Adam Levine to Pay for Christina Grimmie Funeral

Adam Levine has offered to do whatever he can to help the family of Christina Grimmie in this time of unspeakable sorrow.

The Maroon 5 frontman got to know Grimmie well during her run on The Voice in 2014, serving as her coach for several weeks on the NBC singing competition.

On Friday night, however, Grimmie was shot and killed by a deranged fan while signing autographs after a concert in Orlando.

In response to the tragedy, Levine reached out to Grimmie’s mother and said he wanted to pay for all funeral arrangements.

“I found out this morning, that Adam Levine personally called my mother and said he will pay for the funeral and her plane flight, and I was blown away,” Christina’s brother, Marcus, wrote on Facebook yesterday.

It was Marcus who wrestled Kevin James Loibl to the ground after he first opened fire on Friday, saving the lives of those around him before Loibl turned a gun on himself and pulled the trigger.

Grimmie was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead a few hours later.

Levine, who shared the above photo and message soon after this sad news was made public, is just one of several celebrities who have expressed their grief over Grimmie’s death online.

Selena Gomez, whose stepfather served as Grimmie’s manager for a time and who toured the country with Grimmie, wrote on social media that she’s “absolutely broken” over the murder.

“This is a tragic loss,” Pharrell added. “My heart goes out to @therealgrimmie’s family, friends and all the people that she touched.”

Usher, meanwhile, wrote the following:

“To an amazing soul and voice…may your legacy live on forever. Rest in peace beautiful, Christina.”

View Slideshow: Christina Grimmie Shooting Death: Stars Pay Tribute to The Voice Alum

Selena’s stepfather, Brian Teefey, also started a GoFundMe page for Grimmie’s family; it has already raised more than $ 150,000 to help them shoulder any financial burdens.

“Words cannot begin to describe the pain I am feeling. I learned this business through the eyes of a father and Christina was like a second daughter to me,” Teefey wrote.

At a candlelight vigil for Grimmie held in her New Jersey hometown of Evesham Township on Monday night, Marcus moved attendees to tears by speaking eloquently and emotionally after his late sister.

“She loved this town, she loved this state, she loved singing, she loved the Lord and she loved me and she was my baby sister,” he said, concluding:

“Adam Levine paid for Christina’s funeral. Selena [Gomez] is singing a song and crying [during her concert]. These people didn’t have that and we are blessed to.

“She’s in a better place…. Thank you to everyone once again. I wish I could elaborate more, you guys didn’t know her like I did, so thank you. This is awesome.”

View Slideshow: Christina Grimmie on The Voice: A Musical Montage

Meghan Trainor Pays Tribute to Christina Grimmie

Meghan Trainor is one of several musicians who have taken a few moments in the past few days to honor Christina Grimmie.

The 22-year old singer was tragically shot and killed after a concert on Friday night.

She had just finished a set when a crazed fan named Kevin James Loibl opened fire on Grimmie backstage during a meet-and-greet.

According to multiple reports, Grimmie’s brother wrestled Loibl to the ground and likely saved many other lives in the process, with Loibl turning a gun on himself at one point and taking his own life.

Grimmie was a contestant on The Voice and her fellow artists have been inundating the Internet ever since her passing with thoughts, prayers, condolences and videos.

Selena Gomez, a long-time friend of Grimmie’s, broke down during a dedication to Christina, for example.

And now we have Trainor, who took to the stage on Saturday at BLI’s Summer Jam in Wantagh, New York.

The singer dedicated her performance of “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” to the late singer at the tour stop. See it below:

A video posted by Meghan Trainor (@meghan_trainor) on Jun 12, 2016 at 3:33pm PDT

“So if you will please sing it with me as a shoutout to our girl Christina,” Trainor told those in attendance. “This one’s for her. Let’s sing nice and loud.”

In response to this tragedy, a GoFundMe page has raised over $ 125,000 on behalf of Grimmie’s family.

Grimmie’s brother, meanwhile, has released the following statement:

“I really don’t have much to say about anything and am just blown away with the prayers and support.

