While the music industry was taken aback and gutted by the tragic death of Christina Grimmie, Selena Gomez was mourning the loss of a close friend.
During her “Revival” concert in Miami over the weekend, the 23-year-old singer took a moment to pay tribute to her late friend by delivering a piano rendition of Hillsong Worship’s “Transfiguration” in honour of Grimmie’s memory.
“When she was 14, we met her and my parents and I signed her,” the pop star recalled. Her stepfather, Brian Teefey, became Grimmie’s manager after discovering her on You Tube. The pair have been close friends ever since they were teens.
“I was 16 and in school at the time. Brian contacted my brother…So then my brother texted me in the middle of school, like, ‘I really think Selena Gomez’s stepdad is trying to get a hold of you.’ I didn’t believe it; I had heard too many stories. But it ended up being true, and he came over our house. We discussed things and everything fell into place. It was amazing how it happened. I’m so blessed that they’re in my life. They’re literally like a family – Selena has been so encouraging ever since we got hooked up. It’s crazy! It’s very much a fairy tale,” Grimmie previously told Seventeen Magazine.
“One thing about Christina and her family is that she holds her faith so closely to her. And I think it’s not about a religion and it’s not about anything or good deeds. It’s just that she had faith, and I don’t really understand how this really happened, but I would like to dedicate this next song to her,” Gomez shared with the crowd before wiping away tears as her fans voiced their support.
This was extremely personal for Gomez, seeing how she was overcome with sadness during her performance. Earlier in the day, the singer took to Twitter to remember her bestie with a black-and-white throwback photo of them goofing together. “My heart is absolutely broken. I miss you Christina,” she captioned the photo.
My heart is absolutely broken. I miss you Christina pic.twitter.com/KWGwZZlj4t
— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) June 11, 2016
In lieu of the sad tragedy, E! News reported that Gomez cancelled her scheduled meet-and-greets with fans during her Miami show. Considering the aftermath of Grimmie’s death, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that music stars are now taking precautions when it comes to meeting fans.
Gomez was also overwhelmed with emotion while performing the ballad “Nobody” and can be seen mouthing “I’m sorry” to the crowd as she struggled to finish the song.
Check out the entire performance below:
Our hearts ache. For Grimmie’s fans and especially for her friends, family, and loved ones.
In case you didn’t know, Grimmie’s shooter has been identified. More on him here.
