Greyson Chance Reflects on Child Stardom and Recent Album Release
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Singer-songwriter Greyson Chance has taken a moment to reflect on his journey through child stardom as he promotes his latest album, “BOYSTOWN,” released just last month. The 29-year-old artist first garnered fame at the mere age of 12 with his celebrated cover of Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi.” This performance not only made waves on social media but also earned him an invitation to The Ellen DeGeneres Show, effectively launching his music career.
Looking back on his early fame, Chance expressed a newfound sense of grace and compassion regarding his experiences. “Now I look back with a lot more grace and compassion,” he shared in an interview with PEOPLE. He attributed part of this shift in perspective to the recent passing of fellow former child star Hayden Panettiere. Panettiere’s untimely death at the age of 36 was a stark reminder of the challenges that many young performers face.
Reflecting on his own journey, Chance acknowledged the importance of having strong parental support during his formative years. “I had good parents that guided me and kept me grounded through it all,” he remarked. However, he expressed serious reservations about the pressures faced by children in the industry today. “If I’m being honest with you, if I’m in a position where I have a 12-year-old who is given that record contract, I’d burn that contract immediately and say no,” he candidly admitted.
Despite the mixed feelings about his rise to fame, Chance has come to appreciate his youthful talent and the intricacies of his early work. Historically, he struggled with the virality of the “Paparazzi” cover but now finds joy in watching it. “I’ve so gotten over that. I love watching it sometimes now because it really is so good,” he commented. He highlighted the complexity of the piano arrangements, noting, “I’m like, ‘Wow, look at him. He’s in his element.’”
Chance’s early success also paved the way for significant encounters in his career, such as meeting Lady Gaga herself. “We are so lucky to have been in the same timeline as Lady Gaga,” he shared with enthusiasm. The singer has retained strong admiration for the pop icon, attending three shows during Gaga’s Mayhem Ball Tour last year. “It’s wildly inspiring,” he remarked about her ability to consistently raise the bar in her performances.
His latest album, “BOYSTOWN,” represents a significant milestone in his career, being his first full project following a hospitalisation due to a lung collapse in February 2025. The album was reportedly created during a turbulent time in his life, following a recent breakup. Today, Chance is more determined than ever to push forward creatively, viewing this new chapter as merely part of a larger narrative.
“This is a new chapter for me in, I think, the middle of a long book,” he stated with determination. “I’m going to finish the f—ing book.” This resilience and commitment to his craft are clear as he embraces his present and future while also reflecting on his past.
Through his candid reflections, Greyson Chance provides insight into the complexities of growing up in the public eye, demonstrating an evolution of thought that speaks to both his personal growth and the broader experiences of child stars in the entertainment industry.