The inspiring story of Irish busker Allie Sherlock

Ambitious, talented, and a rising star at just 18, Allie Sherlock is one of Ireland’s most successful street musicians. Her renditions of songs by the likes of Ed Sheeran, Amy Winehouse, or Adele have not only given goosebumps to passers-by, but have also captivated millions of fans on KZbin.
We visit Allie on Dublin's Grafton street and follow her home to Cork, Ireland, where she also works on original songs and tells us about the tragic circumstances that music has helped her through.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Allie’s magical voice
00:43 How it all began
01:20 Most successful moments
02:34 At home in Cork
03:42 Allie producing her own songs
04:22 Allie singing on Grafton street
04:52 How long will she continue performing on the street?
#AllieSherlock #Dublin #Busker
--------------------------------------------
CREDITS
Report: Meggin Leigh
Camera: Florian Mettke
Edit: Marcel Epple
Supervising Editors: Simone Lauenstein/Christine Lebert
--------------------------------------------
Subscribe to DW Euromaxx:
bit.ly/DWEuromaxx_Sub
Would you like to find out more about Euromaxx?
▸Website: www.dw.com/english/euromaxx
▸Facebook: / dw.euromaxx
▸Instagram: / dw_euromaxx
DW Euromaxx brings you engaging insights into European cultures and lifestyles.

[@andydixon2980]

Great to see her Dad protecting her from the greedy and cut-throat music business. She's such a bright light of talent. Stay free.

[@outsideMax]

What an amazing father she has. You don't need to sign with anyone, she probably makes good money on KZbin and we will always support her. Such a lovely person.

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

I've been following Allie's musical journey since she was 12 years old. It's so heartwarming to hear her say, she'll keep busking on Grafton St. as long as they'll have her.

[@tomryan8223]

I DISCÒVERED ALLIE MONTHS AGO AND IM ONE OF HER DEVOTED FANS SHES ONE OF THE BEST MUSICIANS OUT THERE BAR NONE GOD LUV HER!!!

[@MsRedmoon87]

I wish the best to this incredible and talented woman. Dad knows best. Allie Sherlock, you are pure inspiration 🤍

[@sophien.7131]

In 2017 I went to Dublin for a vacation. I remember how I explored Grafton Street and then noticed this little girl singing with a huge crowd around her. I stopped because of her wonderful voice. She sang some songs of Sia and Ed Sheeran etc. and I was so impressed because there was this huge volume inside of her voice. I also recorded some songs and later showed them to my mom and my sister because I wanted to share her performances. I'm so happy for Allie for how far she has come.

[@dweuromaxx]

Thanks for sharing your personal story of having heard Allie perform!

[@vallockwood2228]

I have been a fan of Allie for 5 years and when she and Cuan sang together i called them my A team. I can say they got me through Lock Down.i had them up on my tv and because i had them on every day and i still tune in daily.Allie is very special and so is Cuan.. i like the way she helps new young buskers to gain confidence.and without her Dad we would not have had the pleasure of sharing her gift.lots of love valerie Lockwood.

[@wayneedwards5589]

Its not just talent but hard work, determination and grit. Sorry you lost your mum. Thats a tough road for anyone.

[@seeharvester]

Talented, beautiful young woman. I'm glad her Dad is protecting her.

[@stephenhutcheon3976]

Yes, great her dad looks after her .... in the music business easy to lose it mentally and physically

[@pendragon2012]

Have adored Allie since I found her videos back when she was 14 or so. Glad to see her getting the recognition she deserves!

[@catL156]

Flying the flag for home educated kids❤❤🎉well done Dad for keeping her grounded she will thank you for that..... And as always pure talent Allie❤

[@kentbeery4941]

Holding her career back is not a way to keep her grounded

[@PaulaJ.5595]

I can‘t remember the very first song I heard Allie singing, maybe it was Perfect together with Cuan Durkin or a different one, but when I heard the powerful voice of this young girl I was mesmerized. She must have been 14 or 15. From then on I couldn‘t stop watching her videos, hearing her songs when busking on Grafton Street and seeing her development from a shy girl to a powerful young woman, just as powerful as her voice. She‘ll go her own way, will continue to entertain us with each rendition of well-known songs and surprise us with her own originals. I wish you the best, Allie 🎉🎉🎉

[@mawrthvallis2788]

Having been to Dublin a couple of times, mainly to see her perform and talk with her and her Dad, I'm more impressed with Allie the person than Allie the musician. She has loads of talent for sure and certain stardom awaits, but that hasn't changed her one bit. Allie is so genuine and down to earth with that endearing bit of cheekiness to her nature. The world is a much better place with all the joy Allie brings to her audience.

