Christina Grimmie: Beautiful Soul Gone Too Soon, Her Short Life Of Fame [Video]
Christina Grimmie’s death has broken the hearts of many across the world. The beautiful young woman with a contagious smile and soul-stirring voice had a short run of fame before her tragic end. Just 22-years-old, Christina was killed in Orlando on June 11 while signing autographs after a concert.
Always a singer as a child, Christina started playing the piano at the age of 10. At 15, she started posting her own videos on YouTube. She built a strong fan base on her own, getting millions of clicks on her videos, raising fame for herself from her bedroom in New Jersey.
Christina auditioned on the sixth season of The Voice in 2014. The auditions are double-blind in which the judges have their backs towards the contestants. If a judge likes what they hear, they hit a button to turn their chair around. Turning the chair signals the judge took the bait and wants to coach the contestant to stardom. Sometimes, none of the four judges turn around, sometimes all. It only takes one judge willing to coach the contestant to move on the next round.
Christina Grimmie’s performance of “Wrecking Ball” turned all four judges as she belted out the tune, hitting her notes perfectly, showing her wide range of vocal ability. The judges weren’t disappointed with Christina’s ease on stage either. A natural performer, she was comfortable in the spotlight and easily engaged the audience.
https://youtu.be/pbq0ab8jyKA
Christina Grimmie had turned all the judges chairs at her audition. This meant the young singer had her pick of coaches. Coaches in Season 6 were Adam Levine, Shakira, Usher, and Blake Shelton. Christina chose Adam Levine as her ticket to stardom. She won third place on The Voice, taking her self-accelerated fame up another notch. Adam Levine was disappointed that Christina didn’t win and offered to sign her to his label, according to People.
Christina’s song “Find Me” was one of her most popular, reaching No. 35 on the Billboard 200. Christina Grimmie won several awards for her singing including American Music Awards, Youth Rock Awards 2011, Intense Radio’s Music Awards, and iHeart Radio Rising Star.
Her last concert in Orlando would not end as anyone expected. Her short life of fame had come to a close. Christina Grimmie was shot three times by an obsessed fan, Kevin James Loibl, 27, of St. Petersburg. Christina’s brother, Marcus, tackled Loibl who then turned the gun on himself. Loibl died from his self-inflicted gunshot wound. Christina Grimmie died after about five hours in the hospital. The world mourns the young soul who was adored by many. She left a legacy of music for her family, friends, and fans. The following is a clip from her last concert.
USA Today reports that Christina Grimmie’s hometown of Evesham, New Jersey, is especially saddened. The mayor called Christina “one of Evesham’s shining stars.”
“There are no words,” The Voice tweeted. “We lost a beautiful soul with an amazing voice. Our hearts go out to the friends, fans and family of @TheRealGrimmie.”
Adam Levine also shared his pain on the loss.
“[My wife] Behati and I are absolutely devastated and heartbroken by Christina Grimmie’s tragic death. Our hearts go out to her family. Christina was a natural, a gifted talent that comes along so rarely. She was taken from us too soon. This is yet another senseless act of extreme violence. I am left stunned and confused how these things can conceivably continue to happen in our world.”
Rest in peace, Christina Grimmie.
Amazing talent, inspiration gone too soon: https://t.co/Wg5kmyvVKB #RIPChristina pic.twitter.com/1LxLkPb5Cu
— Good Morning America (@GMA) June 13, 2016
Fans have taken to Twitter and other social media sites, posting their condolences, favorite songs, and thoughts on Christina. Beautiful young woman. Beautiful voice. Christina Grimmie dead at only 22. She left behind a legacy of music for her fans.
[Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images]
