Introducing Greyson Chance (or Greyson97), whose rendition of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi" became a massive

viral video hit.

Photo: Youtube.com

 

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UPDATE: Never underestimate the power of pop music on a young generation. Take a look at the original YouTube clip that spotlighted a heartfelt performance of Lady Gaga's 'Paparazzi.' Complete with the Justin Bieber bangs, talented sixth grader Greyson Chance (or Greyson97) became a viral video sensation-- and more. And, as hoped, someone did book this boy on 'Ellen.' Watch his charming visit and performance below.

In this latest entry in the viral video sweepstakes spawned by the YouTube generation, a new face will probably have reason to title his future memoir as "Tales of a Sixth Grade Somebody" sooner than you think. We now know him as Greyson Chance, but he started out as Greyson97. And, appropriately, young Mr. Chance has hit the "fortune favors the few" lottery thanks to a video he uploaded himself. 

At the time of my original posting on May 11, the video clip had already clocked in with over 15,000 hits and was climbing fast. (**UPDATE: As of the the afternoon of May 14, the video had been viewed by 10 MILLION people.) Chance's bid for post-modern fame was a result of his performance of the Lady Gaga hit "Paparazzi." The video, which was shot at his middle school's music festival, has touched a nerve with music fans who are now championing the young performer to get more attention from the industry. (Take a moment and look at the teen girls sitting in the bleachers. Watch their reactions as they literally melt over the performance. Chance has confirmed getting a "few phone numbers" since that performance.)

A sparely orchestrated version of the glam pop song features a virtuosic Chance at the piano, belting out a heartfelt vocal that rivals much of what's on the air today. Sporting the same modern sweep of hair personified by teen dream Justin Bieber, some viewers have already gone as far as saying Greyson97 outperforms the pop idol.

Chance, who writes on his YouTube profile that he's "very inspired by Lady Gaga and Augustana," may have inadvertently lucked into a national wave of media attention from viewers discovering the video through social networks such as Facebook. The young musician has posted several other performance of his own, quite honest and lyrically mature, work.

As the video circulates around Los Angeles and the country, it is anyone's guess exactly how such exposure will alter his life. For now, Chance is a positive slice of reality that only reaffirms the obvious: In an era of such fabricated "celebrity," it is nice to know real talent can still deliver something unique.

Real life "Glee" indeed. And, of course, Chance did go on "Ellen" as surmised this week. Charming, real and completely unabashed in his sincerity, he proved a winning guest. Ah, to live out The Dream.

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Middle school glam courtesy becomes a YouTube sensation! Witness Greyson Chance's performance of "Paparazzi" now. Talent bookers for "Ellen" paid attention because the popular daytime show had the young singer/composer perform on her show on May 13.  In case you missed it, here's the clip below.