We’ve all questioned why awful things happen to kind people. Unfortunately, this is a normal part of life, but the genuinely strong do not allow adversity to hold them back. They overcome. David Francisco is the ideal example.

David Francisco graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2014 with an electrical engineering degree, but he still didn’t know what he wanted to do in life. So he naturally opted to go to Europe. While there, he discovered he has a secret talent: a voice. Instead of pursuing a “traditional career” in engineering, David opted to devote his whole attention to music.

He owned and operated a modest recording studio in Knoxville, Tennessee, for several years before deciding to go to Nashville. He intended to attend college there to strengthen his engineering and production talents.

Unfortunately, only three weeks after relocating to Nashville, the unimaginable occurred. An inattentive motorist hit David when he was riding his bike home quickly after lunch to feed his dog. The incident broke his spine and seriously injured his spinal cord. The incident left him paralyzed from the waist down.

As one might expect, David was distraught. “I thought everything was over. The music is over. Relationships are over.” I cried every day for months.” Despite the horrible hand he had been dealt, David was determined to remain strong and regain as much mobility as possible. David spent the following year undergoing intensive physical therapy and rehabilitation.

During his recuperation, David reconnected with a childhood acquaintance, Kristi, who had reached out to him to support him during this trying time. While remaining in a wheelchair, David and Kristi fell in love and finally got engaged. This love was a key motivator in his desire to get back on his feet.

In 2017, David finally got his big break when American Idol invited him to audition. He arrived on stage with crutches and performed Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” flawlessly. Judge Katy Perry noticed Kristi sobbing backstage because she was struck with emotion. By the second verse, they were both in tears. David’s talent and persistence wowed the judges, and he advanced to Hollywood Week!

A record company signed David after he won American Idol, and he has since performed alongside several well-known artists. This talented singer, songwriter, and musician is very inspirational. Lenny Kravitz remarked of David, “You are a warrior!” Your attitude is really inspirational!”