What is sarcoidosis? Medical condition explored as American Idol contestant Dontrell Briggs pays tribute to godmother

The upcoming episode of American Idol will feature yet another audition round, which will welcome a gospel singer named Dontrell Briggs.

Briggs is a 26-year-old direct support associate from Maxton, North Carolina. The show recently dropped his audition clip online, showcasing Briggs paying tribute to his late godmother Betty Morrison.

His story and voice touched the judges' hearts, especially Lionel Richie, who hugged him after his audition.

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How did Dontrell Briggs’ godmother die?

The video featured Briggs entering his audition room carrying a folded blanket. When Katy Perry asked him what he was holding, he unfurled the blanket that featured a picture of his godmother. The text printed on the blanket read: Betty Morrison. Sunrise July 11, 1962. Sunset April 25, 2021.

Morrison passed away last year as she was suffering from sarcoidosis. Briggs said that she played a big part in his life and was always there for him:

“I miss her a lot. She played a very big part in my life…. Not a day that I could not call her, and she would be right there for me.”

Speaking about her condition, Briggs stated:

“She fought for a long time. She didn’t let anything stop her. She always kept going. To lose her was very hard to deal with.”

He admitted that American Idol was his dream and if he got a golden ticket, his late godmother would rejoice with the angels in heaven. He further shared that Morrison couldn’t sing but used to croon with him during their car rides.

Morrison had sarcoidosis, which severely affects the person’s lungs and lymph nodes. According to the Mayo Clinic website, there is no cure for this medical condition.

The description of sarcoidosis reads:

"Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells [granulomas] in any part of your body — most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. But it can also affect the eyes, skin, heart and other organs.”

While most people recover without any treatment, the disease may last for a lifetime and may cause damage to the patient’s organs.

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When will Dontrell Briggs appear on American Idol?

Briggs will audition on American Idol on Sunday, March 13 at 8.00 pm Eastern Time (ET) on ABC.

As per the promo clip, he sings For Your Glory by Tasha Cobbs and after Perry votes no, Briggs sings another song, Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton. Viewers will find out this weekend whether the gospel singer gets a golden ticket.

The three judges on the singing reality show are Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.