[@dougpotosky4102]

I been watching Allie sing on the streets of Ireland for years on You Tube. She has real talent with a special voice and a lot of Heart! That is why i keep listening. It will be sad the day she stops performing for her real audience. The people of the streets!

[@zonic1309]

She is extremely talented! I hope she'll have a great career and become even more famous and loved by millions of music lovers around the world!

[@rebeccablanton2699]

💖Love listening to her. She has so much Talent. Love her.

[@carolineofscots]

Good Luck Allie, you know , your dads dead right. Being happy and safe is everything. Love to you and your family from your wee fans club here in Scotland.

[@MsRedmoon87]

You are so right!

[@DwainDwight]

been following her on youtube for a few years now, she's incredible. one of the best voices ever. amazing talent & @ such a young age.

[@andreasgrefen5663]

OMG what a beautiful film about Allie! ♥ Very appreciative. And the filmmakers had the rare chance to interview and do filming in her private home. Allie's voice is a force of nature. And Allie has such a beautiful personality and an incredible charm. She will go far.

[@leemorris3805]

Andreas!!! 😊 we must stop meeting like this 😂😂😂

[@andreasgrefen5663]

@@leemorris3805 😂

[@5minutescience721]

r/alliesherlocks

[@andreasgrefen5663]

You will always meet me, where something about Allie is posted. 😉😊

[@leemorris3805]

@@andreasgrefen5663 ditto

[@RazorMouth]

She doing very well as it is no need for a record company, set up her own. Freedom is priceless especially if youre already making a good living in the industry.

[@Remmy-iq3bs]

Been following her since the beginning. She is so brilliant. A true Gem of talent ❤

[@lindagallagher3711]

Fantastic singer so natural and down to earth! What a nice man her dad is he's so proud of his daughter you can see that

[@TERRYKOPITE1]

Very natural talented young lady AIM FOR THE SKY ALLIE, LOVE FROM LIVERPOOL YNWA

[@marilyncreido1648]

Allie Sherlock is one of kind versatile, marvelous, brilliant singer that started to sprout among all the different kinds of buskers and singers professional, or even amateur. She grows better and shining among those idolizing her and became their idol model, from starting 12 yrs old up to her 18th yrs old now and recently she seems incomparable having her own uniqueness in her angelic, to rock, to soft, to ballads which she can bravely did interpret making others own composition like her original. From Adele, lady gaga, Ed sheeran and so many more. What again so unique of her she performs it better and more emotional, even inspiring... She's one of kind humble person in and out as to give credit to her ever protective and very patiently responble father daddyger Mark Sherlock. Bravo to the team up father and daughter. 👍🫰❤️👏👏👏

[@dannymullen352]

She one of my favorite new singer beautiful voice for such a young lady keep up the singing ❤

[@johnbelcher7164]

Allie Sherlock the Best female Busker of the 21st Century . ❤

[@byrondean9402]

What amazing person and talent. Stay true to you and who you are. You are blessed to have such a great dad.

[@Mookiethedog]

What a great talented young gal....and it was great to hear her dad's thoughts! You always worry about people being exploited and her dad has his head screwed on right!

[@sherlynn7211]

Well said :) Couldn't have said it better !

[@harryfreeman8467]

Wonderful video telling the Allie Sherlock Story ! The story of the little girl with the big voice, that now is the beautiful young woman with the amazing voice ! 🎤🎸🎶

[@torilea8104]

Everyone has an opinion on what Allie should be doing and how her dad should be managing and parenting, it looks like they are doing just fine and happy and dandy. Let them be.

[@jamezstewart]

I LOVED YOUR STORY ALLIE YOUR AN AMAZING SINGER AND PERFORMER YOUR ONE OF THE GREAYEST SINGERS WITH THAT ANASMAZING VOICE YOUR AWSOME ALLIE AND ME AND ALL YOUR SUPPORTERS WILL KEEP ON SUPPRTING YOU ALWAYS 👍👍👍👍🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎁💝

[@hereigoagain5050]

Love Allie. Been a long time subscriber and enjoy watching her mature. KZbin is great for buskers and young musicians. Thanks DW Euromaxx.

[@srcfreitas]

It's incredible how music industry is unfair. She is much better then Taylors and Beyonces and etc. Keep singing Allie for you are awesome.

[@222INFINITY]

Allie can match any of the big stars today, + she has something none of these solo artists have, and that is she can perform the music of the greatest rock bands in history, and here's the kicker, she can do it better than 95% of them.

