Greyson Chance brings his heartfelt China tour to life: “It feels like coming home”

For American singer-songwriter Greyson Chance, every tour feels like a homecoming — but his latest one in China carried a special emotional weight.

From October 6 to 19, the 28-year-old artist returned to the country for his third China tour, performing in Guangzhou, Beijing, Wuhan, and Chengdu. The tour marked a full-circle moment for Chance, whose relationship with Chinese audiences stretches back to his teenage years.

“To be honest, it feels surreal to still be here, still singing, still doing it,” Chance told China Daily on October 14. “I came to China for the first time when I was 14. Now I’m performing for people who were once my age, and they’re bringing their families to the shows. It’s humbling to know that we’ve all grown up together.”

A Tour Designed for Connection

Unlike typical world tours, this one was intentionally crafted to deepen his bond with Chinese fans. Chance designed the show with Mandarin subtitles, LED visuals, and even Chinese-language prompts — like “scream” and “clap” — appearing on screens during performances.

“I wanted to make sure the show felt made for China,” he explained. “It’s important to me that this feels personal — like something special for them.”

US singer-songwriter Greyson Chance performed in Beijing on Oct 15 during his recent China tour. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Beyond the performances, Chance held nightly meet-and-greets, where fans handed him handwritten letters filled with personal stories and gratitude. These moments, he said, reminded him of the emotional connection that has always defined his music.

“I think we all connect through a shared experience of pressure and expectations — from family, school, or work,” he said. “My songs have always been a release, a way for us to process those pressures together.”

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Chance first captured global attention at age 12, when a video of him performing Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” at a school event in Oklahoma went viral in 2010. The clip launched his career overnight — but it also brought intense public pressure.

Now, more than a decade later, Chance sees this tour as a symbol of renewal.

“This is a new chapter for me,” he reflected. “I’m learning to have more compassion for that earlier part of my career. I was just a kid trying to make sense of everything.”

While fame at a young age brought challenges, he’s grateful for the lasting impact of his music.

“The best part is knowing that my music touches people’s lives,” he said. “It’s incredible to think that something I created helps someone through their day.”

Staying True to the Music

Chance, who continues to evolve as a songwriter, describes his creative process as both spontaneous and unpredictable.

“Sometimes I sit at the piano and the song just flows out. Other times, I’ll have an idea for months before it finally clicks,” he shared.

When asked about what comes next, Chance’s outlook is grounded and genuine.

“I don’t have concrete goals anymore,” he said. “I just want to make music that feels authentic to me. I don’t need to chase trends — I just want to look back one day and say, ‘You did that on your own terms.’”

(This report includes information from China Daily)