Christina Grimmie started to become one of my biggest inspirations when she started posting YouTube videos of her singing in 2009. Back then she was only 15 years old and I was 13, but she was still such an inspiration in my life. Singing is something that I have always been into and watching Grimmie grow from YouTube videos to "The Voice" in 2014 really inspired me and made me realize that I can do anything I want if I put my mind to it. Some people became a fan of hers when she was a contestant on "The Voice," but others, like myself, became fans when she first hit the YouTube scene. When I heard that Christina Grimmie had been shot and was in critical condition, I couldn't do anything but be in complete disbelief. A few hours later when she passed away due to her injuries, I couldn't do anything but cry. With her recent passing, I thought I would share the seven things I loved most about Christina Grimmie.
1. She could turn any and every song into a piano rendition
When I first started watching Grimmie on YouTube, the first thing I noticed was that with every cover of a song she did, she was always playing the piano. She even inspired me to buy my first piano. My first thoughts were, "Where does she get the sheet music to play these piano renditions?" However, I learned that she played the piano renditions simply by listening to the beat of the songs and playing the music by ear. Doing that just showed me how much more talented and gifted she was. Not only could she sing very well, but she could also play piano by ear. I think my favorite piano rendition she ever did was "Fireflies" by Owl City.
2. Her love for her fans
She often called her fans "Team Grimmie." Throughout Grimmie's journey, she never failed to include her fans on everything that was going on. No matter how busy she got, she would always throw a quick video on YouTube to update her fans on what was going on in her life. She always took the time to meet her fans after concerts and sign autographs and answer questions, and she encouraged her fans to come out to wherever she was performing so that we could meet her. She always reminded us that without our support and love she wouldn't be where she was. It felt good to be included in her journey. It felt good to be involved in what was going on with "Team Grimmie." Even on her journey throughout The Voice she managed to keep us updated. She inspired me to always be humbled and never forget where you came from.
3. Her spunky and silly personality
Christina Grimmie never made her fans feel like she was getting too caught up in the fame because of her amazing personality. From the beginning she showed her spunky personality by often posting funny videos. Her most common funny videos were a video series that she made up called "Above All That Is Random." This was a funny video series where her and her friend, Sarah, would take people's random comments and make them into a song. Oh yeah, and let's not forget when she decided to play a April's prank on all her fans. She uploaded a YouTube video saying she was quitting YouTube and later uploaded another video saying that it was a prank. She inspired me to never take life too seriously and too always have fun and be myself.
4. Her love for her friends and family
Grimmie never failed to include her friends and family in videos. In the videos where her friends and family were included you could tell that she was so close to them. Like stated above, her video series "Above All That Is Random" included one of her best friends in it. She often involved her brother in videos as well and even did covers with him. She talked about her mom all the time and the love she had for her. She inspired me to always love my family and friends and always remind them that I love them.
5. Her natural way of performing
Every time Christina was on stage, it never felt like she wasn't enjoying herself or that she was too pressured. Every time she was on stage she looked so carefree and so comfortable. On her audition for "The Voice," I thought she would be nervous, but as soon as she started singing she took over the stage and performed like nothing could stop her. Her last performance in Orlando also showed how comfortable she was with performing. Every time she was on a stage, she took it over and gave it all she had. She was truly a natural.
6. Her love for the Lord
Christina never failed to express her faith in the Lord. In fact, one of my favorite covers by her is "In Christ Alone." She expressed how that was one of her favorite songs. She inspired me to always love the Lord and to always continue my walk with Him.
7. Her ability to write music
Not only could Christina give the best covers of songs, but she could also write the best songs. Her lyrics were always so relatable. When her first EP, "Find Me," came out, I instantly fell in love. I think "Advice" and "Unforgivable" are still two of my favorite songs she has ever written. With her latest EP, "Side A," she didn't let her fans down with the awesome beats and lyrics.
There are a million more things that I loved about Christina Grimmie and a million more ways that she inspired me in life, but those seven things are top things that I loved about her. She will truly be missed by her friends, family and fans. We will not let the world go on without remembering your name and without remembering that sweet voice of yours. From all the Christina Grimmie fans in the world, we will miss you Christina and you will live on forever in our hearts.