[@Vdji5889gjh]

And she also DOESN'T have something many of those "big stars" have...her own music LMFAO🤡

[@setyeva0]

@@Vdji5889gjh I take it you didn't bother watching the video ...or is it a lack of comprehension skills ?

[@alanluckystripesb3706]

She has 80 or 90 originals. Maybe more now

[@tadeuszurbaniak710]

keep going Allie - bravo from USA !!!!!!!

[@ronjohnston5525]

That Totally Amazing Irish Lass Allie... Keep on Singing Allie... RJ from Canada...

[@Maggie_n_Mitch23]

Allie addicted for years , such a talent .

[@felixfigueroa]

Inspiring and admirable story...it is a great family and example to follow...thank you for giving us this beautiful biography...!

[@owenzey]

Dublin buskers are amazing. Irish Soul!!

[@JohnB00007]

Even as an 11 year old you could see she was immensely talented. The sky is the limit.

[@phantomofalcatraz]

Allie - Just discovered you in the last 6months. Beautiful person, beautiful guitar, beautiful voice. You make me laugh, you make me cry in a good way. God Bless and Good Luck!

[@tracyblack9983]

Young Kids need a role model, and you are one. I’m hoping young kid will see by your examples that working hard pays off. So Dream big and be true to yourself and give your dad a big thank you for protecting you.❤️

[@scatcat2490]

Allie is wonderful! She is only 18 and should seek full scholarships at serious music schools. My daughter studied at The Berklee College of Music in Boston and the discipline and musicianship she acquired serves her to this day. The contacts, also, moving forward. Longevity in music today requires owning one’s own songs- not covers sung brilliantly. She can study songwriting and collaborate with the best. Allie! Seek out a scholarship abroad and see where it takes you!!💞🎶

[@tomf1dublin1]

Hi, totally agree. Berklee [College of Music] or New England Conservatory would be ideal. Look at people like Sierra Hull and Sarah Jarosz from the American roots music who were known musicians in their teens and the depth of learning it gave them.

[@Johndoe10007]

Who needs the hassle of a record label when you get 50 million views on KZbin , amazing talent Allie and it’s free entertainment on the street

[@fonhollohan2908]

Her Father loves his daughter first and foremost which is what a father should do. We see so many kids and young adults get lost into drugs and alcohol and end up dying young from fame and fortune, he's a smart fella. Putting the welfare of his beautiful daughter first and foremost.

[@Felipe_Britto]

I'm from Brazil, and someday I want to visit some cities in Europe. One of them is Dublin, and now for sure I want to know the Grafton Street, and I hope in one day that Allie is singing there.

[@jeanpat8946]

Allie you are an adorable and incredible singer !!!!

[@jamminwithdarren]

This is so inspiring! Love it!!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@owenzey]

She has become part if the soul of Dublin

[@willcookmakeup]

Honestly she doesnt need a record label. Shes going to make enough from KZbin royalties and shes already sharing her music with peolple which is what most musicians originally start their careers to do. She doesnt have to pay for a venue, sell tickets, or have rehersals. For someone with a pasion soley for singing and sharing their music, that happens to make a lot without having to be on a label through videos, is living the dream. I think she should stick to this and managing herself when she gets older and doesn't need her dad to anymore

[@theremay]

I follow her street singing from years. Literally she has grown up in front of the YT audience.

[@rondorricott4474]

Well done, enjoyed this

[@seanfrank32]

I hope I can go see to Dublin to watch her perform one day.

[@michellepalma1323]

Thanks for posting this video Allie is the best busker in Dublin I love watching her sing so talented younger n older Allie is amazing voice n thanks to her dad Mark for supporting n protecting her in every way. God Bless them both 🙏🏼🥰❤️

[@WhammyBamber-wn2jv]

Yes ...that's what to.stick with ...sign no contracts ....make your own.....what a beautiful talent...

[@TxDan100]

Allie... lovely ...so talented..

[@judithhaman1827]

Allie Sherlock is so very talented!!! Love everything she sings!! Great video! Thanks!

[@crt9082]

Wow great piece on Allie !!

[@steveperry5714]

My very best wishes and warmest regards you have natural talent and an amazing voice a true performer good luck with your future sp

[@nancyweakley2070]

Great Job. Love This!! 👍👍 🥰

[@dweuromaxx]

Thank you! 🤗

[@teoibarra1970]

Allie's voice when talking sounds still the same as five years ago when she appeared on radio and tv shows!

