More than a week after taking the stage with Snoop Dogg, Erika Kayne got to show off her vocal prowess on “Steve” Thursday. But it was what happened after her performance that blew the viral singing sensation away.
Kayne, who became the talk of the internet last month when she was filmed effortlessly belting out a hit Jazmine Sullivan tune while ringing up customers, got the chance to meet and perform with the singer.
It all happened on Steve Harvey’s talk show, which aired May 9. Cleveland-based Kayne sang Sullivan’s 2008 hit “Need U Bad” in front of a live studio audience. Afterward, Harvey walked out on stage and announced Sullivan’s arrival.
“I promise you Jazmine Sullivan would be proud of what you did with this song,” he says. “Do you think so?”
“I think so — I hope so,” Kayne replies.
“Well, let’s ask her,” says Harvey.
Sullivan walked out on stage as Kayne burst into tears. Sullivan greeted the rising star with a hug and told her that her late grandmother, to whom Kayne was very close, was looking down on her and was proud of her.
“You’re amazing. Everybody has gotten a chance to witness you,” Sullivan says. “This is your moment, your time. I’m a fan. So I wanna sing with you, baby girl.”
The two launched into a battle of vocal riffs as they sang “Need U Bad” to fervent applause from the audience.
The online support was just as enthusiastic.
“Congrats ,,, May blessings rain down on you !!!”
“This is a beautiful show, and your voice is amazing!❤️”
“To God be the Glory! Im so happy for you!”
Kayne excitedly sounded off on Instagram after the show aired.
“Grandma 👵🏾 you you would soo proud of me I really wish you could be here to witness this !!! …. I’m truly grateful for these blessings ! As hard as it was for @jsullivanmusic not to post me 😩 was just as hard for me to hold meeting her back ! Thank you sooooo much for your kind words it means so much to me ! I wanna thank you guys who has been supporting me,” she wrote.
Sullivan also posted about their meeting on her Instagram page writing, “Got to surprise this beautiful lady @only1erikakayne! I’ve been wanting to repost her video for weeks now but got the call to go meet her from @iamsteveharveytv and tell her in person! I’m so proud of u girl! Keep shining!!! ❤️”
Kayne has had a host of attention as of late.
After she went viral by capturing the attention of celebs like Snoop, Missy Elliot, Monica and Cedric the Entertainer with her impromptu vocalizations at Cleveland’s KeVante’s Restaurant & Lounge last month, Kayne has been making the press rounds. Less than a month ago, she performed an original song on “Strahan and Sara” in Times Square. It also looks as if the star is gearing up to release more original music as she posted a selfie with noted producer Jazze Pha.
“Coming for everything I deserve 💯 I’m grinding like I’m broke, hustle til I’m paid ! just pulling a all nighter working with my big bro @jazzepha,” she captioned the Instagram post made May 6.
