A young up and coming Lanarkshire singer-songwriter was left star-struck after one of her idols praised her singing.
Motherwell singer Mayah Herlihy posted a video of her rendition of Billy Joel's hit song Vienna,'only to then be contacted by the legend himself.
The American music legend Tweeted a note of encouragement to the 15-year-old after he saw her cover of his classic, which was recorded at the True North Festival in Aberdeen last August.
Mayah told Lanarkshire Live : “Vienna is one of my favourites of his songs as well as Piano Man .
“It was actually a friend of Billy Joel’s drummer who said how he liked my rendition of the song and that’s how it got about.
“I couldn’t believe it, because I have always been a big fan of Billy, but I never thought he would see me playing one of his covers.
After viewing her video Billy got a message to Mayah, saying: “Loved it, huge talent Mayah," with his drummer Liberty Devitto adding: “Tell her my wife is a red head.
"You can feel really proud of yourself young lady. I wish you every success.”
It's been a good year for Mayah, who was recognised in the Scottish Parliament in August in a motion from Clare Adamson MSP.
Clare congratulated her on her success and wished her all the best for the future.
The motion read: “That the Parliament congratulates Mayah Herlihy from Motherwell on being what it understands is the youngest ever artist to be nominated as a finalist in UK Country Radio’s UK female country singer of the year and UK country artist of the year awards; considers that it is a significant achievement for Mayah to be nominated as a finalist at only 14 years old; understands that Mayah hit number one in online charts with two of her first three singles, and became the youngest ever musician to have a single of the week on BBC Radio Scotland’s The Afternoon Show, and wishes Mayah all the very best for the future.”
A delighted Mayah told us: “I never actually realised it until I was on Google and I noticed it.
“That’s amazing that I have been recognised all over.”
And now the extraordinary 15-year-old songstress is looking forward to performing at the Country on The Clyde festival in Glasgow next month.
But, despite the buzz surrounding her, the young sensation continues to be grounded.
That's thanks to her proud parents Joanne and Martin, and siblings Brendan and Bonnie, who keep her feet firmly planted on the ground.
Mayah told us: “Both my mum and dad are really proud of me and they are the ones who pushed me to believe that I could go for it and helped me realise that I am doing well.”
The teen singer is the youngest ever artist to be signed to her record label, Coatbridge-based Main Street Records, who have supported her in her bid for stardom.
Since winning top spot in Peterhead’s Got Talent in 2017, Mayah continues to take the country music charts by storm.
That has seen her notch up three successful singles, with her acclaimed debut My Way, followed closely by second single Follow the Sunshine and third song Your Fight, in honour of her cousin Mel, with proceeds donated to the Beatson Cancer Charity.
All three were recorded and produced at the Coatbridge-based Main Street Records label.
The label's Brian Imrie of Main Street Records previously told us : “We are all extremely proud of Mayah and her work she does with us at Main Street Records. We are all rooting for our local star!”
To view Mayah’s video, follow her on Twitter or Facebook.
Mayah's new single Hometown Girl is available to download now.
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