Weird Al Yankovic, young people with autism sing ‘Yoda’ on telethon

Weird Al Yankovic joined the “Night of Too Many Stars” telethon on Comedy Central to sing his “Yoda” parody of the Kinks’ “Lola” with 14-year-old Jodi Di Piazza, who has autism, and a choir of autistic kids at the 2015 edition of the fundraiser.

Di Piazza became a sensation at the 2012 event when she sang “Firework” with Katy Perry, and this time teamed up with pop music’s leading satirist.

She started the song at the piano, and Yankovic soon joined her, outfitted in a Jedi master’s flowing robe.

They were joined by the Actionplay Chorus, made up of young people with autism. In the song, Yankovic reimagined the Kinks’ version by overlaying lyrics describing Luke Skywalker’s initial meeting with his spiritual guide “Yoda” from “Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back.”

Di Piazza, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2, has studied piano, voice, music theory, composition, jazz piano, guitar and songwriting and has attended the Mannes College of Music Preparatory Division.

At 9, she wrote a song titled “Heroes of Autism” for Toys R Us that helped raise more than $3 million.

Sunday’s “Night of Too Many Stars: America Comes Together for Autism Programs” show was held at New York City’s Beacon Theatre, was hosted by Jon Stewart and also featured appearances by Bill Burr, Steve Buscemi, Louis C.K., Steve Carell, Gilbert Gottfried, Jon Hamm, John Oliver, Paul Rudd, Maya Rudolph, Amy Schumer, Sarah Silverman and others.

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