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More on KentOnline
A woman has spoken of her astonishment after a live concert she filmed alone in her living room racked up almost 25,000 views online.
Sophie Green, 32, from Herne Bay usually performs at pubs, weddings and small private events, both as a solo singer and with band Fnkhaus.
But as her upcoming events are cancelled due to the pandemic, she decided to film a "little gig" from her home.
"I wanted to do something to cheer up the people of Herne Bay," said the former Whitstable School pupil, of Cornwallis Avenue. "So I thought what better way than to throw a party?
"I made a silly e-ticket and asked people to share it. Loads and loads of local people did - way more than I expected. But the biggest surprise was yet to come."
On Saturday night, Sophie got dressed up and set up speakers and a microphone in her living room, along with multi-coloured disco lights and a smoke machine.
Despite never having live streamed a video before, she began to broadcast to Facebook and Instagram. Jumping about her makeshift stage, she belted out impressive renditions of classics including Anastacia's I'm Outta Love, Rather Be by Clean Bandit, and Whitney Houston's I Wanna Dance with Somebody.
"I'm no good with technology, so it's a miracle it all worked," she said. "I thought I'd have a couple of people tuning in. If I'd had 20 people I'd have been over the moon."
But to Sophie's utter amazement, her live, 36-minute performance clocked up an incredible 24.7k views.
"I couldn't believe it - it was just amazing," she said. "It was the best gig ever.
"Even though I was on my own, I really felt like the audience was here with me because all the comments kept coming in.
"I had videos sent to me of families in their garden blasting my set out of the kitchen window, people out at sea blasting me from a sound bar, people watching the set on their TVs. It went crazy!"
But the huge success of the event only hit her once she finished her set and logged off.
"I felt quite emotional," she said. "I was so touched by the fact people showed so much support.
"I think it's really important for people to stay connected, as I know a lot of people are struggling in these times."
In an emotional video posted to Instagram, Sophie said: "I just want to say a humongous thank you to everyone who tuned into my show tonight. I’m gobsmacked.
"Sometimes when I play a gig only three people come and watch me. Tonight - thousands. I don’t know that to say."
Sophie says she hopes to drum up equally big crowds if she does another performance in future.
Keep up to date by following her Facebook page, where she posts videos of her singing and comedy performances.
