Gold Coast Busker Inoxia responds to staging claims after viral Teddy Swims duet
A Gold Coast busker who went viral after a duet with Teddy Swims hits back at the claims that their meeting was not a chance encounter.
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Gold Coast busker Inoxia has addressed speculation surrounding her recent impromptu performance with US singer Teddy Swims in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall on Tuesday.
The duet, which has gone viral on social media, was met with scepticism by some people, who suggested the encounter was staged due to Inoxia’s preparedness, including having a second microphone ready.
Speaking on Nova 106.9 radio hosts David Lutteral and Ash Bradnam on Thursday, Inoxia clarified that while she strategically positioned herself for the possibility of a collaboration, the encounter was not prearranged.
“I knew that he was going to be in Brisbane. I knew that he was playing the show that night and I thought to myself, well, I’ve seen all the videos of him collaborating with buskers. I’m going to try my luck,” she explained.
Inoxia said she set up early and was prepared to busk all day for a chance to perform with Swims.
Her efforts paid off when he arrived at the mall just an hour after she had begun her performance.
In response to claims that she intentionally played Swims’ hit song Lose Control to attract his attention, Inoxia maintained her innocence.
“He came from behind me, he walked up from behind me. And I was scanning the crowd hoping, like all the time. And he was there. And it was just, it was nuts,” she recounted.
She also noted that she alternated between Swims’ songs and other covers throughout the day.
“I did one Teddy Swims song, one cover, so I just switched, and I was only doing two of his biggest songs, so it was annoying the businesses around me I’m sure,” she said.
The encounter, which has amassed millions of views on TikTok, led to an invitation from Swims to his sold-out concert that night.
“After the show [in Queen Street Mall], he basically said thank you. He was swarmed by people … And so his bodyguards are like, ushering him away. And he’s jumping over the top of these giant men saying, ‘Let’s hang out, come to my show,’” Inoxia shared.
Despite the viral success of their performance, Inoxia said the |financial gain from the duet was minimal.
“I made about $20 with Teddy, so you know, the publicity is great, but …” she laughed.
Fans of Teddy Swims were thrilled by the surprise duet ahead of his Brisbane concert.
The pair performed Swims’ Lose Control and Rihanna’s Stay, captivating an audience that quickly gathered around them.
It was reminiscent of a 2013 incident in which British pop singer Jimmy Somerville joined a busker on the streets of Berlin who was singing his Bronski Beat hit Smalltown Boy.
Swims, known for blending RnB, country, and pop, has a history of spontaneous street performances in various cities while on tour.
Swims kicked off the Australian leg of his “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour” on Tuesday night, performing a sold-out show at Riverstage, with upcoming performances scheduled in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth.
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