Not many individuals can claim they’ve met one of their idols. Some of us acquire that golden ticket backstage, or make our way through the throng for a handshake and a photo; these are genuinely memorable experiences for fans. One fan, on the other hand, was able to achieve what many fans wished for: share the stage with Michael Bublé in a crowded auditorium.
Mrs. Diana Fairbanks, a sixth-grade teacher, did just that at Michael Bublé’s stadium event in Oakland’s Oracle stadium in 2019. During this poignant moment, Fairbanks seems unfazed by the people that have gathered around her as Bublé accepts her request for a duet. They then perform a wonderful melodic duet of Disney’s “A Whole New World” together.
Bublé first seems to believe that Fairbanks, who is waving a placard in the air, is merely attempting to get his attention and express her devotion (as most fans would if they were so near to Bublé). The other side of the placard, seeking an on-stage duet with the famed Canadian singer, surprised him. The crowd had no idea that they were about to witness an absolutely breathtaking scene.
As he accepted her offer, the audience applauded, and Fairbanks immediately exhibited her exquisite voice. Despite his renowned fame, Bublé demonstrates in this footage that he is, at heart, just like everyone else as he fumbles over his lines throughout the duet. This doesn’t stop him from giving tremendous harmonic accompaniment to Fairbanks, who by the conclusion of the song has managed to pitch equal Bublé. They even look into one other’s eyes for confidence as they work together to get the appropriate pitch.
Michael Bublé is regarded as an American singing legend across the globe. His huge original career is amazing enough on its own, but one facet of Bublé’s brilliance is his ability to resurrect and reinvent forgotten music from the past. One of the most popular songs he revived was Nina Simone’s classic “Feeling Good,” which 15-year-old fan Sam Hollyman got to sing alongside Bublé at the Birmingham National Indoor Arena.
Fan interactions are some of the most enjoyable and surprising aspects of attending music concerts. Guest artist collaborations are a happy accident, but there’s nothing like having the opportunity to perform alongside one of your favorite musicians.
One especially enthralling scene occurred when Dave Grohl asked Yayo Sanchez on stage to play guitar at a Foo Fighters performance, dressed in makeup like Kiss’s Gene Simmons. Not only does little Sanchez execute their legendary song “Monkey Wrench” flawlessly, but Grohl is struck speechless and proceeds to bow to the young guitarist. You’d be hard pressed to find higher praise anywhere else.