While other Smule performances have gone viral, the Jesse J-Bleasby duet has set the high mark. If the video hadn’t taken off, I would have been at that audition for sure.” “I actually did have an audition date for the UK X Factor scheduled a few weeks after the video went viral. “I always wanted to be a singer, but I never saw it as a viable prospect until this video,” he admitted. Jessie J has since reached out to Bleasby to recreate their moment in person.īleasby’s performance also caught the attention of record labels and managers, putting the King’s College London student on the threshold of a singing career. I was completely stunned at the power of social media.” As soon as big names shared the video - such as Ellen Degeneres, Lil’ Wayne, Aston Kutcher - the video just seemed to keep going. “I didn’t do any self-promotion it just seemed to take off on its own. “My family and friends saw it during the first weekend and all decided to share it,” he said. To date, combined YouTube and Facebook views amount to over 25 million views. Within days, the video hit 1 million views. I’m extremely thankful to every single person who watched, liked and shared it.”Ī number of those who shared the clip were high-profile celebrities, and their endorsements made Bleasby an Internet sensation. “I never thought the video would be so successful, let alone the opportunities I’ve been given as a result of it,” said Bleasby, an 18-year-old college student.
Their rendition of Jessie J’s “Flashlight” has now been seen by millions after the star, who is also a judge on the UK version of The Voice, shared it on Facebook. When Tom Bleasby used Sing! to duet with a recorded performance by British singer Jessie J, he had no idea the video would go viral.