“Christina was more than my sister. She was a partner in life. A superstar. A goofball. Introverted. And a friend to everyone. Genuinely. But above all … she was my baby sister.

“She loved the Lord and her family and was always there for me and I honestly don’t know what I’ll do without her.”

We send our condolences to Michael Grimmie and the entire family.

View Slideshow: Christina Grimmie on The Voice: A Musical Montage

Christina Grimmie: Thousands of Fans Donate to GoFundMe Campaign For Slain Singer"s Family

On Friday night, The Voice contestant Christina Grimmie was shot and killed while greeting fans following a concert in Orlando.

She was just 22 years old.

Members of Christina’s family have shared their grief in heartbreaking social media messages, and while nothing can heal the wounds of such a senseless tragedy, they can hopefully find some comfort in the fact that their loss is shared by fans from all corners of the globe.

In addition to her prodigious talent, Christina connected with millions through her tremendous energy and spirit, and when the opportunity arose to show her family how much of an impact the singer made in her brief time on Earth, fans answered the call en masse.

Christina’s manager, Brian Teefey, created a GoFundMe page to support the Grimmie family in this dark time.

The goal was to raise $ 4,000 to help them cover funeral expenses. 

That goal was reached within minutes of the page going live, but the outpouring of support didn’t stop there.

At this point, less than 48 hours since the campaign began, over 4,500 fans have raised nearly $ 170,000.

Teefey, who had worked with Grimmie from the very start of her career, posted the following message on the page:

“Words cannot begin to describe the pain I am feeling. I learned this business through the eyes of a father and Christina was like a second daughter to me.

“All I wanted to do was assist her in achieving her musical dreams while protecting her from the pitfalls associated with the business.

“I never could have imagined this horrific event being one of the pitfalls needing to be avoided. In Christina’s honor I have created a Go Fund Me page to assist her family in their time of need.

“As family Mother, Father, and Brother made the ultimate family sacrifice to support Christina on her musical journey. They did nothing but love her and support her as family the best they knew how, the only worry I want them to have at this point is that of recovery.”

Click here to donate to the Grimmie family.

Christina Grimmie on The Voice: A Musical Montage

Christina Grimmie is no longer with us.

The 22-year old singing sensation was tragically killed in June of 2016 after a crazed fan opened fire on her during an autograph session.

It was an unspeakable tragedy.

In memory of Grimmie, we"ve collected a number of her most impressive videos from her time as a Voice contestant. Click on each to remember her talent.

May she rest in peace…

1. Christina Grimmie Auditions on The Voice

Christina Grimmie auditions here for The Voice in 2014. She was tragically shot dead in concert two years later.

2. Christina Grimmie Covers "Who Says"

Christina Grimmie makes like Selena Gomez in this video. The late artist covers the song “Who Says.” What do you think of her version?

3. Christina Grimmie: "Wrecking Ball" (The Voice Audition)

This video helped Christina Grimmie gain popularity on The Voice. Watch her cover the Miley Cyrus classic.

4. Christina Grimmie vs. Sam Behymer: ‘Counting Stars’ (The Voice)

Christina Grimmie takes on Sam Behymer here, battling for a spot in The Voice playoffs with version fo OneRepublic’s “Counting Stars.”

5. Christina Grimmie – I Won’t Give Up (The Voice)

Christina Grimmie gives everything she’s got to “I Won’t Give Up.” She was a beautiful person and an incredible talent.

6. Christina Grimmie: Dark Horse (The Voice Top 12)

Christina Grimmie made it to The Voice Top 12. Here is a video of her singing the Katy Perry song “Dark Horse.”

View Slideshow

Selena Gomez Cries in Concert Over Christina Grimmie

Selena Gomez paid tribute to her late friend on Saturday night.

On stage for a concert in Miami, the beloved artist took a few moments to acknowledge the senseless and tragic death of Christina Grimmie.

A former contestant on The Voice, Grimmie was shot and killed while signing autographs following a show in Orlando on Friday.

She was only 22 years old at the time.

News outlets have confirmed that a shooter named Kevin James Loibl approached Grimmie during her meet-and-greet and simply opened fire.

