A Dream Comes True for a Mannes Prep Student
On October 13, Jodi DiPiazza, an 11 year-old student who has for three years studied at Mannes College The New School for Music’s preparatory division, put her practicing to the test in a big way. Jodi took the stage to perform “Firework” with none other than pop idol Katy Perry at the Comedy Central benefit Night of Too Many Stars: America Comes Together For Autism Programs.
The performance quickly became a YouTube sensation with over 3 million viewers. In addition to the song, the YouTube video also addresses the challenges Jodi has overcome since being diagnosed with autism at the age of 2.
“We were afraid she would never speak, never dreaming that she would sing or even be able to understand,” Jodi’s dad Tom said in the clip.
Jodi’s public appearance’s continued after that starry night when she appeared on Good Morning America playing and singing the song “Tomorrow.” Night of Too Many Stars, hosted by Jon Stewart will air on October 21 at 8:00 p.m. on Comedy Central.