The woman singing “Shallow” in the viral London Underground video was Charlotte Awbery, a London-based professional singer. The clip came from comedian Kevin Freshwater’s “Finish the Lyric” segment, which challenged passersby to complete song lyrics.
Who is the singer in the “Shallow” subway video?
She is Charlotte Awbery. Contemporary coverage described her as a working singer who performed at weddings, events and parties. The video showed her completing a lyric challenge with a performance of “Shallow,” the song from A Star Is Born.
Where did the video come from?
The clip was part of comedian Kevin Freshwater’s “Finish the Lyric” format: he approached people in public and invited them to finish song lyrics. Awbery’s encounter was filmed at a London Underground station. Coverage and a Storyful listing described the setting as a London Tube station.
How widely did the clip spread?
It went viral in February 2020. On February 19, 2020, TIME reported that the full video had more than 174,000 Facebook likes and more than 71,000 shares. Those figures are a snapshot from that date, not current engagement totals. The full Freshwater segment and the shorter clip that circulated separately should not be treated as the same item when comparing engagement.
#1 Best Overall
- One right-handed Fender California Debut Redondo acoustic guitar – a perfect beginner guitar for all ages
- Designed by the most trusted name in guitar and backed by a 75-year legacy of quality and craftsmanship
- This beginner guitar comes with a 30-day subscription to Fender Play that includes lessons with thousands of instructional videos to build your skills by playing the songs you love, all with no additional cost
- The California Debut Redondo Series Acoustic Guitar features the iconic 6-in-line Fender headstock shape and dreadnought body shape with a reslient laminate construction for durability
- The easy to play "C" - shaped neck, walnut fingerboard and light weight all-laminate body allow for a smooth and comfortable playing feel, and the sealed-gear tuning machines allow for accurate tuning, with a walnut bridge for optimal tone production
Was the encounter staged?
The question was raised in contemporary coverage, but the available reporting does not establish a definitive answer. PAPER wrote at the time that it had no evidence suggesting the video was anything other than a chance encounter. That describes the article’s assessment, not independent proof that the encounter was unstaged.
What happened after the video went viral?
Awbery later appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and performed “Shallow,” as reported by The Advocate and TIME in February 2020. That television appearance is a documented follow-up to the viral clip; the reports cited here describe events from that period.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Perfect beginner guitar: Designed for students and teens who are just getting started. This 38-inch, right-handed, acoustic guitar features all the bells and whistles. Designed with 18 smooth frets, 6 pre-installed steel strings, and an easy to hold neck.
- Complete beginner kit: This all-in-one entry-level guitar bundle includes a 38-inch acoustic guitar, carrying bag, 3 picks (assorted colors), shoulder strap, extra strings, and 4 months of free app-based lessons (iOS or Android). The App features thousands of songs, step-by-step lessons for all skill levels, and a built-in digital tuner for easy tuning anywhere.
- Superior-grade tonewoods: Top, back, and sides are crafted from basswood for versatility and warmth, with a high-gloss finish. Whether playing soft or loud, strumming or flatpicking, this guitar remains responsive and retains its tonal integrity. This guitar is built to last.
- Incredible sound: Perfect for musicians-in-the-making, this beginner acoustic guitar features an impressive tone, bright sound, and standout projection. It's waiting to be heard.
- 38-inch beginner guitar: Measuring 38" (L) x 14" (W) x 3.25" (H), this beginner guitar delivers the timeless look and sound of a traditional acoustic guitar. Low string action helps reduce finger fatigue for easier playing and improved comfort while learning. Note: New strings may arrive out of tune, which is normal. As the strings stretch with use, the guitar will hold tuning better over time.
Rank #3
- Complete Beginner Guitar Pack - Everything needed for starters is included, just unbox & play. The bundle includes Moukey 41” acoustic guitar, chord poster, 3mm padded gig bag, tuner, strap, capo, strings and picks. A decent gift for children, friends and family.
- Ideal for Beginner - With cutaway design, Moukey 41” acoustic guitar is easy for starter to learn. Dreadnought body provides a full and vibrant tone, suited for all styles of music. The precise position marks at 3th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th 15th and 17th frets on neck and top of fingerboard help the starters to learn conveniently.
- Come with Chord Poster - The ultimate beginner-friendly guitar chord poster shows the most commonly used chords, enabling starters to memorize fretboard and play chords on the first day.
- Exquisite Workmanship - Quality basswood body, Okoume neck, smooth fingerboard, and non--scratching frets enable Moukey acustica guitarra to be played comfortably for a long time. 2 strap pegs allow you to attach the strap easily.
- Stay in Tune - Constructed with 1:14 enclosed copper tuning machines, Moukey full size guitar can be tuned finely and smoothly without slipping. Along with hard bridge saddle and bone nut, Moukey guitarra acustica is easy to tune and hold tune after first tune-up of strings.
Rank #2
- With a combination of reliable Fender quality, player-friendly features and attractive aesthetics, the all-new California Debut is a value-packed option for today’s acoustic player
- Designed for beginner's, featuring a durable all-laminate body crafted with premium tonewoods, and an easy-to-play “C”-shape neck with tilt-back 6-in-line headstock. With a walnut fingerboard for a smooth and comfortable playing feel.
- Further details include Dreadnought body shape, sealed-gear tuning machines for accurate tuning, a walnut bridge for optimal tone production, a smooth satin finish, and body and neck binding for added durability
- The CA Debut series packs premium Fender quality into an affordable beginner friendly acoustic guitar. The CA Debut series also ships with a free 30-day subscription to Fender Play & Fender Tune, so you can start learning from the comfort of your home the second you unpack your new guitar!
- 2-Year Limited Warranty: Fender guitars are built with unmatched quality, down to the last screw- which is why Fender warrants this Fender acoustic guitar to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for two (2) years from original purchase
Contemporary coverage
- TIME, February 19, 2020 — identifies Awbery, explains the lyric-challenge context and records the dated Facebook engagement figures.
- PAPER, February 21, 2020 — profiles Awbery, describes her singing work and addresses the staging question as it stood at publication.
- E! News, February 19, 2020 — covers the segment and Awbery’s performance.
- Storyful — lists the event as a performance in a London Tube station.
- The Advocate, February 26, 2020 and TIME, February 26, 2020 — report Awbery’s later television appearance and performance.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
