Not many people can say they performed a song with a legendary rockstar. Michelle Korpalski became one of those select few when she was invited to sing with Jon Bon Jovi on the Runaway to Paradise cruise.
The Hanover Park, Illinois resident had the ultimate dream come true right there in front of an audience of passengers. Fortunately, it was all caught on tape – and it’s a rendition of “Livin’ on a Prayer” you don’t want to miss.
Growing up, a lot of us would grab a hairbrush and sing along with our favorite musicians (wait, you guys did that too, right?). The thought of actually getting to take the stage with one in real life, however, is enough to make any person swoon.
53-year-old Michelle, who’s a nursing (and personal) assistant, was taking the cruise in Spain with her client. While she was enjoying the trip already, it was about to become a “life-changing experience.”
Guests on the Runaway to Paradise with Jon Bon Jovi cruise know that concerts are part of the perks. But according to the Daily Herald, the musician actually started looking for a volunteer to accompany him on stage.
In her interview, Michelle explained what happened next:
“I was like, I am the person who would love to be on stage with you and will do my best. He pointed to me and said, ‘Do you have what it takes?'”
Like any Bon Jovi fan, Michelle knows all the words to their 80s classic, “Livin’ on a Prayer.” She takes the mic and prepares to rock the house (or boat, that is).
Jon announces, “Okay, Michelle. Let’s go for a ride.” Before they did though, he goes up to her and places a big kiss on her cheek. It was a faint-worthy moment on its own.
The music begins and Michelle goes to town performing the band’s epic song. Jon seems excited that she’s memorized all the lyrics – so lets her sing on her own. Eventually, the singer and everyone in the crowd joins in too.
Michelle told the Daily Herald:
“I just made the best of what I could do. I instantly felt like I was in a dream. It was like an out-of-body experience. He gave me a big thumbs-up when I first started singing.”
During the entire performance, Michelle stays on stage with the band, going back and forth singing “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Even when Jon takes over he still looks at his guest and makes her the focus. My heart would have melted!
Speaking of heart-melting moments, in the end, he gives her a great big hug – one she’ll certainly never forget. You can see it in Michelle’s reaction just how much the experience meant to her.
She later said:
“I couldn’t believe it actually happened. I felt so grateful and honored. I had tears in my eyes.”
The video has been circulating the internet and people have been falling in love with the scene that was captured. One person shared:
“Wonderful to see, you did a great thing 👍🏼 did you see the gratitude in her eyes and face!!!”
There are many celebrities that care about their fans and go out of their way to make them know it. For Michelle, she got to be on the receiving end of the most epic fantasy come true.
Watch the video below to see her rock it with all-time legend, Jon Bon Jovi!
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