Jon Bon Jovi went undercover at a karaoke bar and surprised groups of his fans as they sang his greatest hits including ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ and ‘It’s My Life’ back in 2016.
Jon Bon Jovi is the brains behind some of the world’s greatest karaoke songs.
The New Jersey native’s greatest hits include ‘I’ll Be There For You’, ‘You Give Love A Bad Name’, ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’, ‘It’s My Life’ – basically all the best songs you’d ever want to yell into a microphone is a basement bar.
So it was truly apt that back in 2016 the 58-year-old rocker would go undercover as a bartender in a karaoke bar and surprise fans who were singing his greatest hits.
In aid of the Jon Bon Jovi foundation, the star teamed up with fundraising company Omaze to pull off the elaborate prank on the group of unsuspecting singers.
Dressing up as an old school rocker with long hair, full beard and a leather waistcoat, Jon went undercover as a barman in the karaoke bar who would increasingly get on his punters nerves.
The singer would approach groups of karaoke singers as they sang his songs, taking the microphone to join in or admonish them for singing the lyrics incorrectly.
The fans were understandably bewildered by the intrusions, and unfailingly polite – bless them – until Jon took off his hat, glasses and moustache to reveal his true identity and they all, as one, started screaming.
The brilliant footage comes after Jon Bon Jovi gave an amazing sunrise performance of the Beatles ‘Here Comes The Sun’ to celebrate Joe Biden’s inauguration.
What’s with celebrities cosplaying commoners to sing in public? In 2016, the iconic Jon Bon Jovi decided to blend in unnoticed as a bar staff member at a karaoke bar, aiming to bamboozle some of his biggest admirers. Embracing the spirit of karaoke, he sang alongside fans while donning an elaborate disguise. Initially met with puzzled stares from the crowd, the moment he unveiled his true identity was met with gasps and sheer astonishment.
What prompted Bon Jovi to do such a thing? The main reason for this playful stunt was a desire to drum up support for the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. Established in 2006, this charitable organization dedicates itself to combating issues of hunger and homelessness across the United States, striving to provide support and solutions for those in need.
To bring this memorable prank to life, Bon Jovi partnered with the fundraising platform Omaze. He donned the persona of a classic rocker, with long, dark hair, an exaggerated bushy beard, and a leather vest, all while pretending to tend the bar. As the evening unfolded, with fans belting out tunes on the karaoke, Bon Jovi would occasionally grab the microphone, feigning forgetfulness of the lyrics to his own hits.
After several performances and a few bewildering interruptions by the incognito rock star, the moment of revelation arrived. Needless to say, the crowd was dumbfounded to learn that the ragtag rockstar is the legend Jon Bon Jovi himself, before exploding into a chaotic bunch and singing along with the artist.
It’s not the first time Jon Bon Jovi participated in such noble events, either. In May 2020, he made a meaningful contribution to Rise Up New York: The Robin Hood Relief Benefit, a telethon aimed at generating support and funds for COVID-19 relief efforts in New York City. The event, enriched by performances and appearances from a diverse group of celebrities including musicians, actors, directors, and chefs, was expertly hosted by Tina Fey, culminating in an impressive $115 million in donations.
For his part, Jon Bon Jovi chose to perform a pre-recorded, socially-distanced rendition of “It’s My Life,” a track that stands out as the lead single from Bon Jovi’s seventh album, Crush, released in 2000. This song, noted for reigniting the band’s popularity and connecting them with a younger audience, was truly a fitting selection.
Fans on YouTube have been vocal about Bon Jovi’s enduring charm and vocal prowess, even at 58. Some appreciate the softer rendition of the iconic song, while others defend his evolving voice, comparing its maturation to fine wine—richer and more refined with age. The video has since amassed over 6 million views, proving Jon Bon Jovi’s lasting impact on fans across generations.
And to end things on a high note (no pun intended), here’s to revisiting the original Bon Jovi hit, “It’s My Life,” a true masterpiece that continues to inspire generations to come.