This past weekend in Orlando, Florida, tragedy struck as YouTube personality and "The Voice" contestant Christina Grimmie was shot dead on June 10. Grimmie was only 22 years old. She was a rising star who originally found her following on YouTube, which helped boost her success resulting in bigger and better opportunities.
Grimmie woke up on Friday morning excited and ready to show her fans a good time at her concert that night at The Plaza Live in Orlando, Florida. Grimmie has been touring for a few weeks prior to this event, so no one thought this show would be any different than the ones before it. After the show ended, while signing autographs, Grimmie was shot by 27-year-old Kevin James Loibl, a man from St. Petersburg, Florida. She died early Saturday morning. Officials say that there has yet to be a motive determined behind this attack.
Many celebrities, musicians, and YouTube personalities that had the pleasure of knowing or meeting Grimmie took to Twitter early Saturday to express their condolences for the singer/songwriter. First and foremost was Selena Gomez. In 2013, Christina Grimmie was her opening act on the Stars Dance Tour. On June 11 during Gomez's concert, she dedicated her performance to Grimmie after breaking down on stage. Several others posted expressing their condolences including Blake Shelton, Adam Levine (Grimmie's The Voice coach), Hayley Williams, Jenna (Mourey) Marbles, and Jenn McAllister.
As someone who believes music is supposed to be a tool to bring people of all kinds together, this situation breaks my heart. I flashed back to every event I've been to, wondering who in the room could have been the one to shoot the artist on stage or someone in the crowd. Did I walk past them? Were they next to me in the crowd? Did they work at the venue? Things like this make you worry. I don't believe people should have to worry when they go to a concert, show, or anything of that nature. These venues are supposed to act as safe havens, not only for the fans, but the musicians as well.
I've been following Christina Grimmie and her career since I was in late middle and early high school. I am now a junior in college. I remember coming across her videos on YouTube and instantly falling in love with her vocals. She was talented, her voice was exotic and powerful. I had a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that a voice like that could come out of such a sweet, soft spoken, and petite girl. It's hard to even put into words how I feel. The only thing I know for sure is that a tragedy like this should not have happened, and should never happen again. Rest in peace Christina Grimmie, a musical angel.
