From an unusually easy night onstage to unexpected visitors at a government building, this week’s viral stories prove that the internet can turn almost anything—or any animal—into a celebrity.
Here’s what everyone is watching, sharing and joking about in the latest edition of The Feed.
Timbaland Performs “Say It Right” Without Nelly Furtado
Music producer Timbaland is going viral after performing Nelly Furtado’s hit song “Say It Right”—without Nelly Furtado.
The performance happened during Poland’s Łódź Summer Festival. As Furtado’s recorded lead vocals played through the speakers, Timbaland stood onstage, moved along with the music and supplied the occasional “ey” heard in the background of the original recording.
Social-media users quickly began joking about the minimalist performance. One viewer compared it to arriving for a group project after everyone else had already completed the work.
To his credit, Timbaland did not miss his parts. There simply weren’t very many of them.
“Say It Right” appeared on Furtado’s 2006 album Loose and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Timbaland helped produce the album and collaborated with Furtado on several of its biggest songs.
@ryanisexhausted Timbaland performing just his part of say it right w/o Nelly frutado at a polish music festival is wild. #millennial #2000snostalgia #throwbacksongs ♬ original sound – RYD ✪
Original story: Entertainment Weekly
Capybaras Casually Walk Into a Government Building
Capybaras apparently want a voice in government—or at least a comfortable, air-conditioned place to relax.
A group of the famously calm rodents recently wandered through the front door of the Mato Grosso state legislature in Cuiabá, Brazil. Video shows the capybaras peacefully walking through the building while lawmakers prepared for a vote.
The legislature sits beside a wildlife-filled park, and employees said capybaras have become fairly regular visitors. A staff member gently attempted to direct the unexpected guests back outside.
No damage was reported, and the animals remained completely relaxed throughout the visit. Their appearance added to the capybara’s growing online reputation as the most unbothered creature on the planet.
If they ever decide to run for office, their campaign slogan practically writes itself: Stay calm and carry on.
@nbcnews Brazil’s beloved capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, made an unexpected appearance inside a state legislative assembly building.
♬ original sound – nbcnews
Original story: Associated Press
Viral Raccoon Jimothy Gets His Own Mariners Night
Seattle’s newest baseball celebrity does not throw, hit or even wear cleats. He is a unusually round raccoon named Jimothy.
Jimothy became an online sensation after videos of him roaming Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood began circulating. His distinctive shape and unusual walk are believed to be connected to a spinal condition.
The Seattle Mariners celebrated their hometown celebrity with Jimothy Night at T-Mobile Park. The first 20,000 fans received Jimothy trading cards, while special ticket holders received commemorative shirts. The stadium also featured a giant inflatable Jimothy, themed displays and plenty of homemade raccoon gear worn by fans.
The promotion proved so popular that the original ticket package sold out and the team added another Jimothy event. The Mariners said $2 from each special ticket sold for the added date would benefit the Ballard Food Bank.
Original reports: Jimothy Night recap and Seattle Mariners event information
Low-effort concerts, capybaras participating in democracy and a raccoon baseball celebrity—that’s what’s filling social-media feeds today.
Check back for another edition of The Feed and more viral stories from around the internet.
