On a crisp spring morning in April 2025, the hustle and bustle of New York City’s subway system was in full swing. Commuters rushed through the 66th Street Lincoln Center station, earbuds in, eyes glued to their phones, or lost in the rhythm of their daily grind. Amid the chaos, a faint melody floated through the air—a soulful voice accompanied by the gentle strumming of a guitar. For most, it was just background noise, but for one unsuspecting passerby, it was a moment that would change a life forever. That passerby was none other than the world-renowned Canadian crooner, Michael Bublé.
Bublé, a five-time Grammy winner and beloved traditional pop icon, is no stranger to the magic of subway performances. Back in 2013, he made headlines when he surprised commuters at this very station with an impromptu a cappella rendition of the Jackson 5’s “Who’s Lovin’ You,” alongside the vocal group Naturally 7. Reflecting on that experience, Bublé had said, “Singing in the New York subway is something that’s been done for years and years. I feel like it’s the most authentic, organic way to make music. You see some of the greatest musicians in the world come down here and play.” The performance, which gained massive traction on YouTube, showcased Bublé’s deep appreciation for raw, unfiltered musical talent—a trait that would shine brightly on this fateful day in 2025.
As Bublé made his way through the station, dressed casually in a ballcap and jacket to blend in with the crowd, he heard the unmistakable sound of a struggling musician pouring his heart out. The young man, later identified as 24-year-old Ethan Carter, stood against a tiled wall, his guitar case open on the ground with just a few coins scattered inside. Ethan’s voice was raw but powerful, singing an original ballad about chasing dreams despite endless setbacks. His lyrics spoke of hope, heartbreak, and the grind of trying to make it in a city that often feels indifferent. Bublé stopped in his tracks, captivated by the authenticity in Ethan’s voice.
“I’ve always believed that the subway is a place where real talent shines,” Bublé later shared in an interview with The Music Man. “You can’t fake it down here. There’s no stage, no lights, just you and the music. When I heard Ethan, I felt something. It reminded me of my own journey—those years of rejection, playing small gigs, wondering if I’d ever make it.”
Bublé’s own rise to fame was far from easy. Before his breakthrough in 2003 with his self-titled debut album, which reached the top ten in Canada and the UK, Bublé faced years of doubt from the music industry. Record labels told him his style of music—rooted in the Great American Songbook and traditional pop—wasn’t marketable. It took persistence, a loan to fund his first album, and the support of producer David Foster to finally get his foot in the door. That struggle gave Bublé a deep empathy for aspiring artists like Ethan, who was clearly fighting his own uphill battle.
As Ethan finished his song, a small crowd had gathered, offering polite applause and a few more coins. But Bublé knew this moment deserved more. He approached Ethan, who was visibly tired but still managed a shy smile as he thanked the crowd. “Hey, man, that was incredible,” Bublé said, pulling off his cap to reveal his identity. Ethan’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Wait… are you… Michael Bublé?” he stammered, his voice trembling with a mix of shock and excitement.
Bublé chuckled, his signature charm lighting up the moment. “Yeah, that’s me. But more importantly, you’ve got something special. I heard your story in that song, and I’ve been there. I want to help you out.” What happened next was nothing short of magical. Bublé asked Ethan if he’d be up for a duet, right there in the subway. Ethan, still in a daze, nodded eagerly, and the two began an impromptu performance of “Feeling Good,” a song Bublé has made iconic over the years.
The station came alive as commuters stopped to watch, pulling out their phones to capture the unexpected collaboration. Bublé’s rich, velvety voice blended seamlessly with Ethan’s raw, emotive tone, creating a harmony that echoed off the tiled walls. The crowd grew larger, erupting into cheers as the song reached its crescendo. For Ethan, it was a dream come true—a moment he’d replay in his mind for years to come.
But Bublé wasn’t done. After the performance, he sat down with Ethan on a nearby bench, away from the crowd, and asked about his journey. Ethan shared that he’d moved to New York three years ago with dreams of becoming a professional musician. He’d been busking in the subway to make ends meet, but the constant rejection from open mic nights and talent scouts had started to wear him down. “I was about to give up,” Ethan admitted, his voice cracking. “I thought maybe this city just isn’t for me.”
Bublé listened intently, his heart going out to the young musician. “I know that feeling,” he said softly. “For ten years, I heard ‘no’ from everyone. Labels, agents—they all said I’d never make it. But I kept going because I believed in the music. And I believe in you.” Then, in a gesture that would change Ethan’s life, Bublé pulled out his phone and called his longtime manager, Bruce Allen, who had been instrumental in Bublé’s own career. “Bruce, I’ve got a kid here who’s got the real deal,” Bublé said. “I want to bring him to the studio. Can we set something up?”
Within days, Ethan found himself in a professional recording studio in Manhattan, working with Bublé and his team to record a demo of his original song. Bublé even offered to mentor Ethan, sharing insights from his own career and connecting him with industry contacts. “I don’t want to just give you a handout,” Bublé told him. “I want to give you a chance to build something real, something that’s yours.”
The story quickly went viral, with videos of the subway duet racking up millions of views on social media. Fans praised Bublé for his generosity and humility, with many noting how this act of kindness reflected his character. “Michael Bublé is a class act,” one commenter wrote. “He didn’t just walk by—he stopped, listened, and gave this guy a shot. That’s what music should be about.” Another added, “This is why I’ve always loved Michael. He’s never forgotten where he came from.”
For Ethan, the experience was transformative. With Bublé’s guidance, he secured a small record deal and began performing at local venues, slowly building a fanbase. But more than the professional boost, it was the emotional support that meant the most. “Michael gave me hope when I had none,” Ethan said in a later interview. “He showed me that there are still people out there who care, who believe in the power of music to change lives.”
Bublé, reflecting on the encounter, said it was a reminder of why he fell in love with music in the first place. “Music isn’t just about the big stages and the Grammys,” he told People magazine. “It’s about moments like this—connecting with someone through a song, giving them a little push to keep going. That’s what keeps me grounded.”
As of April 2025, Ethan Carter is working on his debut EP, with Bublé listed as an executive producer. The two have stayed in touch, occasionally meeting up for coffee to talk music and life. For Bublé, who has sold over 75 million records worldwide and continues to charm audiences as a coach on The Voice, this small act of kindness is just another chapter in a career defined by heart, talent, and an unwavering love for music. And for Ethan, it’s the beginning of a dream he thought he’d lost—a dream rekindled by a chance encounter in a New York subway station.
In a world that can often feel cold and indifferent, Michael Bublé’s gesture serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have. It’s a story that warms the heart and proves that sometimes, the greatest stars are the ones who take the time to lift others up.
