Few people would dare to try their hand at covering such powerhouse vocalists such as Alicia Keys and Adele. But that’s exactly what Katie Smith, from New York City, did. Not only did she give it a go, but she blew it out of the water in this impromptu street performance!
Katie was walking down the street leaving her New York office job when she noticed Reggie Guillaume’s, or known on YouTube as Guitaro5000, busking setup with the sign “Sing With Me For Free.” She clapped along as she heard other performers and walked up to Reggie paying him a compliment saying, “This is so cool!” That’s when Reggie asked her if she would like to join and sing a song. With slight hesitation, she takes a look at the song list deciding which one she’ll sing. However, she has something else in mind. She asks Reggie, “Do you know any Alicia Keys by chance?” That’s when Reggie nods and she request “If I Aint Got You.”
Before starting her performance, she tells a little bit about herself. Saying how she has been singing all her life and actually the most recent time she’s been on stage was only six months prior in California! 
Just before starting, Reggie asks, “Does this song make you think of anybody?” Katie replies with “My best friend Evan. Evan if you’re watching this, this is for you.” And now with mic in hand, she begins to sing and you can see the shock on the faces of the crowd. Not only that, but the crowd starts to grow as people passing by can’t help but stop and listen to Katie’s amazing cover of “If I Aint Got You.” Even pulling out their phones to record this magical moment! No doubt Alicia Keys herself would applaud and cheer just like the audience did!
The crowd obviously loved Katie’s singing and Reggie wanted to keep this amazing moment going so he asks Katie if she’ll sing one more. With encouragement from the crowd, she agrees, looks over the list but again, she has something else in mind. “Hello” by Adele is the next song Katie sings. Her soulful voice and strong vocals once again stun the crowd!
Finishing her performance and just before leaving she thanks the crowd and with a big smile says to Reggie, “This brought me so much joy!” Reggie gives credit where credit is due with a huge compliment to Katie saying if Adele ever needed to take a day off, Katie could be a stand in! And we can’t help but agree with him!
Katie’s infectious smile and bubbly energy, paired with her incredible singing, it’s no wonder this video has garnered 6 million views! The comment section is filled with people praising Katie’s performance! Her manager even writing “We are all so proud of you!” As well as her kindergarten teacher leaving the comment, “She has always been such a sweet, caring, and kind person. Love her talent!”
You can follow Katie on her YouTube and Instagram. As well as check out more of Reggie’s duets with other performers on his YouTube channel, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
