She Always Wanted to Sing, But Dad Said No (Until Now)

[@michaelmuncy3593]

It's not everyone who can do a cover as good as the original, and in their own style. Leila, you nailed it!

[@charfish]

@@michaelmuncy3593 you're right. Leila does have her own style. AND it also helps that I dig the color blue 💙💙💙

[@samhiatt]

My thoughts exactly

[@SV-vx9ss]

Those guidance counselors aren’t the only ones who WANT to hear you sing girl, we all WANT to hear you sing!! You’re a star in the making! ⭐️ Let your light shine girl.

[@Angela-vi9bb]

🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@roncampbell6377]

Yes 100% on that young Lady, Dang girl you are the real Deal nothing but total enjoyment & Respect 4u Sweet Heart 💞

[@GeezerDuggy]

Yes! ❤

[@mallorypena6635]

she is a star, just gotta shine, first time i loved someone sing so much!!!

[@generalmayhem8318]

Couldn’t have said it better🤙🏽❤️🤙🏽

[@DoulaGarcia]

If this is how she sounds curled into herself and not feeling so confident, can you imagine how she sounds when she's open and comfortable singing in front of people?! Goodness sake! That was sensational!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@seacprogrammer8455]

HELLZ YEA Was thinking same when she didn't have that little rhythmic jump or swing in the high note (@ 5:32) might be just her style or in experience or like you said shes young & unconfident. Oh I see she found that swing/bounce/shuffle immediately after that WOAH !!! My bad.

[@aimeemiller6716]

I love how she started off so nervous and then the music took over. It was like she forgot about the street and the people. Then, she was finished and she was very shy again. She's so talented! I want to hear more music from her!!! Good luck, Leila! ❤

[@cy318]

Give the guitarist credit too...Wow..they rocked it!!

[@ms.c.j.]

I had traditional parents, in the way of 1970’s thinking all I should do is go to school, learn secretarial skills, go to work at some dead end secretarial job… I just wanted to sing! I’m 60yo, have sung in the chorus of an opera group, was in 3 church choirs back in the day, but the negativity of my parents still haunted me. Leila don’t let this be you! Get out there, do something to help you attain your dreams! You’ve got a lovely voice!

[@SouthernBelle]

I'm a bit younger but pretty much the same story. Only I wasn't even allowed to be in the choir either. And I love singing. To this day i wish I could get voice lessons.

[@geraldinelafayette1838]

Same for me but with ballet. I had the immaculate body of a dancer and loved to do it. I loved to watch it when I was a kid and even practiced most of the moves and got them with no guidance well lessons began at school and I told my grandmother and she scoffed. Said it was “stupid”. But made me take piano lessons that I wasn’t any good at for years bc she always wanted to play. Parents and guardians please LISTEN to ur children when they say what they are passionate about bc you might crush their confidence and feel “stupid” from then on. It also definitely would have given me the discipline I so desperately needed!!!

[@breatheu]

She embodied the song. She was in her zone. She sounded professional

[@Kelekona_808]

Not only did she sing in public but she killed a version that had a different phrasing that hit just right. Great song.

[@velonico]

Sp cool! Right?!❤🎉

[@Cgee3]

That’s the strongest applause that I’ve heard on this channel. She’s got lightning in a bottle. I’d love to hear her on the radio.

[@carloscarion1748]

absolutely,Her fathers thwarted greatness, but as we all know you can’t stop water when It wants to go!

[@Solo.Dissonance]

@@carloscarion1748 Right? Very Sister Act 2!! Get it, Leila!!

[@annbrozovic3495]

Yah! Those HIGH notes!!!!

[@lwosw5197]

she deserves greatness and support

[@kmunoz65]

Fantastic singer. Dad, let her sing. She brings a peaceful joy to people's hearts.

[@patschwab4083]

So proud of this young lady who in spite of being nervous stepped into the limelight and let the light shine on her. Keep shining bright.

[@greeneyes0078]

Her style is "Jazzy". I can see her singing Jazz music. Keep pressing forward to get where you want to be.

[@Anaya-1972]

Agreed!

[@terryblack5087]

Oh yes, she would be perfect for some soulful jazz.

[@kathc200]

this was my first thought too

[@msgtjim4692]

I'm an older gentleman of 71 years young and young lady you put a smile on my face. Fantastic performance! Hope to hear much of you in the future.

