Kodi Lee Delivers a Gut-Wrenching Rendition of a Classic Pearl Jam Track

Kodi Lee is a total star in the America's Got Talent universe and beyond. In addition to his memorable performances on AGT and AGT: All-Stars, the AGT Season 14 winner has shown off his incredible vocal talent in a variety of impressive covers of music icons — from the late Tina Turner to Cyndi Lauper — and has even performed alongside superstars like Leona Lewis. 

On July 11, Lee showcased another side of his musical self with a gut-wrenching rendition of the 1991 rock ballad "Black" by Pearl Jam. During his cover, Lee shook things up by forgoing his typical piano accompaniment while he sat in front of the camera sporting sunglasses and a Red Hot Chili Peppers t-shirt. A guitar strummed in the background while Lee passionately crooned the introduction notes. Then, Lee gently tapped his hands to the beat while he sang the emotional lyrics in a perfectly balanced tone while pulling off some impressive vocal flips and runs. 

"Here is one of my favorite Pearl Jam songs! It’s called Black. Do you know which album it’s on?! Eddie Vedder writes some great lyrics," Lee wrote in the accompanying Instagram caption. 

RELATED: Kodi Lee Sounds So Smooth and Soulful Singing Hozier's "Take Me to Church"

All About "Black" by Pearl Jam 

The fifth track off the grunge band's critically-acclaimed debut album Ten, the raw and vulnerable lyrics of "Black" were written by front man Eddie Vedder, who Lee praised for his lyrical ability. Despite the fact that it was never released as a single, "Black" remains one of Pearl Jam's most popular songs to date and is considered one of the best ballads of all-time. 

"Black" by Pearl Jam Lyrics

Sheets of empty canvas, untouched sheets of clay
Were laid spread out before me as her body once did
All five horizons revolved around her soul as the earth to the sun
Now the air I tasted and breathed has taken a turn, ooh
And all I taught her was everything
Ooh, I know she gave me all that she wore

And now my bitter hands chafe beneath the clouds
Of what was everything
Oh, the pictures have all been washed in black
Tattooed everything

I take a walk outside, I'm surrounded by some kids at play
I can feel their laughter, so why do I sear
Oh and twisted thoughts that spin 'round my head
I'm spinning, oh I'm spinning, how quick the sun can drop away

And now my bitter hands cradle broken glass
Of what was everything
All the pictures have all been washed in black
Tattooed everything

All the love gone bad turned my world to black
Tattooed all I see, all that I am, all I'll be yeah
Oh oh ooh

I know someday you'll have a beautiful life
I know you'll be a star in somebody else's sky, but why
Why, why can't it be, oh can't it be mine?