If you’ve ever ridden the subway – you know what an interesting experience it can be. Not only is it a hub for people’s daily commute, but you also see people from all walks of life, from all cultures.

There are white-collar workers, students, tourists, and buskers. Often times, those buskers use the subway station as their stage, in hopes of making enough money to get through the day.

One woman named Emily Zamourka has recently made headlines for capturing the world’s hearts after a video of her singing in the LA subway went viral.

A police officer walked down into the Los Angeles Wilshire-Normandie subway station and came across a homeless woman that inspired him to film her. At first, she was hesitant when he broke out his camera.

“I told him, ‘Please don’t do it.’ I felt intimidated,” she told the LA Times. “What do you expect with a police officer taking a picture of you?”

Zamourka, 52, was singing the most beautiful opera song he had ever heard and he pressed her a little more. Finally, she agreed. The officer posted the video on the police Twitter page along with the caption:

“4 million people call LA home. 4 million stories. 4 million voices… sometimes you just have to stop and listen to one, to hear something beautiful”.

The police officer wasn’t the only one who was completely mesmerized by Zamourka’s voice – one million people around the world were enraptured as well.

The homeless woman’s perfect pitch and angelic tone immediately went viral as soon as the video was uploaded. People were absolutely stunned by her talent and everyone wanted to hear more! Zamourka was soon tracked down to learn more about her situation.

As it turns it, Zamourka is a musician and songstress from Russia. She is a self-taught singer and learned her talent from watching opera singers on television while growing up. Her passion for music grew and she ended up learning piano and violin as well.

The Russian-born musician used to busk by playing violin on the streets of LA, however, her violin was stolen.

“I didn’t want to be dependent on anybody,” Zamourka told the LA Times. “I was having fun. I was learning English.”

She had moved to the United States in hopes of a better life, new experiences, and more independence. She began her new life working in restaurants and nursing homes before deciding to pursue her passion for music again. However, medical issues prevented her from gaining employment and so she resorted to busking on the streets.

After her $10,000 violin was stolen and destroyed, Zamourka was devastated. It was her only form of income. Knowing music was all she had, she knew she had to continue – and her voice was something that no one could steal from her.

Since the video gained viral popularity, it has made Zamourka a bit of a celebrity overnight.

The songstress has been invited to sing at the opening of Little Italy in celebration of Italian heritage in Los Angeles, she has dozens of news interviews lined up, and there has even been a GoFundMe account set up for her to find housing. So far, it has raised over $61,000. Rumor has it there is even a record deal in the making.

“I want to thank that police officer who did that video, and I wanted to thank God that he inspired me to do that.”

And as for her future? It’s certainly looking bright! Despite all of her attention, Zamourka still remains as humble as ever.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

4 million people call LA home. 4 million stories. 4 million voices…sometimes you just have to stop and listen to one, to hear something beautiful. pic.twitter.com/VzlmA0c6jX

— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) September 27, 2019

H/T: Bored Panda