Ellen DeGeneres Starts Label, Signs Greyson Chance

By PopEater Staff Posted May 26th 2010 07:44AM

Ellen DeGeneres is doing what any self-respecting 'American Idol' judge would do: she's starting her own record label! The TV talker has named the imprint eleveneleven, and says she was inspired to jump into the record business by her first signed artist: Greyson Chance, the 12-year-old Oklahoman who catapulted to fame mere weeks ago on the strength of his rendition of a Lady Gaga song.

In a simple statement, she said: "Greyson ... inspired me to start a record label called eleveneleven. He is my first artist and we are making a record together."

In a video message on her website, DeGeneres issues the singer a large check for $10,000.

In an interview airing Wednesday on her show, Ellen tells Greyson, "When I first met you, I said things are going to change ... Now [your YouTube hits] are over 30 million."

The news contradicts earlier reports that Greyson signed with Interscope Records. The major label has not commented publicly about those reports. Greyson's career is being steered by two very connected managers: Troy Carter (Lady Gaga) and Guy Oseary (Madonna).

On May 13, DeGeneres introduced Greyson to her audience and famously got Gaga to call him live.

"Greyson, you're so sweet and so talented, and I was so excited that you covered 'Paparazzi,'" Gaga told the sixth-grade prodigy during the earlier 'Ellen' taping. "Everyone loves you so much. Just keep following your dreams and work really hard, and stay away from girls and be focused."

It seems those dreams of stardom have launched with unprecedented speed for young Greyson-san. Kelly Cheek, Greyson's music teacher at Cheyenne Middle School in Edmond, Oklahoma, told PopEater, "I have never seen anyone with his level or type of talent. We really hope he comes back to school for the rest of the year, but after this video, who knows what his future holds!"

Watch Greyson's original hit below, as well as Gaga's version for Sessions:

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Tags: ellen degeneres, greyson chance

Comments

(59)

Wednesday 26 May

By jan

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CHANCE IS AN AMAZING TALENT

By Susan

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This kid does have talent but so do 1000's of other kids in America..What he does have that the others don't (at this point) is luck...At the right place at the right time. Call it fate, say that God was looking out for him, whatever..Hope he makes the best of this opportunity that landed on his lap and not waste his talent...

By stephanie

still get goosebumps listening to you sing,don't ever change,you are soo amazing.I am a mother of five,and i can only imagine how proud your parents must feel!! God bless you,always.

By Ryan

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Um. This kid has to change, he is 16, his voice will change a great deal. I don't understand the big deal, it sounds like a little boy singing a crappy pop song at a talent show. is this really what is considered cool now? man the kids are not alright. and neither are their parents. we already know most moms want to sleep with the underage cast of twilight and now, this 16 year old is causing a few hearts to race? creepy times my friends. stop idolizing little kids. i had to look at a picture of justin beiber in rolling stone. he was catching a football on the beach in his bathing suit........ he is 16! and its Rolling Stone. THE COOL IS DEAD.

By Ticia

yeah ryan and we know how cool you are too being that Greyson Chance is only twelve years old. The one who is sixteen and probably who you are thinking of is Justin Beiber. If you're going to talk trash on a KID at least know who you are refering too first.

By Judy delgado

I love you Ellen and my husband and I are so proud, you will give a chance to many who would not have a chace

By nvraine

Do you think Ellen reads this section of aol?

By ali cat

Seems like Ellen is taking a BIG chance on a child whose voice will surely be changing in the next few years as he matures. Good luck Ellen.

By C

I agree, boys voices go through a big change and he may not even have the same voice after puberty.

By dee

Usher started as a kid and look at him now still has a great voice. Good luck Chance, ignore the negative responses and keep doing what you are doing.

By Carla D

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Sure, his voice will change but his talent as a pianist and song writer won't! With all the talent he has he can write music tailored to whatever changes his voice might make

By BTDT

Very impressive.

By ilovetwilight787

This kid is definitely NOT another Justin Bieber. Justin Bieber sucks, while this boy is relaly good (and slightly cute, too.) I eagerly await his first CD. I'll probably buy it!

By Becky

His singing voice is already deeper then 16 yr old Justin Bieber.

By c

Why would you sign a 12 yr old boy who hasn't even hit puberty yet. Check back in a few yrs after puberty.

By Zathros

I think Michael Jackson did all right for himself, and he was pretty young when he started. When opportunity knocks, go for it, Greyson!

By Donna

Ellen is taking a big chance. She is a sweet lady who helps others.

By Lori

It's not like she can't afford to lose a little money, if he makes it big she'll be richer, if he doesn't.....she gave a kid a chance a lost a little money.

By hemmihemmi

Puberty? Check back where? lol!

By bill

Ellen started a record label. LOL What a freakin' joke. Yeah, she's a joke a of a judge on A.I. (which is dieing in part to her being there) so she knows ALL about the music business. Those parents need their head examined. Poor kid will be scarred for life.

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