[@KatrinaAune]

🙏💜🌻

[@Russllandia]

I'm a woman, 70 and smiling as well 😂

[@SpAzZzZz_]

I’m 33 and sick and this made me smile

[@SeerOfTime577]

Man, she was INCREDIBLE. Props to her for singing even with her nerves! ❤

[@judibrommer7569]

I so Agree❤❤❤❤

[@isabelladiyspace]

Yes 😮😍❤

[@photasticimages9258]

Hopefully, she'll get enough positive feedback as a result of this video to realize what a gift she has (and is) and overcome the nerves!

[@chirpydragonfruit9464]

Can u imagine what she'd sound like NOT nervous? Wow. Miss, you absolutely nailed this 👏 👌

[@ladyV1977]

Keep singing little lady. thank you young man for allowing us to hear people we would never hear sing if they didn't have this opportunity.

[@therealjaysparrow490]

Reggie, what you do for other people is incredible.

[@astronaughtly]

LEILA IS MY BEST FRIENDS GIRLFRIEND, SHES THE SWEETEST EVER!! this warmed my heart seeing the love for her

[@carolwalmsley3362]

She is fantastic 🤩

[@rarelotus9737]

Please ask her to start a channel doing covers or her own songs! She is BRILLIANT and gifted! I hope to hear her voice again!

[@TheElfball68]

I hope she sees all the great comments on here and gets her voice out there for us all to hear some more!!

[@cerrudmanuel]

Please say hello to her from Panama🇵🇦. She was born to sing!

[@blueskies773]

One of those voices where you are COMPELLED to close your eyes to receive all of what she has to say. Gorgeous

[@noradc]

Leila, this was a performance from your soul! The colour, the range, the control!, the way you made the song yours, gave your performance a 4-chair turn feel to it. No wonder your counsellors encouraged you to sing. I'll be very proud of you now! Keep believing in the talent God has given you.

[@charfish]

@@noradc I truly endorse your opinion about Leila getting a 4 chair turn. I do believe that she'd make a lot of people proud if she decides to go on "The Voice".I can only imagine how good she'd feel by being mentored by one of the coaches.

[@iamtheglass3744]

Beautiful! Just beautiful. 🫶🏻

[@KMTSports21]

I literally just cried. She’s…life.

[@LinoBoshof]

Yes 😢❤

[@KMTSports21]

This angel's voice has been stuck with me ever since hearing it. I went to sleep hearing it, woke up hearing it, and came back here to hear it again. This Shy Girl isnt going to be a star, she already is one. The world has no idea what they're about to discover when she decides to come out with her own music. I love the girl, love the song. She's just amazing!! "...and are you busy..." That line just keeps replaying in my mind for some reason.

[@XiiXiByNikki]

Same... Her Bravery & God Given Talent Set Her Free When She Choose To Share It... What A Beautiful Happening I Hope She Never Stops Singing It's God's Gift To Her & Hers To Humanity

[@indiracamotim2858]

Such a beautiful comment !

[@TheFriendlyPsychopath]

You sound goofy

[@Catnymph2006]

She is fantastic and I love how once she starts singing she forgets her shyness and is in that music. Amazing talent.

[@GlitzyWitch]

What an absolute angel, im so happy her guidance councillors encourage her. She has a beautiful voice, she made the song her own too. Thos young girl definitely has soul and a beautiful voice. I hope she persues her singing, she's a ray of sunshine 🌞 ❤❤❤

[@peethoo]

I listen to her and all I can think is that she could be a great jazz singer!!

[@carloscarion1748]

She can sing the phonebook, and sounds great

[@robertahubert9155]

She sings like a bird ❤. So soft and lovely. Her Dad did her a great injustice by not letting her sing. I wish her nothing but the best in her pursuit of music

[@garymorehead9063]

Are you kidding … have you not heard of honor killings…

[@garymorehead9063]

Injustice yes but it could have been worse

[@tdoby5600]

This young Lady needs to be on the radio ❤

[@samhiatt]

And then on vinyl! 🎙️

[@jeannietimberger2556]

💯

[@photasticimages9258]

Hear, hear!!

[@sherrinunya4079]

On STAGE!!! ❤❤❤

[@azcookin3177]

Love how her voice gets more powerful as her confidence grows. Keep it up, you’ve got it.

[@Studycase3000]

Reggie if the world had more and more people like you... The Empathy and opening you provide people for self expression is priceless. Healing and Joy through music and dance is such a gift. Bless you, for well...being you

[@bereabeard]

Amazing the talent all around us all the time, singing in schools, cars, churches, basements, & showers. And we usually never get to experience them.

[@guitaro5000]

Thank you so much! It's amazing how much talent is all around us, often hidden in everyday places. I am glad we can help bring some of those voices to light and share them with everyone.

