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

[@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🤙🏽❤️🤙🏽

[@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 😂

[@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

[@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!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@breatheu]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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! ❤

[@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!!!!

[@christianehemmick]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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 👏 👌

[@staceylee5372]

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

[@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. 🫶🏻

[@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!!!!!! 🎉❤

[@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

[@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 🌞 ❤❤❤

[@tdoby5600]

This young Lady needs to be on the radio ❤

[@samhiatt]

And then on vinyl! 🎙️

[@jeannietimberger2556]

💯

[@photasticimages9258]

Hear, hear!!

[@sherrinunya4079]

On STAGE!!! ❤❤❤

[@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!

[@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

[@Catnymph2006]

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

[@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]

😅

[@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. 🕊️🙏❤️🤗💝

[@maddymaiolo171]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@kelleycaylor1464]

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

[@ramonaal-hardani3343]

OMG, she has a beautiful voice . I got the chills and tearing eyes, so emotional song. She will touch so many people who she can help with her sing. Great job, young lady. You continue your journey in your sing career. Blessings love n light.❤😅😅😅😅😮😮😮

[@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! 💫💕

[@joyelle-hc6rt]

She is very good, she sung that song so well she made me cry. Her tone was absolutely gorgeous. She slowed it down with a whole other meaning to this song which is my favorite!

[@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 .

[@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

[@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 ❤

[@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!!!!

[@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

[@lostarsm9240]

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

[@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.

[@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!!

[@bethbnolan]

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

[@lefujyou]

Thanks so much Reggie for spreading the love man love the vibe’s ☮️❤️✨💥

[@marketads1]

Reggie is THE medicine man!!

[@karlarivera4410]

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

[@thecarjacful]

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

[@WillShattuck]

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

[@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.

[@SpiritAscending]

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

[@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 ❤❤❤

[@akasantajr]

I think she was one of the best you’ve ever had.

[@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.💎

[@sandtart5641]

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

[@DoreenPollock-d2q]

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

[@BrookeFuzzard-eb9sh]

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

[@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. ❤

[@HappyLife693]

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

[@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! 🥰❤️

[@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.

[@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.

[@catherinefloyd-gs6bv]

She has a unique and beautiful raspy voice! Sorry she had to wait so long for the world 🌍 to see and FINALLY hear!

[@gdhhayes2129]

She's young yet; she potentially has a lifetime ahead of her, she's still very much in her prime.

[@quakermaas]

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

[@azcookin3177]

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

[@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!

[@user-em3vl6li5w]

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

[@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

[@stephaniejones8903]

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

[@poetess57]

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

[@pamelapennington4886]

The way she closed her eyes and got so into the music was really inspiring. She didn't just sing the song, she was embodying and bringing forth that song's spirit.

[@TheNails3]

That little kid at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="348">5:48</a> 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 :)

[@tulelazule6914]

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

[@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?

[@mariemiranda2115]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 You did that song justice! Guitar guy, your reaction when she was done was way blase, like okay, thank you ! Are you kidding me, that was soooo amazing !

[@chiefredbird7315]

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

[@VampDaVegan]

Beautiful voice. Bless her she was so shy she left 😢 I would have been the same . Well done ur no longer trapped in that cage 🎉

[@rowillo]

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

[@eddiewouldknow]

That was so good, she was born to sing. Thank you for an awesome performance!

[@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.

[@greggcoop1223]

Beautiful voice, beautiful lady!! Great job!! Reggie you are so loving and encouraging!! We need more people like you!!

[@chelseahaley8350]

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

[@agumelen]

Wow, she’s such a great singer!! She was totally feeling this. Guitaro, I love how you meld into all of your performances and become one with the singer.

[@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]

🙌💕

[@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

[@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.

[@NatiLite]

Props to both of em. And the kid with the shoelace. My ❤

[@Matt-mc2sn]

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

[@MsBarbara.651]

This was outstanding! Thank you for sharing her with us. And thank you to Mike and Mike for being there for her when she needed you so bad. I hope she sings every day now! 🎉

[@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!

[@Milodadooogy]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="500">8:20</a> Beautiful 🤩 she was so stoked, she ran off like Cinderella 🛼 I hope & I’m sure she will be back to credit you kind sir 🫶

[@sarahall5996]

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

[@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.

[@chirpydragonfruit9464]

Omg! Her voice could lead the blind to see❤ heaven. I was not expecting this! Bravo young lady, impeccable rendition ❤❤

[@2klatte]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@ShaunMichael5]

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

[@ohno1572]

You made me cry happy tears…I grew up spending every weekend at the beach and your voice with the guitar accompaniment brought me back to the sea and sand ❤ Thank you 🏝️

[@slopsec2358]

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

[@rocioocana3324]

This is officially my favorite vid of yours! This girl sings BEAUTIFUL! I heard her voice and my eyes started tearing up! Lovely voice!

[@lilyrockatutu]

Her voice is so sweet and she sings with such feeling. Such a performer, she is a star already. I am crying a little bit again after she finished singing.