The video has gone viral since it was shared on social media platforms and even Alicia Keys praised the girl for her singing skills.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on April 16, 2021. It has since been updated.
An 8-year-old girl singing her heart out to Alicia Keys' song "Girl on Fire" is just the kind of wholesome content we need right now. Anni, 8, was cleaning her family pool when she suddenly burst into song and delivered a knockout performance. Her father Tom Coverly filmed his daughter singing before sharing it on TikTok. The video has since been viewed by more than 9 million people. Coverly's wife is a singer but he had no idea Anni could sing as well until he heard her singing while cleaning the family pool, reported Good Morning America.
"She just belted out that chorus," said Coverly, of Pensacola, Florida. Anni absolutely went all out as she sang the number. "And then she's singing it with the passion she was singing it with. It just blew me away." Coverly is a motivational speaker and often teaches life lessons on TikTok, often on topics such as bullying and suicide prevention. Anni also features in his motivational speeches on TikTok but this time it was her singing that vowed his followers. The song was the toast of the internet with even Alicia Keys commenting on the video, praising the little girl's cover of her song. "I love this!!! Sing Mama!!! You are amazing!! And you ARE on fire!!!!" wrote Keys.
Coverly shared that the overwhelming response has boosted Anni's confidence immensely. "It's been the biggest boost of confidence for her," said Coverly of Anni. "It's just been beautiful." Coverly added that his daughter also enjoys riding her bicycle and going to the beach. Anikka Coverly started singing roughly three years ago. She is really excited about the response and especially Keys' message to her. "It made me feel very special. It made me feel worth it to this world," said Anni. She's now hoping the video can also inspire others kids. "I want them to get like, they can follow their dream and they can be special too like that," said Anni, reported Wear TV. "Because they are all worth it. Everybody is worth is to this world."