On June 10, a shooting outside of The Plaza Live in Orlando, Fla. took the life of 22-year-old New Jersey native, Christina Grimmie. Grimmie was opening for the pop rock band Before You Exit on their All The Lights tour. The show was over and both acts were meeting fans when Grimme was shot in the chest before the gunman turned the gun on himself.
In 2009, Grimmie began her career by posting cover videos on her YouTube channel. It wasn't long before fans began commenting, subscribing and spreading her voice all over the internet. In 2012, Grimmie got the chance of a lifetime, opening for Selena Gomez on her Stars Dance tour. In 2014, Grimmie auditioned for NBC's talent competition, "The Voice," she blew the judges away and received a chair turn from each judge that season. Although she didn't win the competition, with the help of her adviser Adam Levine, she made it into the top three. All of her fans knew that even though she didn't win, she was still going to pursue music and do what she loved best.
Grimmie wanted to bring joy and fun to all of her fans, and that's exactly what she did at every show she put on. Her bubbly energy, her amazing talent and her loving personality is what attracted all of her fans to her each and everyday. Her passion and love for music shined through not only when she performed but also when she just spoke about music in general.
Over the past few days, there have been many celebrities who have spoken up about the incident such as Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Andy Grammer and many more. Each celebrity expressed their condolences and praised Grimmie on being such a talented, lovable person.
It's sad to think that people will now have to have their guards up when they are trying to enjoy a night with their favorite musician in a place that is supposed to safe for them. A place where fans are supposed to be able to let go and rid themselves of stress is now tainted with the thoughts of "Could this happen to me?" Now is the time we, as music fans, need to come together and be there for each other; watch each others backs and protect each other. We are apart of a family, a family that lost a member. A family that has to stick together and help each other get through this tragic loss.
I know that I, myself, and the rest of the world are sending so much love to the Grimmie family. A beautiful life was cut short due to a senseless act of violence. The gunman might have taken this beautiful life, but he can't take her memory with him. Christina will forever be in our hearts and our memories.
Below is a cover of Adele's "Hello" done by Christina on her YouTube channel. Please watch it and share it with your friends and family. Help to keep this beautiful girl's memory alive.
