Katy Perry took the stage for Comedy Central’s autism benefit Night of Too Many Stars but this time she wasn’t the star. That designation would go to Jodi DiPiazza, an autistic girl who made a breakthrough with the help of music. Jodi accompanied the superstar on “Firework,” playing piano and singing with Perry in front of a few thousand at New York City’s Beacon Theatre.
The special airs Sunday (October 21), but you can watch this truly moving video up top. The duet starts at the 3:10 mark, but it’s worth watching the whole package, unless you’d rather your colleagues not see you bawling in your cubicle. For information on how you can donate, go here.
I couldn’t; I cried. So moving and inspiring.
Oh my goodness. How magnificent! To think I didn’t care much for Katy Perry or the song:”Firework” before seeing this. Thank you for bringing awareness to autism. Many parents don’t know what to do and not having the support/ resources they need, send their children to facilities like the Judge Rotenberg Center in Canton, MA, that uses painful shocks as their “treatment”. Please do whatever you can to have aversive practices like that stopped and other positive treatment like this used instead. Kudos and thanks to Jodi DiPiazza, her parents, Jon Stewart, Katy Perry, Good Morning America and everyone else involved in bringing autism to the forefront. Jodi DiPiazza is my hero! Stop the JRC!
Tears just kept flowing. Thank you Katy Perry. Jodi DiPiazza is a real inspiration to us all. I hope more Stars will help promote Autism awareness and that more people with special needs get more support and equal opportunity in the society.
For all that AUTISM is, is ISN”T a disease. Thank you JON STEWAT, for showing that.
actually it is a disease, and if you know nothing of the physiological markers of autism such as gut flora dysbiosis, brain inflammation, lack of blood flow to the brain, etc. then please refrain from making uneducated comments.
I think she was speaking more metaphysically than medically. Sometimes when you emotionally respond to something that moves you, you don’t always get the words right.
Hard to type with tears, my apologies that is… IT* isn’t a disease.
Does it make me a bad person if I didn’t cry? I feel bad but I didn’t even feel sad.
It’s not sad, it’s beautiful.
My 6 yo who is also gifted with autism loves this song. This made me feel warm and fuzzy. Especially when the audience started clapping and her little face lit up
Its over whelming….tears just roll. God bless you little angel :)
Jodi DiPiazza is a rock star! I, too, got goosebumps listening to her sing and play with Katy Perry. Mr. and Mrs. DiPiazza — you are wonderful parents and have a truly gifted child! All the best to you and your family!! Hugs and kisses to Jodi – she nailed it!