Gaga over kid singer
Label signs Lady-lovin' Web phenom, 12
By ADAM KEMP in Edmond, Okla., and DAVID K. LI in NY
Last Updated: 10:02 AM, May 18, 2010
The real "Paparazzi" will be following him any day now.
A 12-year-old Oklahoma crooner, who became an Internet sensation with his
stirring rendition of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi," has scored a deal with her
label, according to his family.
Greyson Chance has picked up more than 16 million YouTube hits for his
electrifying version of the song he performed last month at his sixth-grade
talent show.
The middle-school student has three years of piano lessons and no formal
voice training.
But Interscope Records didn't hesitate to sign the inexperi enced,
pint-sized prodigy.
The boy's school-aged sister and dad confirmed the Interscope deal to The
Post, but said they're under orders to keep quiet about it.
"He signed [with Interscope] but the managers said we really couldn't talk
about it," sister Alexa Chance said on the front porch of their middle-class
tract home.
Reps for Lady Gaga and Interscope didn't immediately return several messages
seeking comment.
Officials at Greyson's campus, Cheyenne Middle School in Edmond, Okla.,
referred all calls about their gifted student to his new rep -- Hollywood
heavyweight Guy Oseary, Madonna's kabbala-preaching manager.
Oseary also failed to return several messages.
The youngster's two-week rise to fame hit national TV last week with an
appearance on "The Ellen Degeneres Show," where he sang "Paparazzi" before
sitting down with Ellen.
In his chat with the "American Idol" judge, Greyson said Lady Gaga is his
muse.
"My number-one inspiration is Lady Gaga because I know how she's so
different," Greyson said.
"She takes her individuality and she takes an amazing talent that she has
and she makes . . . songs that are catchy. They make you want to dance and
maybe throw out some Ellen moves that you have."
The show arranged a call from Lady Gaga during Greyson's appearance and she
offered him this succinct career advice: Steer clear from women.
"Just keep following your dreams and work really hard," the superstar singer
told him.
"Stay away from girls and be focused."
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/label_signs_lady_lovin_web_phenom_V8vMmBwSUyHEfHOvyzSfVP
|
|