From kitchen singing to recording in LA after TikTok hit

A teenager has described recording music in Los Angeles as the "experience of a lifetime" after a TikTok video of her singing at home unexpectedly caught the attention of record producers.

Erin Rose, from Frome in Somerset, went viral after her mother posted a clip of her singing while doing the washing up - a moment that would eventually lead to meetings with producers linked to Universal Music Group.

Her mum, Kris Ross‑Osborne, said she had no idea the video of Erin would reach anyone outside friends and family.

Erin grew up in a household "big on music and singing" and often sang at home, but said she was too shy to perform in front of others.

"It wasn't even to a point of stage fright... if someone asked me to sing, I would just go completely silent," she said.

In a bid to boost her confidence, Kris decided to secretly record her daughter singing along to Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper and post it on TikTok.

Since the two-minute clip was posted in February 2022, it has exceeded 57,000 views, 5,000 likes and received hundreds of positive comments.

Among those watching were record producers from Universal Music Group (UMG) in Los Angeles.

About 18 months after the video was posted, Kris received a message from the group inviting Erin out to meet with producers.

"It was one of those things where sometimes it feels a little bit too good to be true," Erin said.

After they realised the invitation was real, the family flew to Los Angeles in October 2024 and Erin recorded her debut song Not Cute.

They returned again the following October and Erin recorded another two songs, including Wildfire, which was released in January.

"It was an experience of a lifetime," Erin said.

She added: "It was very scary at first... being in a smaller town and having lots of friends at school, I was a little bit worried about if they'd like [my music] or not, but everyone I've talked to has said 'stop doubting yourself because you did really well."

Since her success, Erin's confidence has grown and she has started singing lessons, posted more covers and performed in local musical theatre shows and gigs.

Erin's parents said there were "not enough words" to describe how proud they were of their 18-year-old daughter.

"We have videos of her singing from when she's about a year-and-a-half old with her little lipsy renditions of songs from Les Mis," Kris said.

"To see her writing her own music... these are her songs about her feelings and what she's thinking."

Despite her success, the Frome College student - who studies A Level biology, chemistry and drama - said she intended to embark on a career in medicine.

"I never really planned or expected to have any sort of career in performing arts or music," Erin said.

Kris added: "We'll support whatever decision she wants to make.

"If music takes off for her, brilliant, but if it doesn't, she always has her plan A."

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