From a School Talent Show to Viral Stardom: The Unforgettable Journey of Greyson Chance
Back in 2010, a quiet 12-year-old from Edmond, Oklahoma, unknowingly stepped into the spotlight with a piano cover that would change his life forever. Greyson Chance, a young music enthusiast, had no idea that his heartfelt rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” at a school performance would catapult him into internet stardom. What started as a simple YouTube upload in April soon turned into a viral phenomenon, garnering millions of views and ultimately securing his place in music history.
Greyson had been playing the piano since the age of eight, but it wasn’t just his technical skills that stood out—it was the raw emotion and passion he poured into his music. However, in the first few weeks after the video was posted, it barely gained traction. Everything changed on May 10, 2010, when websites like GossipBoy.ca and Reddit picked up on the performance. Suddenly, the internet couldn’t get enough of the young prodigy. Within hours, celebrities like Ryan Seacrest and Ashton Kutcher were sharing the video, amplifying its reach. That same day, Greyson’s older brother sent the clip to The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and the next thing he knew, he was invited onto the show.
His appearance on The Ellen Show was a defining moment. Not only did he deliver an incredible performance of Paparazzi, but he also received a personal phone call from Lady Gaga herself, who praised his talent. The world watched in awe as Greyson’s star rose rapidly, with major news outlets like The Wall Street Journal covering his meteoric success.
Ellen’s support didn’t stop at a TV appearance. She invited Greyson back to perform his original song Broken Hearts and awarded him $10,000 through her “Wonderful Web of Wonderment” initiative. She even gifted him a Yamaha piano and signed him as the first artist under her new record label. For a while, it seemed like a dream come true.
However, not everyone believed in the authenticity of his sudden rise to fame. Some skeptics speculated that the viral moment had been orchestrated, with publications like The Christian Science Monitor investigating the story. Despite the rumors, Greyson’s success was genuine—his talent undeniable.
Yet, fame is rarely a fairytale. In a 2022 interview with Rolling Stone, Greyson opened up about the darker side of his journey. He revealed that Ellen DeGeneres, once a guiding force in his career, later became controlling and dismissive, eventually abandoning him when his first album didn’t perform as expected. This revelation painted a stark contrast to the uplifting narrative that had once surrounded his breakthrough.
Despite the setbacks, Greyson never let go of his love for music. His second album, Palladium, released in 2022, was a deeply personal project that allowed him to process his past struggles. He described its release as a liberating experience, shedding the weight of his early fame and reclaiming his artistic identity.
Greyson’s story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the pursuit of authenticity in an industry that often prioritizes spectacle over sincerity. Through all the ups and downs, his passion for music remains as strong as ever. For those who continue to follow his journey, one thing is clear—Greyson Chance is far more than a viral sensation; he is an artist with a story worth telling.