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Many of us like to sing while washing the dishes. Maybe some Ed Sheeran, the Beatles or Tom Jones? Admit it, it’s not unusual.
Elliot James Reay, too, is a keen singer over the suds. But instead of attracting the ire of neighbours, it has won the 21-year-old millions of fans around the world.
A rendition of Elvis Presley’s (You’re the) Devil in Disguise, filmed as Reay combed his hair into a 1950s style in his bathroom in Melbourne’s CBD, drew 23 million views on TikTok.
His version of Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud, belted out as he made a cup of instant coffee in the kitchen, scored 22 million views.
Most days, you’ll find Reay – once he’s done with the housework – busking in the CBD, usually in Swanston Street or Elizabeth Street.
Chanel Morsillo, 20, of Clyde, was among shoppers at the corner of Collins and Elizabeth streets spellbound as he sang Elvis’ ballad The Wonder of You on Tuesday.
Elliot James Reay at Melbourne GPO Building before a busking session on Tuesday.Credit: Simon Schluter
“I haven’t heard many young guys who have such a rich tone as him,” Morsillo said. “I think it’s very unique.”
Reay’s TikTok account has 2.3 million followers and more than 39 million likes.
Broadcaster Donna Demaio said Reay was “unbelievably talented” and predicted that, in a few years, he would fill stadiums.
Demaio recalls hearing “the most divine voice” singing an Elvis song when she was walking down Collins Street a few months ago.
Reay performing at a gathering hosted by broadcaster Donna Demaio (left).Credit: Donna Demaio
She befriended Reay and invited him to sing at get-togethers at her house.
Fashion designer Dom Bagnato, who also sings, said his jaw dropped when he heard Reay sing Elvis’ That’s All Right in Demaio’s lounge room.
“When you see young talent that has got something special about it, it is exciting,” Bagnato said.
He said that rather than impersonating the stars, Reay captures their spirit and energy and, like Michael Buble, has a distinct voice and is writing his own songs.
Valentina Jovanoska, who produces gigs for major events such as the Formula 1 grand prix and has worked with artists including Snoop Dogg and Kate Ceberano, said she was “blown away” when she heard Reay sing.
“He’s definitely got a star on his head,” Jovanoska said. “You just know the ones that do.”
Reay left his home town of Bury, near Manchester in Britain, a year ago and travelled through Europe and Asia before arriving in Melbourne in March.
A friend suggested he make videos while cleaning and making coffee in his flat as he sang, to look more natural. And to sing songs he loves.
It worked. “I’ve had the best 60 days of my whole TikTok career,” Reay said. “I think I’ve done 87 million views, all in this apartment, since I’ve got here.”
Melburnians have just a month left to see Reay busking live. In late July, he will fly to Los Angeles, where he has found a manager who will hopefully help him realise his dreams.
“I want to play the biggest arenas there are,” he said. “I want to tour, and show people who I am.
“But what I really want to do is to bring smiles to people’s faces. I want to be able to make people feel something and show them that life isn’t always sad.”
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