Sylvia Jeffreys rakes in donations by performing Total Eclipse of the Heart
Did Sylvia Jeffreys nail her rendition of the Bonnie Tyler classic? Photo: Nine Network
After the solar eclipse sent downloads of Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart skyrocketing to No.1 on the iTunes charts, Sylvia Jeffreys decided to attempt to sing the 1980s epic ballad in the name of charity.
SING IT SYLVIA!! #9Today pic.twitter.com/qUlbQ2mikj
— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) August 23, 2017
Complete with an ’80s wig, smoke machines and a shoulder-padded white number, the Today newsreader gamely belted out the song live on Thursday morning alongside Australian musician David Campbell.
Her courage in taking the skit in her stride despite an immediately apparent lack of singing ability helped raise more than $21,000 for Young Care, which is dedicated to supporting young Australians with high care needs in securing appropriate housing.
Viewers were encouraged to join in the singalong from their couches at home, with the lyrics appearing at the base of the screen, karaoke style.
Jeffreys screamed out the high notes but maintained commendable confidence and her practiced TV smile, with backup from the Australian Girls Choir appearing in a deep shade of purple.
The song continued to build but the key change proved all too much for the amateur karaoke singer, who screeched her way through the final few high notes.
“Thank God it’s over,” she said to brother-in-law and fellow breakfast show host Karl Stefanovic. She later thanked viewers for their generosity.
“Thank you all for supporting the Young Care karaoke challenge,” Jeffreys tweeted.
“You are brave and generous and wonderful.”
https://twitter.com/DavidCampbell73/status/900488452017344512
Stick to you know what's best Sylvia xx
— Gary (@GdaltonGs) August 24, 2017
Forget what you sound like. Only you could make a poodle wig look hot 🔥
— Caroline Marcus (@carolinemarcus) August 24, 2017
@SylviaJeffreys Karl and Pete need not worry, that performance was a total eclipse of the Stevanovics, you are a superstar – great work 🙂
— PJ (@Philosophical46) August 23, 2017