The University of Miami's own The Wire Jays are proving that a little newgrass twist can go a long way on social media. This talented quintet from the Frost School of Music has garnered millions of views with their distinctive take on pop hits, most notably their viral rendition of Justin Bieber's 2010 smash, "Baby." The catchy cover has not only captured the internet's attention but also propelled the band into a new realm of recognition.

Formed just last year, The Wire Jays are comprised of Modern Artist Development and Entrepreneurship majors: mandolinist Fritz Sullivan, singer Vivienne Frederick, guitarist Benji Dienstfrey, pianist/banjo player Tucker Motyka, and Nick Grande. Their secret sauce? Blending traditional bluegrass instrumentation with contemporary pop melodies. In their viral "Baby" cover, Frederick delivers a spot-on Bieber vocal impression while Sullivan tackles the iconic Ludacris rap, a combination that amassed nearly 600,000 likes on Instagram. Sullivan noted, "That really put us on the map."

The online sensation has translated into tangible success for the group, leading to a significant increase in bookings and coveted festival appearances. The band, who formed for a required ensemble credit with faculty member Brian Russell, has even been flown to Louisiana for shows. Looking ahead, fans can catch The Wire Jays at various events this year, including the Brewgrass Revival Festival on March 21, 2026, Music at McBride Plaza on March 26, 2026, and the Ossippee Valley Music Festival from July 23-26, 2026. While Frederick, Motyka, and Dienstfrey are set to graduate this semester, the band's viral momentum shows no signs of slowing down.