The New Now

Eight-Year-Old Gospel Singer Takes On Mariah Carey And Elvis Presley Christmas Classics

By | The New Now – Mon, Nov 29, 2010 1:19 PM EST

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Eight-year-old gospel singer Rhema Marvanne has accumulatedmillions of online video streams for her covers of "Amazing Grace" and the"The Star-Spangled Banner." She's become a media favorite, appearing on "The Maury Povich Show," recently performing the national anthem at the Dallas Cowboys stadium, and taping an interview to airon "20/20" in December.

The petite powerhouse is now racking up video plays for herrenditions of holiday songs. Marvanne's take on Mariah Carey's "All I Want ForChristmas Is You" has received nearly a half a million plays, while herperformance of Elvis Presley's "Blue Christmas" has won close to 150,000 clicks. Thesongs appear on Marvanne's "All Seasons" album.

[Video: 10-year-old opera phenom performs on 'America's Got Talent'] 

Marvanne's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" follows Carey'svocal lead, and the Carrollton, Texas native impressively takes on the "We BelongTogether" diva's sophisticated runs. In the video, the talented starlet dedicates the song toher dad as she dances, dressed in Christmas outfits andpajamas, in an ornately decorated house. Carey's original debuted on thesinger's 1994 "Merry Christmas" album, which has sold more than 5 million copiesin the United States.

 

Marvanne showcases her country chops on "Blue Christmas."With her twangy vocal styling, Hawaiian ukulele, and bluesy saxophone and pianonotes, Marvanne channels Presley's 1957 rock 'n' roll classic. Marvanne's "BlueChristmas" is a tribute to her mother, Wendi Marvanne, who succumbed to ovariancancer in 2008. Wendi was also a gospel singer, and watching her inspired Rhema to start singing.

 

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Marvanne's "All Seasons" also features "Silent Night," "The FirstNoel," "The Lord's Prayer," and long and short versions of "Amazing Grace" with an orchestra.

What's next for Marvanne? This past summer, she filmed a choir scene for nextsummer's "Machine Gun Preacher," starring Gerald Butler.

 

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