[@samhiatt]

Have you ever played in L.A. along the bike trail by the Ballona Creek Bridge? Like in 2020? I think I may have seen you once, before I had ever seen your channel. I wonder what would have happened if I had stopped. 🤔 Next time. Next time.

[@guitaro5000]

@@samhiatt Not me :) But thanks for watching!

[@samhiatt]

@@guitaro5000 Well hopefully someday in the Big Apple then!

[@andydlinn7754]

😅

[@maddymaiolo171]

Her backstory was surprising!! She was very unique in her tone and that high note was 😊

[@kelleycaylor1464]

Holy cow! She's good. She needs to always be singing.

[@elizabethacevedo7846]

WOWOWOWOWOWOW!!! You are AMAZING, Layla!!! Keep singing!

[@tulelazule6914]

She has her own voice . i cried & was impressed.

[@yhn1inc]

Wow. I was watching this on my TV and had to jump on the computer to comment. This young lady is an artist. She brought something new and fresh to a melody that has been sung by a thousand people before her. Wonderful performance and I hope this is the beginning of something great for her. All the best!!

[@skittles2055]

Same! 💫💕

[@Musicmaestro2023]

My gawd .. she gave me goosebumps ! What a voice . She sang with so much feeling and hit those notes that impacts one’s soul . I hope she gets discovered thru this channel .

[@Kate-hh8yi]

Dear Leila.. I hope you continue to conquer stage fright and being witnessed.. because your vibes bring so much beauty to the world around you. You're an absolute joy ❤

[@jdjohnson1849]

Holy crap, she sounds amazing!!! Thank you for helping her gain confidence in her musical talent!

[@SharonDayLifeArchivist]

Oh, I just love her soul - her talent. What a bit of sunshine in a dull world. I'm so glad she believed in her mission here. Live it girl!

[@marketads1]

Reggie is THE medicine man!!

[@rgpdno]

This might be my favorite video from you. The way she said they're still nervous after a killer display like that was insane and so real

[@windsordawn]

I'm so sorry you were ever discouraged from letting your light shine. You and your voice are beautiful, and your sound is so soothing to the soul. Keep on singing and shining.

[@DoreenPollock-d2q]

I am so glad she listened to people telling her how gifted she is. Fabulous!

[@HarrietSchneider-rv9kd]

That young lady has an outstanding voice. BLESS HER HEART ♥️ 💜💝❤️ Girl you 🫵can SANG.😃 I hope to one day be able to say: HEY ALEXA, play LEILA. 🕊️🙏❤️🤗💝

[@bethbnolan]

I love "Valerie", and this young lady did a wonderfully sweet, original version. It was delightful!

[@cablebrain9691]

Between her story and her performance, it made me cry. She had better put that voice out in public from now on. She’s so talented.

[@christianehemmick]

I'm so happy that Leila finally found her voice and it's a beautiful a gift that she has ❤

[@Sam-qr9wu]

This lady brought tears to my eyes! Thank you for this beautiful display or humanity!!!

[@theresadimarco764]

I was a bit disappointed that he didn't encourage you more. Leila, you are INCREDIBLE!!! Please, please, & please keep singing. We all wanna hear you again. Never let anyone tell you you can't do it. You have a GIFT. Please share it with us. I can't wait to see you sing again. Brava!!!!

[@giovannachinazzo7217]

When I first heard her choice I said to me: again? But I had to redempt myself. I've never heard this song in this particular version 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 I loved it ❤❤❤

[@thecarjacful]

What a fabulous version of Valerie 🎤🎵🎵 Well done Leila. You gotta keep going girl 💕🤗

[@livelovelearn1986]

THIS is my favorite so far!!! The way she felt that song, made it her own and really leaned in and let go... SO BEAUTIFUL TO WATCH AND FEEL!!!!!! 🎉❤

[@kathrin.m5371]

This one made me cry! Loved her version. I hope to see more of her. Thanks for giving her the chance to perform.

[@RobynRorke]

I also wasn't allowed to listen to music due to my parent's religious beliefs. Something healed in me watching this. Thank you both. ❤

[@kcjd10]

Fighting back tears. I'm so sorry your dad discouraged you from music and singing. Your voice is beautiful and we want to hear you sing!

[@staceylee5372]

Sing, girl! We see you and we hear you. It is a gift to our souls.

[@OMDAT]

If you would only see her sing you'd think she'd be hella confident. As it should be, rock on.

[@ktoffelmire1]

Thank god for teachers and all the people who are positive role models and encourage our youth. Leila is a diamond.💎

[@SpiritAscending]

She’s fantastic! Hope the right manager or band sees this.

