Alex Warren, the British singer known for his hit song “Ordinary,” recently took a break from his world tour to engage with a classroom full of second graders during an episode of ‘Celebrity Substitute’. The 25-year-old artist stepped into the role of a temporary teacher at PS11 in Queens, where he dove into a lively discussion with students about creativity and music.
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During the September 8 episode, Warren reflected on his past and the comparisons he received during his teenage years, notably being likened to fellow singer Shawn Mendes. The comparison, however, seems to have puzzled Warren, who stated, “When I was in high school, people said I looked like him, but I don’t see it.”
Warren has carved a successful path for himself, emerging not only as a chart-topping musician but also as a social media influencer. He has enjoyed notable success while on his first world arena tour, aptly named “Finding Family on the Road.” The tour follows the release of his album, “WILDCHILD,” which came out on August 28, 2023.
In his teaching role, Warren engaged the children in creating a music video for his upbeat love song “Emerald Eyes,” a track inspired by his wife. The singer opened the session by answering a flurry of questions about his life and career. When asked which artist he would like to be, he promptly chose Mendes and described the Canadian singer as “the human embodiment of a beautiful being.” His enthusiasm for Mendes was evident, as he detailed Mendes’ talents and appeal to the young audience.
Despite their similar career trajectories—both artists gained prominence through social media platforms—Warren’s main focus during the day was on engaging with the children rather than discussing his own accomplishments. The students were more curious about his personal life than his music career. One little boy even asked if he had a girlfriend, prompting Warren to happily inform him that he is married, sharing anecdotes about how he and his wife met at age 18 and experienced some challenging times.
The interactive session was not just about music; it also served as a platform for Warren to connect with the children on a personal level. He expressed his gratitude for the teachers who made a significant impact on him during his own schooling. He recalled lunching with teachers when he felt alone, reflecting on how they helped shape his formative years.
Once the students were on board with the project, Warren encouraged them to brainstorm ideas for the music video. Their creativity flourished as they suggested filming outside with green imagery—an homage to his wife’s green eyes. Through the use of GoPros and 360-degree cameras, Warren empowered the children to take charge of the video’s direction.
As the day progressed, Warren found himself warming to the idea of teaching. Despite initial nerves about stepping into the classroom, he noted, “I was so scared, but I honestly don’t want to leave now. Like, these kids are so amazing.” The experience not only reignited his passion for creativity but also gave him a keen appreciation for the role educators play in children’s lives.
Currently, as he continues his world tour, which began in Germany earlier this year and is set to conclude in Australia, Warren’s experiences serve as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and inspiration in nurturing young talent. His interactions with the second graders may have offered them a glimpse of the artist’s life while simultaneously allowing him to reflect on his journey as a performer and the support he received along the way.
Alex Warren’s combination of fame, relatability, and a genuine desire to inspire young minds encapsulates the spirit of both an artist and an educator. As his career progresses, it will be interesting to see how his experiences influence not only his music but also his role in nurturing future talent.