[@alanmartin1949]

Go girl - well done young lady - on wards and upwards 👍👍✌✌🎸🎸🎵🎵

[@mehdibm743]

Allie good voice, thank you❤

[@JerryAndJulieMusic]

Very nice interview

[@andreasgrefen5663]

I saw the video yesterday, as it was released in German language, again. It is very good PR for Allie! Love it! 👍

[@davidlawson4159]

very well done, thanks

[@fatbelly27]

That Billie Jean video is amazing, mostly because of her co-singer. All the Dublin buskers seem hugely talented.

[@mikefrancis4476]

Awesome talented woman🎉

[@bjarnyg]

now she needs her own HITS, doing covers will only get you so far.

[@MrStevo626]

Phenomenal voice ❤

[@gerrychauveau2925]

Love your music Allie😊

[@peteolesen265]

Unbelievable voice and talent. I hope she has some songwriters to work with. It is difficult to do everything yourself. If you don’t need a record deal, you have control of your career. Once you get a record deal, you get on a treadmill. Always having to be on the road.

[@PaulColella]

Been watching her since 2020. She's excellent 👍

[@renatodejesus9116]

Adoro ouvir ela cantar ❤😍, super talentosa, um timbre de voz super agradável de ouvir, ela coloca sentimento nas músicas, que faz até parecer que as músicas são dela, e ela também tem amiga incrível que canta bem demais, A Zoe Clarke. 😀

[@fabriciolopes5402]

Yes please

[@alanluckystripesb3706]

Yes, Zoe is the same as Allie. Great singer, great personality and nice looking.

[@AndySk81]

Absolutely gorgeous too

[@capio78]

I've listened to her incredible talent since she was a young girl, what I respect above all else is the way her and her father use her platform to help other talented youngsters.

[@Els_Entertainment_]

I like Allie, because she is confident in showing her talent and afraid to make a sound♥️💍

[@lynndafarmer]

Love You Allie! ❤

[@enriquescott2983]

I've been following Euromax since before it went online on my TV every Thursday

[@dweuromaxx]

We're glad to hear that you're a longtime fan!

[@donovanphillips4973]

Allie is fantastic ❤

[@PAPatriot28]

It's a good thing to not sign with record labels. Produce your own music and records. No one will own you. No one will tell you how to act, how to dress, etc. The music industry is a horrible terrible place to be. I hope Allie stays protected from the evils if the music industry. She's too good to become a puppet to the industry's illicit and undeniable greed that it's known for. Allie, stay true to yourself and don't give yourself away to that way of life. We will still love you and your music and you will stay free to be the true musician that you are and continue to become.❤❤❤

[@pastoriusfan5880]

And your experience of the music industry is? Poor Allie listening to all these so called music industry experts. I am hoping she sees the benefits of having the expertise of the music industry so she can move upwards and onwards with all its opportunities. If she wants to stay a busker then that’s her decision which I’m sure we would all respect.

[@harryfreeman8467]

Some music industry observations ! I could be wrong but some how I don't really think It was Miley's choice to do all the risque stage performances and music videos that she has done ! It's like her music takes back seat, her label needs to keep people talking about her ! She becomes a product to be promoted to make money off of ! Then you have Victoria from Maneskin , you really think she came up with the idea, she would like to be a burlesque performer and prance around on stage wearing pasties ! Maybe I shouldn't even call it the music industry, they don't want you to actually hear the true artist, let's run them through the audio room and clean everything up put some punch in the performance that wasn't there to grab you ! Maybe we should call it the Autotune , electronically enhancing industry ! Now it's not all labels but let's remember what they are in the business to do, make money however they can !

[@2010andrew]

Allie has got a great natural talent... her voice, and the way to play music.. guitar or synthesizer... she started on churches playing when she was a child... and, she's still making music... Allie and Mark has been made livestreams, too.. Her first album were made on Covid days... but, also, she has been play with great Irelands musicians, like Flavio, or, Phily music (he called like this way) , Shaib Skelly, Zoe Clark... also with a band..

[@amineouelji47]

Big love for ALLIE ❤❤❤❤

[@user-pd2cl8rv4h]

沢山のファンの方たちがいらっしゃるんですねぇ^ - ^凄いですね‼️

[@FranklinForbes9131]

Es talentosa

[@erickcamacaro4598]

La admiro y quiero que pronto firme con una disquera que la lleve mas lejo creo que ya es hora

[@mawrthvallis2788]

I believe Allie is on the verge of become a truly world wide known artist. And kudos to Mark for always being there to protect his daughter.

