Greyson Chance’s name might sound familiar and for good reason. Back in 2010, this 12-year-old from Edmond, Oklahoma, went from an ordinary schoolboy to an internet sensation almost overnight. It all started when he performed a piano cover of Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” at a school event. The video, uploaded in April, initially gained little traction, but once it caught attention, it spread at lightning speed. Millions of people were captivated by his passionate performance, and today, that video has racked up over 72 million views.
Having played the piano since he was eight, Greyson didn’t just press the keys—he poured his soul into every note. His ability to convey raw emotion made his rendition unforgettable. But for weeks, the video barely made a ripple. Everything changed on May 10, 2010, when online platforms like GossipBoy.ca and Reddit picked it up. The clip quickly made its way across social media, drawing the attention of celebrities like Ryan Seacrest and Ashton Kutcher. One person in particular took notice—Ellen DeGeneres. It was Greyson’s older brother who sent her the link, setting off a chain of events that would change his life forever.
The very next day, Yahoo reported that Greyson was invited to appear on The Ellen Show. Suddenly, the entire world was watching as his star continued to rise. Major media outlets like The Wall Street Journal covered his rapid success. When Greyson stepped onto Ellen’s stage, he not only delivered a flawless performance of “Paparazzi” but also received a surprise phone call from Lady Gaga herself, who praised his talent. That moment cemented his place in the spotlight.
His journey didn’t end there. A few weeks later, he returned to Ellen’s show to perform his original song “Broken Hearts.” He also won a $10,000 prize in her “Wonderful Web of Wonderment” contest. But Ellen’s generosity didn’t stop at the cash reward—she gifted him a brand-new Yamaha piano and even signed him to her record label, setting him up for what seemed like a promising music career.
Despite his incredible rise, not everyone was convinced it happened naturally. Some skeptics speculated that Greyson’s viral moment had been carefully orchestrated. The Christian Science Monitor even investigated whether the entire event was staged, but no evidence suggested it was anything but genuine.
Years later, in 2022, Greyson shared a different side of his story. In an emotional interview with Rolling Stone, he spoke about the struggles he faced behind the scenes. He described Ellen as controlling and opportunistic, revealing that she distanced herself from him after his debut album’s success faded. Feeling abandoned, he channeled his emotions into his second album, Palladium, which offered a deeply personal reflection on his journey. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he admitted that releasing the album felt like shedding years of emotional weight, allowing him to finally move forward on his own terms.
Greyson’s story is one of talent, success, and resilience. His journey has been filled with highs and lows, but through it all, his love for music has remained constant. Whether viewed as an internet sensation, a former child star, or an artist reclaiming his narrative, his pursuit of authenticity continues to define his path. For those who want to follow his latest work, he remains active on social media, sharing his music and experiences with the world.