Christina Grimmie’s family was in the audience at “The Voice” on Tuesday, April 25, when Adam Levine addressed them directly before paying a touching tribute to their daughter.
Christina was just 22 years of age when Kevin Loibl, 27, shot her twice while signing autographs for fans on June 10, 2016, outside the Plaza Live Theater in Orlando. Loibl then turned the gun on himself. At the time, Levine offered to pay for Grimmie’s funeral, along with her mother’s travel expenses.
Musical tribute to Christina Grimmie by Adam Levine
Levine spoke directly to Grimmie’s parents and brother in the audience, saying how much he loved her and that he misses her.
Christina’s mother was tearful and moved as Levine told her family it is unfair that she was not there, adding that they were going to sing a special little song for her, with every word of that song being in her honor.
Levine and three of his current coaching team, Mark Isaiah, Jesse Larson and Lilli Passero then went on to give a moving performance of the Beatles’ song “Hey Jude.”
‘The Voice’ announces the formation of the Christina Grimmie Foundation
Before Levine took to the stage to make his own tribute, Carson Daly, host of “The Voice,” made a special announcement relating to Christina, who was mentored by Levine during the sixth season of “The Voice.” He stressed that family is important to them on “The Voice,” going on to say they sadly lost one of their own with the death of the “talented and beautiful” Christina.
.@TheRealGrimmie's family opens up about @adamlevine's beautiful tribute to Christina on @NBCTheVoice. https://t.co/2yRAZR4SAY pic.twitter.com/MpNxwTTyw0
— Access Hollywood (@accesshollywood) April 26, 2017
On top of the loss of her daughter, Christina’s mother has recently been struggling with breast cancer and Daly made a very special announcement.
He said that in Christina’s memory, they are honored to announce the formation of the Christina Grimmie Foundation, an organization which will benefit people impacted by gun violence, as well as families, like her own, that have been affected by breast cancer.
Daly went on to thank everyone – Christina’s family included – for allowing them to be part of such an important moment.
He said that they feel Grimmie’s spirit at “The Voice” every day and love and miss her dearly.
Christina Grimmie’s EP ‘Side B’ available on iTunes
E! News reports that despite the passing of the talented young singer, fans can enjoy Christina’s voice and talent to this day as her new EP “Side B” is now available on iTunes. They also noted that a full album of Grimmie’s music will also be released on June 2 this year.