He was wrestled to the ground by the singer"s brother and eventually turned the gun on himself.

The 22-year old died at a local hospital not long after this inexplicable incident.

Grimmie was signed to a recording deal a few years ago by Gomez"s stepfather.

She had opened for Selena twice on tour, once in 2011 and once in 2013.

Soon after learning the horrible news of Grimmie"s death, Gomez shared the following photo on Twitter and wrote of her friend:

"My heart is absolutely broken. I miss you Christina."

Just a few hours later, she broke down on stage.

“When she was 14, we met her. My parents and I signed her,” Gomez said of Grimmie.

“And one thing about Christina and her family, is that she holds her faith so closely to her. It’s not about her religion, and it’s not about good deeds. It’s just that she had faith.

"And I don’t really understand how this happened, but I would like to dedicate this next song to her.”

Gomez then sat down at a piano and performed “Transfiguration.”

It was a moving, powerful performance, although we wish, of course, that the dedication never had to take place.

Watch Selena"s tribute below and join us in sending condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Christina Grimmie.

Marcus Grimmie Breaks Silence on Sister Christina Grimmie"s Death With Heartbreaking Message

Friday night, Christina Grimmie was shot to death following a concert in a senseless act of violence by Kevin James Loibl. 

The 22-year-old singer and former contestant on The Voice had a spirited heart and a promising career that was cut short by this disturbed individual.

Further deaths and injuries might have occurred had it not been for her brother, Marcus Grimmie, who tackled Loibl upon witnessing the attack on his sister.

During the struggle, Loibl turned the gun on himself and committed suicide.

Marcus, who goes by Mark, has now broken his silence by posting a heartfelt message about his sister to Facebook.

“Christina was more than my sister. She was a partner in life. A superstar. A goofball. Introverted. And a friend to everyone. Genuinely,” he wrote.

“But above all…she was my baby sister. She loved the Lord and her family and was always there for me and I honestly don’t know what ill do without her.”

Mark then humbly asked friends and fans to share memories they have of Christina to the page to honor her life.

“But please, if you are reading this far, I would love all and any of you to post pics of you and her and/or memories you have of her down in the comments,” he shared. “I will cherish it forever and always. So please do that for me.”

Christina Grimmie Auditions on The Voice

“Thank you all so so much. The support has been crazy and I do feel a peace. I just don’t have any words. I love you all.”

A friend of Christina’s, Ashly Nicole, told E! News that Mark and his sister were “as close as can be.”

“He was the perfect brother to her and he became almost like a big brother to me too,” she said.

“They were only a year apart and he would always talk about how he would do anything for her. She was his world. He cared about her so much.”

The 27-year-old Loibl was a resident of St. Petersburg, Fla. and traveled two hours that evening specifically to murder Christina, according to officials.

Police continue to investigate a possible motive.

View Slideshow: Christina Grimmie Shooting Death: Stars Pay Tribute to The Voice Alum

Selena Gomez: I"m Heartbroken Over Christina Grimmie

Selena Gomez has joined the chorus of those who remain stunned and sad over the death of Christina Grimmie.

Gomez, however, had an even closer bond with Grimmie than many of the fans and musicians who have expressed grief over her passing.

As previously reported, Grimmie was shot and killed on Friday night when a man approached the former Voice contestant during a meet-and-greet autograph session.

He had two guns in his possession and he opened fire as soon as he got near Grimmie.

The 22-year old died a short time later at the hospital.

The shooter, who turned the gun on himself and committed suicide soon after murdering Grimmie, has since been identified as Kevin James Loibl.

In the wake of this tragedy, Gomez has taken to Twitter in order to share the cute photo of herself and Grimmie above, while also sharing the following message about the late artist:

My heart is absolutely broken. I miss you Christina.

Grimmie – who developed a passionate following on YouTube – was actually discovered by Gomez’s stepfather, Brian Teefey, in 2010.

After the singer released her debut EP a year later, she became a supporting act for Gomez during the U.S. leg of her We Own the Night tour.