[@jamezstewart]

ALLIEIS ANAMAZING SINGER WHAT A BEAITIFULL VOICE SHES GOT ANAMAZING VOICE SHES A TOP CLASS MUSICIAN IM A MASSIVE FAN OF ALLIE SHES MY FAVOURITE SINGER 👍👍👍🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸📀📀📀💿💿💿🎁🎁🎁🎁

[@FrankyBobic73]

respect to the father who denies millions to protect his daughter...cool guy.

[@germanyevenescantillana7675]

❤

[@raymonditi4596]

i cant say i like allies singing but i hope she makes it to the top .write great songs and you will.the voice is only half of it anyway.

[@dethcreeper69]

Allie is best of keeping things independent. The big music companies only interested in how much they can make from her whilst giving back not very much.

[@Docdoherty13]

Her dad is doing the right thing. Unfortunately the music industry is a cess pit and a lot of these talented people are surrounded by vultures and the artists mental health is mostly always in jeopardy at some stage. Hopefully she finds that sweet spot where she can continue to do what she loves and make a decent living at it. That fame everyone aspires comes at a price

[@OLIMPOKIRA]

I love allie xd

[@philipshier6385]

I enjoyed the video - thank you! As somebody who has watched Allie busking live many times over the last five years, I am delighted that she continues to travel to Dublin every weekend to entertain those of us who live in Dublin, and the many tourists who stop to listen, and I hope she continues for as long as she enjoys it, which she clearly does (even when it's raining). Mark can be a bit abrasive but he seems to me to be a sensible guy and focussed on supporting Allie - I can't imagine driving to and from Cork every weekend without good reason (it's boring motorway, not idyllic country roads 😊). I admit that the clickbait titles/misspellings/lack of recognition of collaborators on YT annoy me too but that's a minor irritation. Allie's recent collaborations with Fionn Whelan (13 years old, no second 'e', not a young Ed Sheeran) were awesome live: she was very happy to do it and give him space to sing his verses, and smiles of encouragement.

[@toddstark878]

Allie Sherlock Music is a business and going to be her adult career (your point is all well in good if this was her hobby to just sing covers on streets and youtube during her childhood) but she has dreams and career goals of her own into her adulthood. Her fathers focus on KZbin clicks and his own professional ego and his financially fulfillment by driving from Cork to have her sing in the rain. This has lead to mismanagement that do not correlate with her goals and what’s best interest into development of her career in her adult life and lead to missed opportunities bc he’s not qualified and his abrasive behavior. Whether she wants to remain independent or sign with record company, she needs professional advice to have an adult career as the father has proven unqualified and put his financial interests first. If you have real talent, you focus on that to promote her career goals instead of cheap clickbait tricks to monetize her and her friends that not sustainable business plan for her adult career.

[@larrycross4114]

@@toddstark878 when you’re 18 you don’t realize that time can pass you by. Without real management Allie will be much older living at home driving to Grafton Street every weekend. Her chance of the career she wanted will have a past her by. It’s time for Allie to take charge of her career.

[@toddstark878]

@@larrycross4114 Sadly, Larry I don’t believe her to be mature enough to make such a move as the father raised her to dependent on him and controls the money. Successful entertainers are independent and trendsetters not followers and copiers. I would prefer the father in her personal life just on display for public consumption and someone qualified making proactive career and professional decisions for her which should happen when she signed with Tedder. You could forgive the father for inexperienced and unintentional mistakes but his actions went much further. The father would have to relinquish control of the channel and proceeds which I don’t see him doing and her to move to major city creating content while becoming a complete artist with proper coaching and advice just not a singer.

[@alanluckystripesb3706]

​@@toddstark878 The trouble with competent advice is that it so very often kills off what made the artist unique in the first place.

[@tutubeos]

Good Dad! That is exactly what happens to young kids put in the middle of a inhumane business, it’s dangerous

[@im_agine852]

It's more than her music that attracts people to her. Tell me I'm wrong. I'll wait.

[@larrycross4114]

OK you’re wrong. You waited nine hours I think that’s enough.

[@im_agine852]

@@larrycross4114 oh but I know you know what I'm talking about. 😏

[@alanluckystripesb3706]

She has a wonderful personality and is good looking. It all goes in the mix and out comes Allie Sherlock..

[@tanja9200]

I think her father is right to protect her from the music industry.

[@mjw12345]

I like even she is stratospheric more well known she does acts with a lot of people largely unknown

[@user-rs8qf2fc3f]

Allie sherlock I love you so

[@marloncqesqr1107]

She blessed by God good girl must have good blessing❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