Sometimes, dreams come true when you least expect them. For 14-year-old Hailey Benedict, that moment arrived on September 16, 2016, when she found herself sharing the stage with Keith Urban at Edmonton’s Rogers Place.
When Keith asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, Hailey answered without hesitation — “a singer-songwriter.” That simple response sparked one of the most heartwarming moments in concert history. Urban, known for his generosity and love for fans, didn’t just applaud her dream — he handed her his guitar and invited her to perform in front of nearly 20,000 people.
With incredible composure, Hailey performed her original song “Clean Slate.” The crowd was mesmerized — her voice, confidence, and natural stage presence made it hard to believe she was only 14. What started as a casual exchange turned into a magical, life-changing experience that inspired everyone watching.
Adding to the beauty of the moment was Hailey’s friend McKenna, who cheered her on from the audience with pure excitement and pride. Their friendship highlighted the joy of lifting others up — a reminder that true success feels even better when shared.
Since that night, the video has touched millions, earning over 6 million views on YouTube and countless heartfelt comments. One fan wrote, “Keith was amazing with Hailey, and she was incredible! So young and yet so calm in front of 20,000 people!” Another added, “She’s a future star for sure — and how cool is Keith Urban? It’s so nice when stars are just regular people at heart.”
It was more than a concert — it was a moment of kindness, courage, and inspiration that continues to shine years later.