Here is a look at Grimmie and Gomez doing a promo for the Xbox 360 Kinect console in 2011:

Christina Grimmie and Selena Gomez Promo

Following Grimmie run on The Voice season 6, she reunited with the “Hands to Myself” singer for her Stars Dance tour in 2013.

It remains unclear just why Kevin James Loibl ended her life, but the working theory at the moment is that he was a deranged fan of some kind.

Utterly heartbreaking stuff.

View Slideshow: Christina Grimmie Shooting Death: Stars Pay Tribute to The Voice Alum

Gomez also posted a link to a GoFundMe page established by Teefey on Saturday morning to raise money for the Grimmie family.

The account has already raised more than $ 39,000 for the artist’s family.

“Words cannot begin to describe the pain I am feeling,” Teefey wrote on the GoFundMe page.

“I learned this business through the eyes of a father and Christina was like a second daughter to me. All I wanted to do was assist her in achieving her musical dreams while protecting her from the pitfalls associated with the business.

I never could have imagined this horrific event being one of the pitfalls needing to be avoided.”

Kevin James Loibl Identified as Christina Grimmie Murderer

Friday night, a gunman took the life of Christina Grimmie, a 22-year-old singer and finalist of The Voice season 6.

The shooting took place just after a concert in Orlando, Fla., where Grimmie opened for the band Before You Exit. 

Police have now identified the man as Kevin James Loibl, a 27-year-old resident of St. Petersburg, Fla.

Officials believe Loibl traveled two hours to Orlando specifically with the intention of killing Grimmie.

He was armed with two handguns and a hunting knife, according to authorities.

Grimmie was signing autographs during a meet-and-greet after the show when Loibl approached and shot her.

Grimmie’s brother Marcus tackled the gunman, who then shot and killed himself.

However, suicide may not have been part of Loibl’s original plan.

Police say Loibl had made plans to return to St. Petersburg after the show, suggesting he thought he might get away with murder.

The singer was rushed to the hospital following the attack and later died of gunshot wounds.

A motive is still unknown, but in a press conference Saturday morning, police said Loibl appeared to be a “deranged fan.”

They say they are searching his phone and computer and hope to uncover more details shortly.

A number of stars and supporters have spoken out against the senseless violence against what was once a promising young singer:

View Slideshow: Christina Grimmie Shooting Death: Stars Pay Tribute to The Voice Alum

Christina Grimmie Shooting Death: Stars Pay Tribute to The Voice Alum

Christina Grimmie, a third place finalist on The Voice, was shot dead after a concert Friday night in Orlando, Fla.

She was 22.

The gunman approached and opened fire on the rising star as she was signing autographs just before Grimmie"s brother tackled the man, who then shot himself.

Grimmie did not know her killer; police suspect he was a deranged fan.

The world mourns the young singer as we all try to make sense of this shocking act of violence.

Stars and have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late Grimmie. Read their heartfelt tributes below.

 

1. Adam Levine

Adam Levine, who was Grimmie’s coach on The Voice, shared the photo above to Instagram, writing, “I’m sad, shocked and confused. We love you so much Grimmie. We are all praying hard that you can pull through this…this just isn’t fair.”

2. Blake Shelton

“I’m stunned and disgusted and heartbroken that we lost that sweet little girl… Keeping @TheRealGrimmie family in my heart and mind,” Shelton tweeted.

3. Christina Aguilera

“So sad passing of @TheRealGrimmie. Beautiful member of #TheVoice family & true #Fighter. My heart goes out to her family, friends & fans. xo,” wrote The Voice coach Christina Aguilera.

4. Carson Daly

“So sad about @TheRealGrimmie. I’m still in shock. She was special. Had IT. Talented. Kind. Funny. Loving. Courageous. We hurt w her family,” tweeted The Voice host.

5. Before You Exit

Before You Exit, the band Grimmie opened for Friday night, tweeted “Today we lost an angel, sister, and a beloved friend. #RipChristina” alongside a longer tribute calling her “a loving, caring, beautiful person with the biggest heart.”

6. Jordan Smith

The Voice season 9 winner Jordan Smith tweeted, “Prayers going up for @TheRealGrimmie right now. So heartbroken to hear this news. #PrayForChristina,” later writing, “A star has been snuffed out. An amazing story unwritten.”

