Recall Greyson Chance? In 2010, this 12-year-old from Edmond, Oklahoma, transformed from a timid schoolboy into an internet phenomenon with his piano cover of Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi.” Initially uploaded in April, his video started with only a few views before quickly gaining traction and eventually racking up over 72 million views.
Having played piano since he was eight, Greyson’s performance went beyond just playing the keys—he infused every note with heartfelt emotion, making his rendition truly unforgettable. Despite the slow start, his breakthrough came on May 10, 2010, when buzzworthy sites like GossipBoy.ca and Reddit propelled the video into the spotlight. That day, his performance was all anyone could talk about, drawing praise from celebrities such as Ryan Seacrest and Ashton Kutcher, while Ellen DeGeneres caught wind of the sensation when Greyson’s older brother shared the link with her.
The very next day, Yahoo announced that Greyson was set to appear on The Ellen Show, marking the beginning of his meteoric rise. Major outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, began covering his story. On his debut, he not only delivered a flawless “Paparazzi” cover but also received a surprise call from Lady Gaga, who praised his performance—an endorsement that firmly cemented his fame.
His success continued as he returned to Ellen a few weeks later, this time performing his original song “Broken Hearts” and winning a $10,000 prize in the “Wonderful Web of Wonderment” contest. In addition to the cash prize, Ellen presented him with a brand-new Yamaha piano and signed him to her record label.
Despite the overwhelming success, some skeptics questioned whether the viral moment was genuine, with the Christian Science Monitor even investigating claims that it might have been staged—though those doubts were ultimately put to rest.
Fast forward to 2022, and Greyson’s journey took an unexpected turn. In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, he revealed a darker side of his early fame, describing Ellen as “manipulative and opportunistic” and explaining how she had abandoned him after his first album’s success. Pouring his heart into his second album, Palladium, Greyson reflected deeply on his turbulent past. In an honest Instagram post, he shared that releasing the album felt like shedding a heavy burden, marking his readiness to embrace the future.
Through all the ups and downs, one thing remains clear: Greyson’s passion for music is unwavering. His story is one of resilience, growth, and an unyielding commitment to authenticity. For those interested in following his evolving journey, staying connected on his social media platforms is a must.