Imagine this: Nicola Coughlan, our beloved Penelope Featherington, reclining in a plush armchair during a break from "Bridgerton" press. She's chatting with Luke Newton, her on-screen beau, when the interviewer asks about her dream projects. Coughlan, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, declares she wants to "make music exclusively for gay men." Think campy, tongue-in-cheek anthems about "shoes and private yachts." Little did she know, this offhand remark would launch her onto the music scene and spawn a viral sensation.
A Remix Maestro Answers the Call
Enter Ellis Miah, a DJ and music producer with a Midas touch, having crafted hits for the likes of RuPaul, Miley Cyrus, and Sia. Scrolling through TikTok, he stumbled upon Coughlan's interview and a light bulb went off. "I bet I can have some fun with that," he thought. Ditching dinner plans (who needs overpriced appetizers when inspiration strikes?), he hunkered down in his studio and got to work, transforming Coughlan's playful soundbites into a thumping house track.
Miah's creation was a love letter to the dance floor, a delicious blend of catchy hooks and Coughlan's own voice, looped and layered to hypnotic effect. He hit publish, not knowing if it would even reach Coughlan, but trusting his gut. "I’ve been preaching this thing about not being precious, just put it out," he later shared.
Bridgerton Fans Fuel the Fire
The internet, as it often does with things that spark joy, responded with a resounding "YES!" Miah's remix exploded on TikTok, racking up millions of views in a matter of days.
The "Bridgerton" fandom, a force to be reckoned with, bombarded Coughlan with the link, determined to make her aware of the musical tribute. As Miah recounts, with a hint of glee, "They all started tagging her, like, ‘I hope she sees this!’”
Turns out, Coughlan was in the midst of a whirlwind press tour, her phone practically vibrating off the table with notifications. It was actually Jonathan Bailey, her "Bridgerton" co-star, who finally showed her the remix, much to Miah's amusement. "That’s how you learned of it?," he later exclaimed in an interview, relishing the unexpected twist.
From Viral Hit to Chart-Topping Collaboration
Word reached Virgin Records, who saw the potential for something truly special. They connected Miah and Coughlan, and magic happened. Despite a jam-packed schedule, Coughlan found time to record verses for the track, embracing the spontaneous energy of the project. "She recorded her parts, in between the most hectic schedule ever, and turned it into what it is," Miah explained, still in awe of her dedication.
"She did it on her phone, I think, or on her computer, but it was a total DIY moment, and it was insane."
The final product, aptly titled "Shoes...More Shoes," is a full-fledged pop anthem, bursting with playful energy and tongue-in-cheek lyrics that celebrate living life to the fullest. True to their generous spirits, Miah and Coughlan pledged all proceeds from the song to LGBTQ+ organizations The Trevor Project and Not a Phase, proving that a little fun can do a whole lot of good.
A Testament to Dreams and Unexpected Collaborations
What began as a cheeky comment has evolved into a chart-climbing hit and a testament to the power of collaboration. Nicola Coughlan, the actress who stole our hearts as Penelope, is now a bona fide pop star, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the most delightful destinations. And as for whether this dynamic duo will bless us with more music? Well, as they say in the ton, only Lady Whistledown knows for sure.
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