Friday night in Orlando, the 22-year-old "Voice" singer, Christina Grimmie, was shot by a gunman while she signed autographs for her fans. Almost immediately, support for the singer overwhelmed social media. Early Saturday morning, though, Grimmie lost her life due to the injuries inflicted by the gunman.
Christina Grimmie was a YouTube star, and finished third place in the 2014 season of "The Voice." People immediately fell in love with her. Grimmie had an amazing talent and her faith and love for God showed in everything she did.
She was one of the nicest people you could have the opportunity to meet, and it’s so sad to think that she was taken from the world so soon. So many of her fellow musicians have expressed deep sorrow and have dedicated songs to her at their own concerts. Selena Gomez, Twenty One Pilots, Charlie Puth, Megan Trainor and Fifth Harmony are just a few of many artists to dedicate a song in Grimmie’s memory. The people in her hometown have gathered to hold candlelight vigils in her honor and Adam Levine -- her coach on "The Voice" -- has offered to pay for her funeral costs.
The sad truth of the matter is that Christina Grimmie was taken from the world way too soon. She didn’t accomplish even half of what she was capable of. The recognition that she deserved in life for her amazing talent is only going to come to her because of her death and it is really upsetting.
Grimmie inspired so many people to get into music and learn how to play an instrument. She was, “A superstar. A goofball. Introverted. And a friend to everyone,” her brother, Marcus Grimmie said.
Even though Grimmie’s death was a tragedy, she loved music and she loved performing. For many people, concerts are a safe place and a place where they can be themselves without fear of judgement. She wouldn’t want people to be scared to go to concerts just because one deranged man decided to kill her at one of her own concerts.
The truth is, bad things can happen no matter where you are. You could be at a concert, a nightclub, a movie theater, or even just in a grocery store and something could happen. That shouldn’t stop you from living your life.
Christina Grimmie didn’t let fear stop her from living her life and chasing her dreams. Yes, her death gives us all a reason to be more cautious, but we should not let it change how we live.
Christina Grimmie was an amazing person, an amazing performer and an inspiration to many. The number of people who supported her is proof of that. It is difficult to think that she will never record another song, release another album, perform at another show, or go on another tour. Christina Grimmie will be missed, but she is in a better place now. I hope your soul has moved on to somewhere peaceful, Christina.