View Slideshow

Christina Grimmie Shooting Death: Stars Pay Tribute to The Voice Alum

Christina Grimmie, a third place finalist on The Voice, was shot dead after a concert Friday night in Orlando, Fla.

She was 22.

The gunman approached and opened fire on the rising star as she was signing autographs just before Grimmie"s brother tackled the man, who then shot himself.

Grimmie did not know her killer; police suspect he was a deranged fan.

The world mourns the young singer as we all try to make sense of this shocking act of violence.

Stars and have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late Grimmie. Read their heartfelt tributes below.

 

1. Adam Levine

Adam Levine, who was Grimmie’s coach on The Voice, shared the photo above to Instagram, writing, “I’m sad, shocked and confused. We love you so much Grimmie. We are all praying hard that you can pull through this…this just isn’t fair.”

2. Blake Shelton

“I’m stunned and disgusted and heartbroken that we lost that sweet little girl… Keeping @TheRealGrimmie family in my heart and mind,” Shelton tweeted.

3. Christina Aguilera

“So sad passing of @TheRealGrimmie. Beautiful member of #TheVoice family & true #Fighter. My heart goes out to her family, friends & fans. xo,” wrote The Voice coach Christina Aguilera.

4. Carson Daly

“So sad about @TheRealGrimmie. I’m still in shock. She was special. Had IT. Talented. Kind. Funny. Loving. Courageous. We hurt w her family,” tweeted The Voice host.

5. Before You Exit

Before You Exit, the band Grimmie opened for Friday night, tweeted “Today we lost an angel, sister, and a beloved friend. #RipChristina” alongside a longer tribute calling her “a loving, caring, beautiful person with the biggest heart.”

6. Jordan Smith

The Voice season 9 winner Jordan Smith tweeted, “Prayers going up for @TheRealGrimmie right now. So heartbroken to hear this news. #PrayForChristina,” later writing, “A star has been snuffed out. An amazing story unwritten.”

View Slideshow

Christina Grimmie: Mourned, Rememberd as "Angel, Beloved Friend"

The music world is recovering from a stunning tragedy this morning.

On Friday night, The Voice alumnus Christina Grimmie was killed in Orlando when a man approached her after a concert and simply opened fire.

Grimmie was 22 years old.

According to multiple outlets, Grimmie had just finished a show with pop rock band Before You Exit at the Plaza Live when she and the band’s members lined up for an autograph session.

Soon afterward, a gunman with two weapons walked up and shot Grimmie.

The artist’s brother quickly tackled the shooter, who turned a gun on himself and committed suicide.

He is being hailed as a hero for saving other lives, but he could not save his sister:

Grimmie was taken to a local hospital and died of her injuries early Saturday morning.

In response to the tragedy, the official The Voice Twitter account sent the following message about the 2014 contestant:

There are no words. We lost a beautiful soul with an amazing voice. Our hearts go out to the friends, fans and family of @TheRealGrimmie.

Grimmie was signed to Island Records and was working on an album at the time of her death.

“Christina was such a loving, caring, beautiful person with the biggest heart. She was an absolutely incredible musician and an even better friend,” the band tweeted early Sunday morning about Grimmie.

The group referred to Grimmie as an “angel, sister and a beloved friend” and added:

“We are so saddened by her passing and are completely heartbroken. Words fail to describe how much Christina means to all of us. She was always a constant beam of light and energy into the hearts of everyone around her.

“Her care-free spirit and her laughter constantly lit up every room she entered and she always had this glisten in her eyes which was evident in her faith.

“While we know there is no sort of feeling that can replace the joy Christina brought into our lives, we know she is glistening from up in Heaven and shining down on all of us.”

Christina Grimmie Auditions on The Voice

In conclusion, the band Tweeted:

“Please join us in keeping Christina’s family as we know Jesus said, ‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’

“She and her talent will be missed by us all.”

We send our heartfelt condolences to Christina’s family members, friends and loved ones.

