Greyson Chance’s 6th-Grade Cover of “Paparazzi” Becomes an Internet Classic
Before TikTok trends and viral dance challenges, there was YouTube — and in 2010, one sixth grader from Oklahoma unexpectedly became one of the platform’s earliest viral music stars.
At just 12 years old, Greyson Chance delivered a powerful rendition of Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” during a school music festival in Edmond, Oklahoma.
What began as a humble performance at a grade school talent show quickly escalated into a cultural moment that would define the early 2010s internet era.
Greyson, who began playing piano at the age of 8 and took formal lessons, already had a strong musical foundation.
But what truly set his performance apart wasn’t just technical skill — it was the raw emotional depth and confidence he brought to the stage.
Even at such a young age, his voice carried a remarkable sense of maturity and control.
The video of Greyson’s performance was uploaded to YouTube in April 2010, and it didn’t take long to catch fire.
Shared across social media and picked up by major media outlets, the video gained millions of views seemingly overnight.
By the end of that year, Greyson had not only performed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show but also signed a record deal through Ellen’s music label.
🎥 Watch Greyson’s unforgettable “Paparazzi” performance on YouTube and see where it all started.
