Shadowing Practice: I'm a Famous Singer But No One Sees My face - Learn English Speaking with Video

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305 sentences

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Hey friends, I'm Ella from New York.

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People say fairy tales are just stories, but today I'll tell you my story.

And you'll see how this is wrong because I can confidently say that I'm a modern Cinderella.

I'm an only child and my parents loved me so much and cared a lot about my musical talent,

which they noticed when I was only six.

I played the piano, wrote songs, and sang too.

She's gonna be a famous star one day.

She sounds like an angel.

Believe me when I tell you, I love music.

I spend all my time singing and playing or listening to music.

When I was 10, I even wrote my first song.

Sadly, everything changed when I turned 13 and Mom and Dad divorced.

Mom left us and we were devastated.

But after two years, my dad met someone new.

I didn't like the idea at first, but I didn't say anything because I wanted to see him happy again.

One day, he told me that he had invited this woman and her two daughters over for dinner.

You're gonna like the girls, I promise.

They're so nice, and they're your age as well.

You can finally have the sisters you always wanted.

When they finally came over, my soon -to -be stepmom, Lindsay, and her two daughters, Anna and Joanna, pretended to be nice to me,

but I don't know why I felt like they were lying the whole time.

Oh my, look at you.

Aren't you a dear?

I feel like we'll be best friends.

I like your hair so much.

Can I see your room?

My dad and Lindsay got married after a short time and she and her daughters moved in with us.

Our house is bigger than there, so we'll all fit in nicely together here.

Anna and Joanna will keep you company all the time.

Isn't this amazing?

Um, yeah, Dad, it is.

I'm so, um, excited it.

I really, really, really didn't like the idea because there was just something weird about them.

But I didn't have the heart to say that to my dad.

Not long after the wedding, my father came home one day looking extremely happy.

Girls, guess what?

I got promoted.

Really?

Congrats.

How much will they pay you?

Um, I don't know yet, but I'll have to travel every now and again.

It's a very important position.

But dad, I don't like having you away for long.

Don't be silly.

He'll make a lot of money.

He has to take the job.

When are you going to travel?

What will you bring for me?

I need a new phone.

Please.

What about me?

I want a new laptop.

Mine is old.

Baby, I've always wanted a diamond ring.

The golden one is not so nice.

Can you please get me one?

What about you, Ella?

What do you want me to get you?

Nothing, Dad.

Just don't stay away for too long.

See, this is the sad part.

I discovered that Lindsay had married my dad for his money, and she literally cared for nothing else.

When dad started to travel a lot, Lindsay, Anna, and Joanna showed their true colors.

They were terrible.

They treated me horribly.

They were only nice to me when he was around.

Just stop playing the stupid piano.

Your playing sounds like nails on a chalkboard.

You think you're a musician?

Such a loser.

Yeah, stop it, will you?

You're giving me a headache.

Just like that?

Lindsay didn't let me play the piano anymore.

She didn't let me do anything, basically.

Wait a minute.

Is that my shirt you're wearing?

It was your shirt.

I liked it, so I took it.

Do you have a problem?

Anna, why is your stuff in my room?

I'm bored with my room, and it's very small.

I want yours.

It's bigger and nicer.

Get the rest of your stuff out of my new room now.

That was the last straw.

I couldn't take it anymore.

I planned to tell my dad everything when he got back.

Oh my god, I never did that.

You told me you wanted us to exchange rooms.

I'm really hurt.

Didn't you give me the shirt because you took my orange one?

I didn't take anything from you.

Oh my, I didn't let her play the piano?

Why would I ever do that?

If anything, I encouraged her to practice more.

What?

What are you saying?

100

I'm not lying.

101

Ella, I am very disappointed in you.

102

I never thought you would lie to me.

103

Lindsay and the girls are trying to be a family to you and you're telling lies about them?

104

I never want to hear anything like that ever again.

105

I mean, the audacity.

106

Two years passed like this before everything changed, when I learned tragic news.

107

Apparently, the company dad was working for was a fraud, and he was in jail, miles away.

108

And if things were bad in the beginning, they got even worse.

109

Lindsay and her daughters made my life terrible and I didn't know what to do.

110

Music was the only thing that helped me.

111

When I saved enough money, I bought a second -hand microphone and downloaded an app that would let me play different kinds of instruments on it.

