It hasn’t even been a year since 13-year-old Greyson Chance performed a rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Paprazzi” at the Sixth Grade Festival at Edmond’s Cheyenne Middle School, but his rise to fame can certainly be described as meteoric. While he may have impressed his classmates that fateful day in April 2010, he has since gone on to inspire more than 28 million YouTube viewers who have made a viral sensation of the video of that now famous performance.
Since that time, Greyson has gone on to perform twice on “The Ellen Degeneres Show,” becoming the first signed artist on her new recording label. He has more than 510,000 “likes” on his Facebook page, and has become the 28th most subscribed musician of all time on YouTube. He is currently performing at venues across the nation, from California to New York and garnering new fans every step of the way.
Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, Greyson moved to Edmond with his family when he was four years old. The youngest child in a musical family, Greyson began playing piano at age eight but has no formal vocal training—relying instead on his musical talent and instincts. He names Lady Gaga among his inspirations, as well as Christina Aguilera, Elton John and John Lennon.
MetroFamily recently caught up with Greyson to ask the rising star how the arts have impacted his life and how he feels about his newfound fame.
MFM: How did you become interested in music and the performing arts? Who were some of your biggest influences?
GC: I’ve been singing as long as I can remember and I started playing piano when I was around eight years old. I really started to explore different artists and styles of music a few years later. Some of my earliest musical influences were The Beatles and Journey.
MFM: How did your parents encourage your interest and talents? How did they help you to achieve your goals?
GC: Both of my parents are very supportive of me. My mother has always been really into music and theater—she‘s always given me advice about how to be a better performer.
MFM: What has life been like with the successes and opportunities that you have had? How do you feel like your life compares to that of other teenagers?
GC: It’s been great! I’m so excited to be able to live out my dream. My life is different than other teenagers because I do school online and I’m constantly traveling, but in many ways it hasn’t changed—if I get in trouble, my parents take away my phone or computer!
MFM: What is the best and most memorable experience you have had since your rise to fame? What has been most difficult?
GC: Going into the studio and creating music is the most incredible experience. I’m very lucky to be able to do it. It’s been hard getting used to constantly being away from my friends and family.
MFM: What do you see as the most important thing that the arts can offer for someone your age?
GC: Music for me has always been a way to express how I feel, I think it’s great for someone my age to have some sort of creative outlet.
MFM: What advice do you have for other kids who are interested in trying to make their mark in music and the performing arts?
GC: Keep on following your dreams and don’t let anyone put you down or tell you that you can’t do it!
Greyson’s debut single, “Waiting Outside the Lines” was released in October 2010, and he will play more than 15 dates across the United States in February in support of his new music. For more information on Greyson and to see his latest video, visit greysonofficial.com.
Mother to a Rising Star
Behind this rising new star are supportive parents and two siblings, currently living in two separate cities while juggling the demands of Greyson’s growing career in the music industry. MetroFamily asked Greyson’s mother Lisa to shed some light on how she keeps her family in balance, and to share advice for other parents as they help their children pursue their dreams:
MFM: How have you worked to provide balance for Greyson, his career, and your family, all while developing his talents and supporting his dreams?
LC: I think the hardest thing, in all that has happened to us as a family in these past eight months, is to provide a solid spiritual balance and unity between us. Greyson has been extremely blessed to be offered such an amazing opportunity, but at the same time, Scott and I want to provide our children with a stable and ‘normal’ lifestyle. Greyson is very close to his siblings, and we try to make family time whenever we can, although it is hard with us being split between two different cities. Of course, we support Greyson and whatever is to come in the future, but first and foremost, we are a family.
MFM: What advice do you have for other kids who are interested in trying to make their mark in music and the performing arts?
LC: Having an interest in music, art, dance or another creative outlet is extremely beneficial for children, especially now in the age of endless electronics. I believe it is very important to support your children in whatever avenue they pursue. Sometimes the avenue “presents” itself, as Greyson has been singing since he was very young, but other times, it has to be explored and nurtured. Encourage your children to participate in the creative arts—painting, drawing or dance lessons—whatever they want to learn about. You never know
See Greyson Live in Concert!
Looking for a way to see this rising star perform live?
In partnership with Limelight Productions, Greyson will play two concerts in Oklahoma with all proceeds benefitting Children’s Miracle Network.
On Saturday, February 19, Greyson will play at 1pm and 7pm at Edmond Santa Fe High School, 1901 West 15th Street. Special guests will be At Long Last, Theatre Breaks Loose and Sheree Chamberlain.
“I am honored to have the chance to come back to my hometown and play for Children’s Miracle Network. Having the concerts at Edmond Santa Fe High School will be like coming home,” Greyson explains. “It’s been such a great experience to get to do what I love with my music. I am ready to show my fans what I have been up to.”
For more information and exclusive fan offers, text GREYSON to 74455. Tickets begin at $20 and can be purchased at stubwire.com.
Enter today to win tickets to the 1:00pm concert and a meet and greet reception with Greyson afterwards! Deadline to enter is February 15. Enter TODAY at metrofamilymagazine.com/greyson-contest.
Brooke Barnett is Assistant Editor of MetroFamily Magazine.