View Slideshow: 27 Musicians Who Died Too Young

Added a rep for the young singer:

It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord. She was shot at her show in Orlando, and unfortunately didn’t survive the gun shot wounds.

We ask at this time that you respect the privacy of her family and friends in their time of mourning.

Christina Grimmie: Mourned, Rememberd as "Angel, Beloved Friend"

The music world is recovering from a stunning tragedy this morning.

On Friday night, The Voice alumnus Christina Grimmie was killed in Orlando when a man approached her after a concert and simply opened fire.

Grimmie was 22 years old.

According to multiple outlets, Grimmie had just finished a show with pop rock band Before You Exit at the Plaza Live when she and the band’s members lined up for an autograph session.

Soon afterward, a gunman with two weapons walked up and shot Grimmie.

The artist’s brother quickly tackled the shooter, who turned a gun on himself and committed suicide.

He is being hailed as a hero for saving other lives, but he could not save his sister:

Grimmie was taken to a local hospital and died of her injuries early Saturday morning.

In response to the tragedy, the official The Voice Twitter account sent the following message about the 2014 contestant:

There are no words. We lost a beautiful soul with an amazing voice. Our hearts go out to the friends, fans and family of @TheRealGrimmie.

Grimmie was signed to Island Records and was working on an album at the time of her death.

“Christina was such a loving, caring, beautiful person with the biggest heart. She was an absolutely incredible musician and an even better friend,” the band tweeted early Sunday morning about Grimmie.

The group referred to Grimmie as an “angel, sister and a beloved friend” and added:

“We are so saddened by her passing and are completely heartbroken. Words fail to describe how much Christina means to all of us. She was always a constant beam of light and energy into the hearts of everyone around her.

“Her care-free spirit and her laughter constantly lit up every room she entered and she always had this glisten in her eyes which was evident in her faith.

“While we know there is no sort of feeling that can replace the joy Christina brought into our lives, we know she is glistening from up in Heaven and shining down on all of us.”

Christina Grimmie Auditions on The Voice

In conclusion, the band Tweeted:

“Please join us in keeping Christina’s family as we know Jesus said, ‘In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’

“She and her talent will be missed by us all.”

We send our heartfelt condolences to Christina’s family members, friends and loved ones.

View Slideshow: 27 Musicians Who Died Too Young

Added a rep for the young singer:

It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord. She was shot at her show in Orlando, and unfortunately didn’t survive the gun shot wounds.

We ask at this time that you respect the privacy of her family and friends in their time of mourning.

Christina Grimmie Dead; The Voice Alum Was 22

Another rising star has left us too soon.

Christina Grimmie, who placed in the top three on The Voice‘s sixth season as part of Adam Levin’s team, has passed away on June 11th from gunshot wounds after performing at an Orlando, FL concert.

Grimmie opened for the band, Before You Exit at Plaza Live.  While signing autographs after the performance, Grimmie was approached by a man with two guns, according to People.

The man shot the singer, 22, before being tackled by her brother.  He then turned the gun on himself.

“The show ended at approximately 10 o’clock,” Orlando Sgt. Wanda Miglio said during a news conference.

“After that they were selling merchandise and signing autographs. We know that the suspect walked up and shot Christina at that point. We know that her brother tackled the suspect and that’s when the suspect shot himself.”

“Her brother is a hero for saving and stopping him from not hurting anyone else.”

According to WFTV, fans tweeted from inside the venue after hearing six gun shots.

“It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord. She was shot at her show in Orlando, and unfortunately didn’t survive the gun shot wounds,” Grimmie’s rep told People in an official statement.

“We ask at this time that you respect the privacy of her family and friends in their time of mourning.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to aid her family.

NBC tweeted their devastation after hearing about the incident.

“We are heartbroken,” the network wrote. 

“@TheRealGrimmie is a loved member of our family. Our thoughts are with her and her family. #PrayForChristina.”

The Voice judge Blake Shelton responded to the news as well.

“Just reading the same stuff y’all are at this point,” Shelton tweeted. “Can’t believe this..”

No other details about the gunman’s motive are available at this time.

View Slideshow: Celebrities Who Passed Away in 2016: Gone, But Not Forgotten