112

I kept writing songs and music and recording them on my laptop and listening to them because I couldn't live without music.

113

Wait a second, why don't I upload one of my songs online?

114

Of course, I can't use my real name or picture

115

because God knows what would happen if Lindsay one of her daughters found out.

116

But the idea isn't so terrible, is it?

117

It's better than being this far away from music.

118

After only two days, it had 100 ,000 views.

119

In the comments section, I could see that people loved the lyrics and the music, despite the low quality of the video.

120

So I started to post more and more songs.

121

Soon, everyone at school was talking about my songs.

122

That made me happy and sad at the same time because I couldn't tell them that it was me.

123

Have you listened to this new song by this mystery girl?

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Let me tell you, it's amazing.

125

Not yet, but I have to check it out now.

126

I adore her songs.

127

If only we could know who she really is.

128

I literally know all her songs by heart.

129

But things didn't stay good for long for me.

130

Joanna recognized my voice and playing somehow and told Lindsay, what do you think you're doing?

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Playing smart and thinking I won't know?

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I don't understand how someone like you got this number of views and likes.

133

She won't anymore.

134

Give me this laptop now.

135

I'm going to delete those stupid videos.

136

If you do one more thing like this, you won't like what happens.

137

Please, don't.

138

Please.

139

Wait a minute, Mom.

140

What if?

141

We could use her fame.

142

We could make a lot of money if we let her write and record those silly songs of hers.

143

And I'll pretend that I'm the one who's actually making them.

144

The camera loves my face anyways.

145

What?

146

You want to steal my music?

147

Are you crazy?

148

Oh, that's a brilliant idea, darling.

149

And you, Ella, have no say in this at all.

150

You either do what we say, or you can say goodbye to your dad forever.

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I'll make sure he can't get out of that jail and stays there forever.

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I won't hire a lawyer or anything to save his butt.

153

Got it?

154

This family was crazy.

155

They were heartless.

156

Lindsay bought better equipment and forced me to use it to record my music and songs.

157

Later, Joanna would shoot videos of herself pretending to sing and play the piano, but it was actually my voice, my music, and my lyrics.

158

The number of views and likes on the video was crazy.

159

She was becoming the new social media sensation, and she was making an insane amount of money.

160

At school, everyone wanted to be her friend because she was the popular girl now.

161

Joanna, please come to my party this weekend.

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It would be a blast having you there.

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Sign my shirt, Joanna.

164

Please, please, please.

165

Can I get a selfie with you?

166

Please say yes.

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Meanwhile, I wasn't allowed to go anywhere other than school.

168

It felt like I was in prison.

169

Lindsay, Anna, and Joanna were watching me all the time because they were worried I'd reveal their secret.

170

But I didn't because I was afraid they'd leave

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Dad in jail forever.

172

But things changed once more one afternoon.

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Ella, you better listen to what I'm gonna tell you carefully.

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There is a huge musical competition that's happening soon.

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And if I, I mean you, created the best song, I can win a record deal with an important record label.

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And how are you planning on recording an album exactly?

177

Are you planning on dragging me behind you to the studio?

178

Letting everybody know your truth?

179

That's none of your business.

180

My mom will think of something.

181

Start working on that song now.

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I had no choice but to write a song on the required theme and record it.

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Now, I need to shoot a video for this song, but it needs to be perfect because I have to win this competition.

184

Guess what happened then?

185

She won.

186

She and Lindsay were over the moon.

187

Quite literally.

188

Mom, I just got a call from the record label.

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They want you and me to go tomorrow and sign the contract for the album.

190

That's perfect, honey.

191

You'll be a star.

192

Hey, Ella, you're coming with us tomorrow.

193

What?

194

Me?

195

Why would you want me to go with you?

196

What if they asked us some stupid question about music and singing?

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You'll be there to help Joanna answer.

198

Understood?

199

Wasn't it enough that they were stealing my music and money?

200

They also wanted me to watch them doing it?

201

When we got there, Liam, the CEO himself, welcomed us.

202

Welcome to our company.

203

It's been a pleasure meeting such a young and promising talent as you, Joanna.

204

For how long have you been playing the piano and singing?

205

Oh, um, I, I, since she was 10.

206

She's the most unique kid ever.

207

That's nice.

208

And have you had any teachers?

209

Well, I don't, oh no. She taught herself all that she knows about music.

210

Isn't she amazing?

