Young Anthem Singer Bounces Back From Off-Key Performance
COPPELL (CBS 11 NEWS) - At the ripe old age of 11, Harper Gruzins of Coppell is learning that fame, can be fickle. Gruzins is the pint-sized aspiring singer/songwriter vilified on social media sites for a not-so-perfect rendition of the National Anthem. It happened before an FC Dallas soccer game last month.
"I started on the wrong key," says Harper. She says she didn't realize how bad it was until she watched the videotaped performance later. "I was like, oh, that's not my best performance."
But, the online response from adults? Contemptible, say her parents.
"It was just ugly and negative from the get go, " says her Dad, Karlis Gruzins. "So, it was really, really, shocking."
Comments like, 'this is why abortion should be legalized,' and 'she should just slit her wrists' were posted online. "I just couldn't believe it."
Her parents tried to shield Harper from the onslaught of awful comments—many too vile to repeat—but, it was too late. She'd already seen them online.
"I've never been treated that way before," says Harper. "I was kinda sad; but, I forgive all the people who said mean things to me and I hope one day God will soften their hearts."
In the meantime, Harper is getting back in the saddle— going on the radio. "She has not sang since she did the national anthem at the end of last month," Julie Gates told 103.7 Lite FM listeners on the "Gene and Julie Morning Show."
So Harper played and sang Adele's "Someone Like You" for listeners—who subsequently lit up the phone lines to shower her with encouragement and kudos.
"It makes me feel really happy," says Harper, who wants to one day be a Christian country western singer. "I've read the mean ones. But, now, I get all these nice comments and I know that God has a plan with all of this.'
And Gene and Julie had another surprise waiting: an email message from Christina Aguilera —who experienced her own infamous brush with the national anthem at the Super Bowl.
The email read:
"Harper, you had the courage to sing in front of thousands of people and I applaud you. Keep your head up high and keep trying. You have nothing to be ashamed of."
The adorable 11-year-old sat beaming under the onslaught of love and encouragement. With Mom Kelli adding that the Gene and Julie morning show experience allowed her to see a different side of "the media."
"Today, having the callers call in and her being able to talk to them has just put a smile on her face and really lifted her chin up a little bit, so we appreciate all of the support and love, " added Kelli Gruzins.
♦♦♦Watch Harper's Entire Performance Below♦♦♦
N Circle Entertainment, a Dallas-based company that distributes award-winning children's programs, says they will put Harper's song from the show on their website. Fans can download the song for $.99, with all proceeds going to The National Bullying Prevention Center.
As for Harper, she says she never considered allowing hurt feelings or the hard times to discourage her… and has a final word for anyone going through their own bout of internet infamy: "God is bigger than YouTube."
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