#NobodyButBuble Makes It Happen
A couple weeks ago, Canadian-born singer/songwriter Michael Buble visited Toronto with radio station 98.1 CHFI to promote his new album, “Nobody But Me”. We had the chance to sit in with the audience and see Erin Davis and Michael Buble himself talk about how he recorded the album, how fatherhood is treating him and treated us to a special performance.
In light of the recent news of his 3 year old son Noah being diagnosed with cancer, we have had nothing but well wishes and concern for the family. Reflecting on our encounters with Buble, we wanted to share an experience that The Xtra Mile helped make possible.
Reader Gabriela had the birthday of a lifetime. Michael Buble surprised her with getting the audience singing “Happy Birthday” to her. Being a long time fan, we saw Gabriela jumping up and down in the audience with her poster stating that it’s her birthday. She thought that was the end of her night before she met us. Here is Gabriela’s story:
I never thought that my 25th birthday would be the best birthday ever. Here’s the thing: in the past few years, I haven’t been that big on celebrating my birthday; small dinner, a BBQ, a lunch – whatever I’m feeling that day. I found out about the CHFI contest and Michael Buble coming back to Toronto on September 30th. I was walking from one building to another at work and opened my phone and just about lost my mind. Michael Buble… my favourite artist… coming to Toronto… on my birthday? H.O.L.Y. C.O.W. Started calling my friends and family, freaking out at my coworkers to get them to start listening and calling in. Most anxious two weeks of my life? YUP. I was calling CHFI consistently, entered through the Cityline contest (shared this on FB and had my friends and family enter as well), Hello Magazine on a daily basis, through the CHFI loyalty club, and the Bungalow B website (the Buble fanclub).
I received an e-mail from a Rogers representative confirming that I had won tickets and how to check in, event time, and what time doors open. Wave of relief and excitement! More jumping around, running around the office, calling friends and family. I tweeted out that I was so excited to celebrate my 25th birthday with Buble, Erin, and the CHFI family. Erin quoted my tweet and wrote, “I haven’t forgotten” with a kiss emoji (about my birthday).
The event was so enjoyable. The event ends and Michael leaves. My friend Val and I hang around as we’re trying to figure out if he was going to come back out or could we find a way to meet him. We start taking photos by the stage and then kind of start walking away, but decide to sit and hang for another few minutes. NOT EVEN FIVE MINUTES LATER, the most amazing thing happened. This angel appears out of nowhere and asks us if one of us would like to meet Michael Buble. Val and I start freaking out and Val goes, “IT’S HER BIRTHDAY!!” Reem SOMEHOW comes up to Val and I out of everyone. Um, hello? Best birthday ever, am I right?
Reem must’ve said something to Buble because next thing I know, she’s stepping aside and it’s just me and Michael. Oh my god. What did I even say? Was I sweating? I was so frozen and star struck. Here’s what I remember:
– We hugged
– He told me he saw my sign
– He was so beautiful in person
– Great suit
And as I walked away, he held onto my wrist and looked me in the eyes and said, “Happy Birthday, babe”.
I’m not too sure how to even wrap this up. This was the greatest birthday ever. I enjoyed every moment of it, I went home too happy to speak, and am not too sure how to go on with life knowing that I may never have a birthday as great as my 25th birthday. I have never felt so loved, lucky, and blessed. It was an unforgettable experience and something that I am truly and honestly grateful for.