211

Um, sure, sure.

212

And you are?

213

Oh, that's Ella, my stepdaughter.

214

She's one of our family and we love her dearly, just like she loves us.

215

Right, darling?

216

What?

217

Um, yeah, sure.

218

Nice to meet you, Ella.

219

I feel like you're surprised I'm the CEO because I'm young.

220

I hear that a lot.

221

But the truth is, this company belongs to my dad, and he only trusts me to run things around here.

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I was sitting there silently, not saying much.

223

This Liam was very nice, and to me especially.

224

He kept trying to include me in the conversation, but Lindsay didn't like it.

225

Ella, dear, be a dear and bring me my shawl from the car, could you?

226

I'm cold.

227

Sure.

228

I understood that she wanted me out of the room because she wanted his full attention to be on Joanna.

229

So I left the room and started walking aimlessly around the corridors of the company.

230

Wow, look how many musical instruments are in this room.

231

What is that?

232

A huge piano?

233

It wouldn't hurt if I played it for a minute, will it?

234

I hadn't played a real piano for years because Lindsay sold mine.

235

I miss this so much.

236

I closed my eyes and started to play and sing my heart out.

237

I didn't even feel the time passing.

238

I didn't even feel Liam standing behind me by the door.

239

What's that?

240

How's that possible?

241

How is this your voice and not Joanna's?

242

I don't understand.

243

Please just forget what you saw and heard.

244

Wait here.

245

After a couple of minutes, he came back with Lindsay and Joanna who looked really scared when she saw me near a piano.

246

Why don't you play us that song that won you the competition before we sign the deal?

247

It's only fair that I hear you play live.

248

What?

249

Um, I...

250

Mom?

251

Let's leave that to another day.

252

I'm afraid Joanna's not ready today.

253

She's recovering from a bad cold.

254

I insist.

255

It's actually part of the contract's conditions.

256

Believe me when I say, at that moment, I wouldn't want to be Joanna for anything in the world.

257

She sat at the piano, tried to stroke the keys, but of course, she couldn't play.

258

She tried to sing in a low voice, but it was very clear that her voice wasn't even good.

259

She was about to cry.

260

Ella, why don't you give it a try?

261

I was terrified for a second.

262

But I told myself, come on, have some courage.

263

Liam knows the truth now.

264

I played and sang the song perfectly.

265

Ella, we would be honored to sign a deal with you.

266

What?

267

What do you mean with her?

268

It's my daughter who won the competition, not this, this girl.

269

Your daughter can't sing, ma 'am.

270

I know the truth now, so no need for more lies.

271

What do you say, Ella?

272

Sure, I'd be crazy to say no. Let me tell you that the album I made with Liam was a hit.

273

I had enough money to hire a lawyer and fight dad's case.

274

All with the help of Liam.

275

And he was finally home.

276

Please, Ella.

277

You know we love you, honey.

278

Please don't throw us out.

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Please, I am so sorry.

280

We're really sorry, Ella.

281

You can have your room back.

282

It was just a misunderstanding.

283

Please.

284

It's too late now.

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The whole world knows the truth.

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Now, please leave because I have to prepare for my first live concert.

287

The concert was amazing.

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Thousands of people came.

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I was living the dream.

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Liam was even waiting for me backstage with a bouquet of flowers.

291

Oh, thank you so much.

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I love them.

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You're the best, you know.

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You saved me from my evil stepmother.

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Exactly like a fairy tale.

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And because I did that, don't I deserve a date?

297

Just to be authentic to the story.

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You do.

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Let's go get some ice cream.

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And a kiss?

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Yeah, and a kiss.

302

And that's how I wrapped up my story.

303

I got rid of the evil stepmother and her daughters, I became a superstar, I got the Prince Charming,

304

and I have the happily ever after that everyone wishes for.

305

So, after all that, can you deny that I'm a modern Cinderella?

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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson

This speaking lesson is built on the video “I'm a Famous Singer But No One Sees My face”. The speaker keeps coming back to these words: song, Lindsay, Ella, dad, Joanna. This video has 305 sentences and 2478 words to shadow. The speech runs for 13:19. The speaker talks fast, about 186 words per minute, so expect linked and reduced sounds. 84% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English; the rest is worth studying before you start. 69 of its 305 sentences are questions, so it is good practice for question intonation and short answers.