[@sandtart5641]

Let those notes take flight and release your fears on the wings of those notes as you reach new heights. Amazing job Leila

[@TheNails3]

That little kid at 5:48 clapping with his shoe lace was adorable hahaha

[@kbc1883]

I loved that! I love kids getting to witness this kind of thing... just adds to their bank of possibilities.

[@TheNails3]

@@kbc1883 Yeah that is very true :)

[@HappyLife693]

Nice interpretation!! I think Miss Leila has a career in the music industry waiting on her. 🎶

[@joannehenry4595]

Wow she had guidance counselors that actually paid some attention to who she was and gave her the support she deserved! Not all of us were so fortunate. I hope she starts singing out more. Sweet voice and gentle spirit! Sing out Songbird!!

[@lostarsm9240]

Oooo her vocal burn is so nice too. She ATE THAT!

[@karlarivera4410]

That was five years of Therapy and 1 song. She’s so brave. ❤

[@BrookeFuzzard-eb9sh]

I could listen to her all day, such a beautiful voice, please share your gift with the world 🫶

[@quakermaas]

Holy Smokes.....beautiful voice, soft with so much feeling

[@Madjay2001]

She made me cry. She is such a beautiful person, you can hear it in her voice. So much soul. This, made me feel chills down my spine. GIVE THIS WOMAN A RECORD!

[@WSS_the_OG]

Her voice is beautiful, her singing is amazing, and she's cute as heck. She's got it all, this young lady.

[@Lacey_Butterflies]

Wow! That was AMAZING!!! I respect your parents for holding tight to their faith, but you have an INCREDIBLE talent that the world needs to see, my friend. So blessed to have heard you sing! You totally made my day, knowing how shy you were, and yet, you stepped right up and rocked it. Way to go, girl! So proud of you! 🥰❤️

[@Milodadooogy]

8:20 Beautiful 🤩 she was so stoked, she ran off like Cinderella 🛼 I hope & I’m sure she will be back to credit you kind sir 🫶

[@anniel3305]

Be brave young lady, you have a great voice, be the person YOU want to be

[@sarahall5996]

Someone find that person. They need an album. That jazz is a gift.

[@misslady0075]

Get her a record contract! She sings Valarie so differently and beautifully. 💯👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@chiefredbird7315]

She was showing her soul too only one person while the whole world watched. BEAUTIFUL

[@poetess57]

Thank you, Reggie! That was awesome! I love what you’re doing especially when you give a little background on the singer, ❤️

[@whitneyallen5575]

I love what you do. You comfort people, take them by the hand and help them make the first step out of their comfort zone and you show them how great they are. I hope this sweet human will never ever stop singing again. She's awesome. She made my day, I am happy and I'd love to have a CD from her for my downer-days and my happy days, because her voice is so soothing and friendly and sweet. ❤

[@WillShattuck]

You made me cry Leila from seeing your heart in your voice. ❤

[@iamccbitz]

OMGeeee! This girl is singing from her SOUL!!! Amazing breakout performance and I’m feeling her vibes! I hope she keeps it up. Such a beautiful tone to her voice. SO good!

[@jafallica]

She’s amazing! Don’t ever let anyone hold you back. Go after your dreams. I would never understand why a parent not want to see the talent in their child.

[@irony11]

I think her father had good intentions but maybe never explained 'why' well enough. We should all know by now thenevil that exists in the industry. Maybe he could have gone over some lyrics with her in the songs showing her what he meant. So many lyrics people don't pay much attention to when it has a great beat. 'Samples' tend to be ised for those beats and to increase the popularity of the next song they use it in. Really read the lyrics of some of these songs.

[@colleenbrady9675]

It's a religious belief against music. I don't understand.

[@irony11]

@@colleenbrady9675 What don't you understand?

[@sorethumb07]

Hey Reggie 😎 I love what you do, and have seen every video. Most more than a few times. This one, with Layla was pure magic! The way you offered the slower version gave her room/space to really show her range and true voice! Please let Layla know that I think she has a spectacular voice, and to please keep singing. Keep up the great work, Reggie

[@sandraAlves-pi9pk]

Wow!! Somebody get this girl in a studio and on the radio! Absolutely beautiful! ❤️

[@AquariusFlower]

Parents, DON'T SUPPRESS your child's dreams. Some are born knowing their path. Some have to find it along the way.

[@Matt-mc2sn]

Oh, thats Shy Girl. She’s pretty cool.

