her IQ, behavioral issues etc.. But you wouldn't know it by the way her brother interacts with her.

"... She [Katy] keeps me calm," he says

At one point, he even shares the spotlight with his sister singing parts of the song "You Can't Always Get What You Want" as a duet

"Fun" Friday: 29-year-old Aaron Wheel doesn't give up and jumps a second time despite spina bifida

 "Fun" Friday: 29-year-old Aaron Wheelz doesn't give up and jumps a second time despite spina bifida

"I was born with spina bifida, and obviously, I can't ride a bike or a skateboard, but life gave me a different set of wheels," he said right out of the gate during his audition.

Being born with spina bifida, he knows what it is like to be different. Growing up, he's had over 23 surgeries during his lifetime, each to help him walk or be more independent.

"Growing up with the disability, there's always this push to walk- you should be working or using crutches- almost as if using a wheelchair was giving up."

Watching his friends drop in at a skate park, he decided to just try it. From then on, a passion was born.

After over-rotating on his first try, he defies the odds by scooting his butt on the stairs for the first few stairs and getting help from assistants to get to the top.

"The first one tells you what you did wrong, and the second one you come through and brings it,"