Do you remember Greyson Chance? Back in 2010, this 12-year-old from Edmond, Oklahoma, transformed from a quiet schoolboy into an internet sensation with his piano cover of Lady Gaga’s «Paparazzi.» When he uploaded the video in April, it started with just a few views, but it quickly gained momentum. Before long, Greyson’s captivating performance had captured the attention of millions, amassing over 72 million views to date!
Greyson had been playing the piano since he was eight, and his connection to the instrument was clear—he didn’t just play, he poured his emotions into every note. His rendition was unforgettable, but for the first couple of weeks, it flew under the radar. That was until May 10, 2010, when popular websites like GossipBoy.ca and Reddit picked up the video. By the end of the day, it was everywhere. Celebrities like Ryan Seacrest and Ashton Kutcher were talking about him, and Ellen DeGeneres joined the conversation after Greyson’s older brother sent her the link.
The following day, Yahoo broke the news: Greyson was headed to The Ellen Show. As his fame skyrocketed, mainstream outlets like The Wall Street Journal started covering his meteoric rise. On his first appearance, Greyson nailed his «Paparazzi» cover and received a surprise phone call from Lady Gaga herself, who praised his performance—sealing his fame.
But his story didn’t end there. A few weeks later, Greyson returned to Ellen’s show, performing his original song “Broken Hearts” and winning $10,000 in her «Wonderful Web of Wonderment» contest. Ellen’s support didn’t stop at the cash prize—she gifted him a brand-new Yamaha piano and signed him to her record label.
However, not everyone believed the hype. Some critics, like the Christian Science Monitor, questioned whether his viral moment had been orchestrated. The truth? It wasn’t staged.
Fast forward to 2022, and Greyson opened up about the darker side of his rise to fame in an emotional Rolling Stone interview. He described Ellen as “manipulative and opportunistic,” revealing how she had abandoned him after the success of his debut album. Greyson poured his heart into his second album, Palladium, a deeply personal reflection on his troubled past. In a candid Instagram post, he shared that releasing the album felt like a weight being lifted off his shoulders, and he was finally ready to embrace the future.
Greyson’s journey has been filled with ups and downs, but one thing is certain: his passion for music remains strong. Whether you’re a supporter or a skeptic, his story is one of resilience, growth, and an unwavering commitment to staying true to himself. Stay connected with Greyson’s latest updates by following him on social media.