Key vocabulary in this video

15 words from the video worth learning, with pronunciation and meaning:

Word	Pronunciation	Meaning
piano noun	/piˈænɪː/	A percussive keyboard musical instrument, usually ranging over seven octaves, with white and black colored keys, played by pressing these keys, causing hammers…
pretend verb	/pɹəˈtɛnd/	To speak or behave so as to give a false or simulated appearance.
laptop noun	/ˈlæp.tɑp/	A laptop computer.
label noun	/ˈleɪ.bəl/	A small ticket or sign giving information about something to which it is attached or intended to be attached.
steal verb	/stiːl/	To take illegally, or without the owner's permission, something owned by someone else without intending to return it.
hire verb	/ˈhaɪɹ/	To obtain the services of in return for fixed payment.
silly adjective	/ˈsɪl.i/	Laughable or amusing through foolishness or a foolish appearance.
honey noun	/ˈhʌni/	A sweet, viscous, gold-colored fluid produced from plant nectar by bees, and often consumed by humans.
lyrics noun	/ˈlɪɹ.ɪks/	The words to a song (or other vocal music).
tale noun	/ˈteɪl/	A rehearsal of what has occurred; narrative; discourse; statement; history; story.
instrument noun	/ˈɪnstɹəmənt/	A device used to produce music.
darling noun	/ˈdɑɹlɪŋ/	Often used as an affectionate term of address: a person who is very dear to one.
meanwhile adverb	/ˈmiːnwaɪl/	During the time that something is happening, often specifically in a different place.
carefully adverb	/ˈkɛɹf(ə)li/	With care; attentively, circumspectly.
angel noun	/ˈeɪ̯n.d͡ʒəl/	An incorporeal and holy or semidivine messenger from a deity or other divine entity, traditionally depicted as a youthful, winged figure in flowing robes.

Phrasal verbs you will hear

Word	Meaning
come over verb	To affect in a sudden, unprecedented or surprising manner; to overwhelm a person's ordinarily contrary impulse.
find out verb	To discover, as by asking or investigating.
get back verb	Return to where one came from.
get out of verb	To leave, exit or escape from; to become free of.
stand behind verb	To support; express one's support for, especially despite opposition; to stick with a decision.
wrap up verb	To cover or enclose (something) by folding and securing a covering entirely around it.

Sentences worth repeating

Short, complete lines from the video that you can reuse in everyday conversation:

Aren't you a dear?
You think you're a musician?
Is that my shirt you're wearing?
Playing smart and thinking I won't know?
Ella, why don't you give it a try?

Grammar in this video

The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:

Structure	In the video
Present perfect have/has + past participle — a past action that still matters now	I've always wanted · Have you listened · It's been
Passive voice be + past participle — the focus is on what happens, not who does it	wasn't allowed · would be honored
Past continuous was/were + -ing — an action in progress at a moment in the past	were lying · was working · was talking
Verb + -ing enjoy, keep, stop… + -ing — verbs that are followed by the -ing form	stop playing · kept writing · Start working

Pronunciation to watch

The speaker uses 94 contractions and reduced forms, such as didn't, I'm, don't. Say them the short way, as you hear them.

The “th” sounds: authentic /ɔˈθɛn.tɪk/, stepmother /ˈstɛpmʌðə/
The “sh” and “zh” sounds: congratulations /kənˌɡɹæt͡ʃəˈleɪʃ(ə)nz/, musician /mjuˈzɪʃən/, sensation /sɛnˈseɪʃən/, shawl /ʃɔːl/
Long words — get the stress right: disappointed /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪnɪd/, congratulations /kənˌɡɹæt͡ʃəˈleɪʃ(ə)nz/, devastated /ˈdɛv.əˌsteɪ.təd/, audacity /ɔˈdæ.sɪ.ti/, confidently /ˈkɑnfɪdəntli/

How to practise with this video

Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
Start at 0.75× speed, shadow it sentence by sentence, then go back to normal speed once it feels easy.
Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like piano, pretend, laptop.

What is the Shadowing Technique?

Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.

Shadowing technique: read the full step-by-step guide →

Shadowing Practice: I'm a Famous Singer But No One Sees My face - Learn English Speaking with Video

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Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson

Key vocabulary in this video

Phrasal verbs you will hear

Sentences worth repeating

Grammar in this video

Pronunciation to watch

How to practise with this video

What is the Shadowing Technique?