Christina Grimmie
A singer whose genuine YouTube covers and powerful voice won a massive online following, showcasing a new path to musical connection before her tragic death.
1994–2016 (age 22)·American singer and YouTuber·Birthday: March 12·Millennials
Biography
Christina Grimmie represented a new kind of pop star, one born not in a studio but in a bedroom in New Jersey. With a keyboard and a webcam, she posted cover songs on YouTube, her powerful, emotive voice and unassuming charm building a community of millions. This digital foundation led to a major-label deal and her debut album, 'With Love.' Her big break came on 'The Voice' in 2014, where her stunning blind audition turned all four chairs and she finished in third place, proving her talent translated seamlessly to the mainstream stage. Grimmie's legacy is that of a pioneer in artist-fan interaction, whose music and open-hearted approach left a deep mark on her fans and peers.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Christina was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Christina Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Christina's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2016Died at 22
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
Key Achievements
- Built a pioneering YouTube channel that amassed over 3 million subscribers through her song covers and original music.
- Finished in third place on the sixth season of NBC's 'The Voice' in 2014, earning widespread praise from the judges and audience.
- Released her debut studio album, 'With Love,' in 2013, which charted on the Billboard 200.
- Her posthumous single 'Invisible' debuted at number one on the iTunes charts, demonstrating the enduring loyalty of her fanbase.
Did You Know?
She was a self-taught pianist and often arranged her own cover versions for YouTube.
Grimmie was a dedicated fan of the video game series 'The Legend of Zelda' and posted a cover of the game's theme song.
She collaborated with fellow YouTuber and musician Sam Tsui on several popular cover videos.
After her death, her family established The Christina Grimmie Foundation to support families affected by gun violence and provide assistance to those facing medical hardships.
“I just want to make music that makes people feel something.”
