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Trevor Moran: YouTube star grows into pop singer – Metro US

Trevor Moran: YouTube star grows into pop singer

trevor moran studio Trevor Moran is ready to tackle the music industry with his new single “Someone.”
Credit: Trevor Moran

Trevor Moran may not be a household name yet, but the young singer is on his way up. The 15-year-old first started gaining attention when he posted goofy videos of himself at an Apple store, dancing like no one was watching. But someone was watching — in fact, millions of people have watched Trevor’s wild videos, which he started making in 2009.

Moran has grown up a lot since his first Apple store video, which he shot during a family trip to New York City. “There were so many people and I was like, ‘Let’s see what I can do to embarrass myself,’ and that’s pretty much what I did,” laughed Moran. “I danced around.” The video sparked a string of imitators shaking their butts in Apple stores all over the country. “I basically did the Apple store tour,” he said.

Though Moran received plenty of pageviews for his funny, over-the-top videos, his star really began to shine after he impressed judges on “The X-Factor” with a rendition of LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It.” The Temecula, Calif., YouTube star exuded self-confidence during his audition, but he said his appearances belied his true feelings. “I was so nervous,” he said. “I’ve never been nervous before so I was like what is this feeling?” Moran even passed out after drinking a 5-Hour Energy beverage on an empty stomach — right before his audition.

He’s learned his lesson (“No more 5-Hour Energy for me”) and released a single called “Someone” in September. The song debuted on Ryan Seacrest’s website. Moran said after his “X-Factor” experience last year, he knew he wanted to dive into performing professionally. Since then, he’s been traveling around the country to sing at pop concerts — all while attending school. On Sunday, he performed in New York City alongside pop stars IM5 and Coco Jones. Though touring is tiring, Moran said it’s the most exciting part of his job — that, and meeting his celebrity crush, Miley Cyrus. “I saw her backstage at the I Heart Radio music festival and I was like, ‘Hi! Do you want to stick your tongue out for a picture?'” he said.

trevor moran miley cyrus YouTube sensation and pop singer Trevor Moran posed with Miley Cyrus.
Credit: Trevor Moran

Moran doesn’t have a girlfriend; he probably doesn’t have time for one, considering his jam-packed schedule. He is recording an EP and still puts out videos on his YouTube channel, by himself and with other members of O2L. Moran met fellow YouTube stars Connor Franta, Ricky Dillon, Sam Pottorff, J.C. Caylen and Kian Lawley last year at VidCon, and the six of them became fast friends and decided to form a team. They alternate posting videos on YouTube based on the day of the week. “Friday is my day — I can’t do anything on Friday,” said Moran. “The six of us think up the theme together, but my mom and I will brainstorm in the car. My mom is definitely a big help to me, always.” Themes include pranks or listicles like Annoying Things Parents Do.

Though Moran spends a lot of time on his funny videos with his buddies, his real passion is music and singing. He described the moment his single debuted on iTunes. “That whole night, I watched it go up on the charts,” he said. “I didn’t go to sleep. I had so much homework that morning but I was still like, I have to check the charts.” Moran said he hopes to be like his idols Lady Gaga or Justin Timberlake one day.

The music video for his single “Someone” debuts tomorrow.

Follow Andrea Park on Twitter: @andreapark