By Holly Walny
Orlando was struck with much tragedy this weekend. Of those tragedies, we lost a member of the music community. Christina Grimmie was in town last Friday night, at The Plaza Live, on tour with band, Before You Exit. During her meet and greet after the show, Grimmie suffered fatal injuries resulting from a gunshot wound. Christina was a tremendous talent, and her star was still on the rise when her life was taken too soon.
Grimmie was born in 1994, in Marlton New Jersey. At an early age, Grimmie had a passion for music. She started singing at the young age of 6, and began playing piano at the age of 10. At age 15, Grimmie started using YouTube to post videos of her performing popular covers. Through the popular platform, she gained a huge following. In 2013, she was the 4th most subscribed musician on YouTube, with over two million subscribers. She grabbed the attention of Singer, Selena Gomez, and her stepfather, Brian Teefey, who would later become her manager.
From 2011 to 2013, Grimmie released one EP, Find Me, and one full-length album, With Love; both pieces were independently released. During this time period, she spent time opening up for acts like Selena Gomez & The Scene, The Jonas Brothers, and Allstar Weekend. Grimmie also had multiple hits on Radio Disney starting with her debut single, “Advice.” She even appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and performed at the 2011 American Music Awards, during the Coca-Cola Red Carpet Show.
In 2014, Grimmie joined the Season 6 cast of The Voice. After having all judges turn their chairs during her audition, Grimmie chose to join Team Adam. While on Team Adam, Grimmie made her way to the top 3 overall. After the show, Grimmie was offered recording contracts with Adam Levine’s, 222 Records, Lil Wayne’s, Young Money Entertainment, and Island Records; ultimately choosing Island Records. Grimmie was influenced by the singing styles of Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, and Stacie Orrico.
Fans, friends, and family all reflect on the light and love that exuded from Christina on a daily basis. Grimmie’s manager, Brian Teefey, even started a GoFundMe account to raise money to assist her family. As of today, the page has raised over $168,000 of its original $4,000 goal. It is clear to see that Christina Grimmie made an impact on the music industry in her short 22 years on this earth. Christina will be dearly missed, and always in the thoughts of those she touched.
R.I.P. Christina Grimmie
March 12, 1994 ~ June 11, 2016
March 12, 1994 ~ June 11, 2016
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