Remembering Christina Grimmie

Senseless. A word often associated with the sad misgivings of when one decides that their thoughts on who deserves to live or die is more important than others.

A senseless act was committed last Friday evening when an armed gunman (who doesn't deserve to be named), killed 22 year old singer Christina Grimmie. From a report of a witness, this shooter was the next in line to "meet and greet" with Grimmie, and when she approached the would be killer with a hug and open arms, she was greeted with gunshots that ended the rising star's life. After Marcus, the brother of Grimmie, tackled the assailant, the shooter took his own life, and there we stand with two people dead, and many fans in mourning.

I have followed much of Christina Grimmie's life and career. In 2010 after two years of promotional work, I became a DJ for Radio Disney Chicago, and had the joy starting in 2011 to play songs by the young "up and coming" singer. From the first track I played of hers, "Advice" to "Liar Liar",  I knew the girl had a God given talent that a world would be envious of but that same world would appreciate. I then went to YouTube where ZeldaLove64 was doing some amazing work and covers of songs, and in many cases in my opinion better work vocally than the original (with a webcam and keyboard). From Nelly's "Just a Dream" to a personal Christian favorite of mine, "In Christ Alone." During my tenure at Disney I had the pleasure of interviewing and becoming acquainted with many Disney stars, but Grimmie was one that always eluded me. I wanted to interview this soulful voice.

Fast forward a bit to early 2014 when I was approached by NBC to interview new VOICE contestant....Christina Grimmie. I had a deal where my staff or I on the BeOnAir.com Network would have a "voice-a-thon" where we would interview new contestants. I had done hundreds of VOICE contestant interviews, but THIS was going to be my favorite. I was shocked, floored and excited. Through my email chain that I recently went through to find all correspondence with her name associated with it, and saw when I was scheduling some co-hosts for the prospective interview I said on March 31st, 2014 "The most important one is Christina Grimmie" because to me, everyone should know who she is. 

There was some scheduling conflicts and we weren't able to follow through with the interview.

In the fall of 2014 I committed full time to the BeOnAir network and departed Radio Disney, but knew that there were certain artists I wanted to bring over to our music stations, primarily theEDGEonair.com, and top of the list, Christina Grimmie. On September 12th, 2014 I sent an email to my then APD with the simple text, "Christina Grimmie."  Nothing more needed to be said, as we were both familiar with her work.

It took until the fateful day of August 17th, 2015 where the stars aligned and finally worked with her PR team, and had a personal 15 minute interview with Christina Grimmie to talk not only about her career, but debut her new single "Shrug" on the EDGE.

I was grinning from ear to ear, as finally, FINALLY I could interview someone whose star potential in my opinion was limitless. I spent a minute "intro-ing" her because I was excited (sometimes hosts can be fans).

There were a few take-aways from the interview I wish could have went for hours, but in the back of my mind, I knew would be a regular occurrence.  We joked about football and Tim Tebow playing in the pre-season, doing a karaoke duet the next time she was in Chicago, saying that Dove Cameron is super, super, cool, picking Adam Levine's brain off-camera about the industry on the VOICE, and she stayed true to her faith with saying, "I'm Blessed to be doing what I do." 

She shared a positive message for young girls. "Its about not being perfect, it's okay the way that you are. It's a very cliche message, but I feel we can't really stress that enough these days. They let the opinion of the world eat them alive and I don't want that for people that are listening to my music."

When discussing her social media presence she said "I didn't know the magnitude of YouTube and social media, and all that aside, I just love to talk to my fans.I want to interact with them. I want to post things for them. I like to share things with them and that is honestly it. Its about friendship at this point. I just care about interaction, its all I have ever cared about."

She spoke about wanting to go back to Asia, and in a very chilling statement in retrospect she said, "I really can't wait to go back, I didn't get to have a full on Meet and Greet and that really actually upset me." 

Let's think about that for a second. Truly think about it. In a world where VIP meet and greets cost a lot of money, and people willingly pay hundreds and hundreds to meet their favorite stars, here is a rising star that so many fans look up to, willingly conducting meet and greets and feeling bad about not getting that opportunity. Sure, throughout my career I hear from artists how they love their fans, and want to meet them. But with the passion in her voice, and seeing first hand for years how she interacts with her fans, that she meant it.

You opened your own life, songs, and in this final circumstance your arms to welcome your fans. I would say I hope you know how much your fans meant to you, but I truly feel you knew that. I spoke to another colleague in the industry who was familiar with her work and I shared how I was happy about the interview, and I loved her music, and how I hoped she broke through BIG at some point. To which the person replied with "full of potential." 

She was full of potential, and to which we will never know where that will go. But do know, for those that knew your music, knew your soul through that music, you accomplished more than you may have known. 

Could it have been prevented what happened? I am sure in some way it could have. Better security is what we are hearing could have been at the facility. What I do know is that you shined for those who were fortunate to know your story, know your songs and therefore know you. 

I'll take a rain check on that karaoke party we were going to have in Chicago. You willingly opened your arms to fans, until the final one. I pray that with someone of your strong faith, that you were being greeted with open arms on the other side.

-Peter Ferreri
DJ Pete sat down with an exclusive interview with Christina Grimmie about her new song "SHRUG", singing karaoke with Pete (she said Celine Dion, and he said Meat Loaf), singing with Dove Cameron, singing in Vegas, secrets to success and much more!