Having a babysitter is such a big help for any parent, but it has been a goldmine of discovery for one woman in Somerset, Massachusetts after she secretly filmed the babysitter singing to her daughter.
Nicki Maher, 43, filmed Delaney Wilson, 18, who was looking after her eight-year-old daughter. In the background was the song "Part of Your World" from "The Little Mermaid," and Wilson could be heard faintly singing along to it.
Maher whispered that her babysitter was singing a song to her daughter in the video. As she inched closer to film Wilson, the sound improves to highlight the babysitter's impressive voice.
The mom was left in tears because it was the first time she heard Wilson sing.
@nickiunplugged @delaneyreneemusic so happy you're in our world ️ #disney #singer #mom #babysitter #thevoice ♬ original sound - Nicki Marie
'An Insane Gift'
Fox News, Maher said that she decided to film Wilson so she could "hear herself when she knows nobody's watching." She said that she knew that her 18-year-old babysitter has a beautiful voice through a couple of friends who have seen Wilson perform in school.
The mom added they talked about her singing before, and she has been encouraging her to share her talent online. However, Wilson said she was not comfortable singing in front of the camera despite Maher telling her otherwise.
"I was blown away to tears, cried the first time I heard her sing," Maher said. "So, I said Delaney, you have such an insane gift."
Maher said her secret recording served as a confidence booster for the teenager because the mom had planned on sharing this on her TikTok page so Wilson could get some feedback. After securing Wilson's permission to post the video, it quickly earned more than 11 million views within days.
Wilson said that she was holding back on sharing her singing voice online because she has had some negative comments before, not only for her voice but also for her looks. However, Maher said that she wanted to record the babysitter in her unguarded moment so she would know how natural and beautiful she is. The teenager realized that she does perform better when she's not too conscious of the camera.
Opportunities Come Knocking
Following Maher's viral video, Wilson said she has gotten "many amazing opportunities," including getting into the Berklee College of Music. Wilson has also re-activated her TikTok page, where she has been sharing clips of her music covers while engaging her followers, who leave mostly positive comments.
Maher, a social media influencer, said she has always been in awe of the power of social media when used for good. The mom said that there are many beautiful things on the internet if people focus more on the positive side.
In an interview with The Herald News, Maher said that she wants her own kids to grow up using social media as a positive tool. She wants them to learn that they will sow what they breed with every action.
"If you decide to focus on negative, negative will follow you back," the mom said.
