A TikTok video by California resident Mishelle Ferro showing her and her friends singing along with musician Tom Riccobono at an empty New York City restaurant has garnered nearly 7 million views since it was posted on October 4, 2025. Ferro and her group, in New York for a trip, encountered Riccobono, a 63-year-old performer, while he was singing passionately at a Times Square location.
During the video, they joined him in singing Avicii’s 2013 hit “Wake Me Up.” Ferro noted that the restaurant appeared empty apart from them, which made the moment feel particularly poignant. Riccobono indicated that the performance took place during a traditional lull in the venue’s traffic, as restaurants in Times Square often see decreased patronage before theater-goers emerge from shows.
Both Ferro and Riccobono expressed surprise at the viral success of the video, which highlights the power of spontaneous moments in daily life. Riccobono, who performs various instruments including the guitar and harmonica, emphasized the importance of dedication in his craft.
- Why it matters: This incident showcases the potential for unexpected moments to resonate widely on social media, impacting both individual performers and the broader entertainment industry.
- The latest: The video continues to attract attention, increasing Riccobono’s exposure as a performing artist in a challenging economic environment for live entertainment.
Source: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/strangers-stop-cheer-musician-performing-empty-new-york-126376584
Source: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/strangers-stop-cheer-musician-performing-empty-new-york-126376584