[@faust4456]

It's amazing hearing the stories of people you would normally never think twice about. It's so refreshing and shows every single person on this planet has an origin story all their own.

[@cherylalt101]

It is amazing that most people think of their life as boring and ordinary, but whenever the rest of us regular folks hear those stories, they never seem boring or average. We've all been through our own trials and tribulations and often very similar things, but we all process and deal with issues with our own special flavor, making every person's story unique. I loved hearing Caitlin's take on Valerie, loved hearing some of her story, and loved how she seemed to bring out the best in Reggie's playing too! Even the baby in the stroller was clapping lol!

[@faust4456]

@@cherylalt101 Exactly!

[@prosandcons-fl2cc]

@@cherylalt101 Thats why its so fun to just sit back and listen to people :)

[@brianm4158]

@@cherylalt101I believe Caitlyn was her best friend. The singer is Leila, but I agree with you.

[@skittles2055]

🙌💕

[@VLVR4]

This literally brought me to tears… Shame on your dad for keeping this gift and your light from this broken world ❤️‍🩹 We need more of Leila’s beautiful talent and light!!!!

[@idontkknowyou9518]

Maybe he had his reasons. The music industry is a dangerous and damaging place of its own. Maybe he had experience or knowledge and wanted to protect her.

[@annaalice7042]

It's her life, her destiny and her decision. He had no right to discourage such a beautiful blessing to the world. Parents should encourage their children's passions and still guide them in a loving and nurturing way, she needs her self esteem boosting, bless her and her amazing gifts.​@@idontkknowyou9518

[@plumpydayz]

​@@idontkknowyou9518 In Islam, you are not allowed to indulge in anything that affects you in a physical, psychological or spiritual way that isn't Islamic. No drugs, no alcohol, no drawing, no music.

[@idontkknowyou9518]

@@plumpydayz That would explain his reasons for wanting to protect her from a dangerous and damaging industry.

[@RedditTor]

This was so so so good. Can we please make this happen for this talented human? I want to hear her voice on the radio.❤

[@stephaniejones8903]

YOU KILLED IT!!!! Goosebumps!!!! Baby Girl you keep singing!!!!

[@madhumati3175]

How could anyone discourage this girl?

[@beanzburriton4263]

sadly she doesn't have the looks to be famous. that's all people care about, look at taylor swift, crappy music and somehow super famous

[@luvslyfe1]

@@beanzburriton4263Seriously ridiculous comment from you. No doubt people said the same about Susan Boyle, but she became famous and was also extremely talented. ❤

[@rowillo]

She is crazy good.., fantastic…, BEST I have ever heard! ❤

[@ZoraSingsohh]

Such a beautiful voice. I'm happy she can enjoy music now it is truly healing. After hearing her story I've never felt more blessed to grow up in a house that did allow music.

[@ChericeFaith-ee5fk]

What a beautiful voice. I hope she finds healing through trauma, God has given her this gift. Hope her Dad understands he shouldn’t stifle gifts

[@judesnare6582]

Thank you for being an opening to let people shine and stand in their beauty… This being an opening seems to be the shining and beauty of you. Again, thank you.

[@chelseahaley8350]

Omg! I absolutely love her style! She's amazing! ❤

[@ashleycox432]

It's so refreshing to hear a totally original cover of this song. What an insane voice too and a touching story. I'm glad she finally has the encouragement she deserves and should have had all along, religion is no valid reason to hold someone else back.

[@ShaunMichael5]

“Chills, literally chills” she has not an incredible voice, but soul. I loved her arrangement.of Valerie.

[@EileenHall-j9f]

I’m trusting she will go far. Dad your God gave your daughter such a wonderful talent.

[@dorothyburgin5238]

When a Singer gives you GOOSEBUMPS you know they are REALLY GOOD!💝

[@warrensammut4233]

London, specifically Camden in the house, Amys old stomping ground. Leila absolutely put her OWN stamp on this , real vibes, Amy would concur absolutely. Amazing version, big up

[@darlenepurcell]

She could win AGT! Such a beautiful soul!

[@zennoodle]

Leila needs an album, EP and radio time. I love listening to this rendition of Valerie. If she has an Instagram page or KZbin channel, we need it! Perfect Sunday afternoon moment is this video!

[@FollowingMyBliss]

I'm crying my eyes out. That was GORGEOUS!! THAT'S some gift to be hiding from the world! BRAVO!! I WANT MORE!!❤❤❤❤

[@2klatte]

Insane voice control….this girl needs to post her stuff online 😊

[@slopsec2358]

That girl put it out there! That was awesome! Great job!