In March of this year, MormonMusic.org introduced 3-year-old Claire Ryann Crosby from Utah to our audience when we featured the video of her singing one of her favorite hymns, Gethsemane by Roger and Melanie Hoffman. Her beautiful rendition of the song exemplifies the pure, sweet, tender testimony of the Savior coming from the heart of an innocent child. As of mid-May 2016, her YouTube video has garnered over 2.6 million views.
However, Claire had become a favorite of listeners and a YouTube sensation a few months before her Easter video release. Her father, Dave Crosby, who writes music for commercials and movies, recounted to KSL.com, “A few months ago, I was paying for an oil change, and when I turned around [Claire] was singing Little Mermaid in the lobby while everyone had their phones out recording her.” On 9 January 2016, her video of “Part of Your World” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid was published on YouTube and went viral. Thus far the video has been viewed over 9 million times. She currently has 16,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel with over 12 million views of her videos.
Not only is Claire a success on YouTube but her love for singing and her ability to memorize Disney songs has opened the door for her to star in the new “A Little Mermaid” movie with renowned actress Shirley MacLaine.
Unbeknown to her father when he had the inspiration to record Claire singing an almost flawless rendition of The Little Mermaid’s “Part of Your World,” the video caught the attention of a casting director of the 2017 scheduled release of A Little Mermaid. That resulted in Claire landing the role of Shirley MacLaine’s granddaughter in the movie along with Lexy Kolker. The film, based on Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tale, stars Shirley MacLaine, Poppy Drayton, and Loreto Peralta and is produced by MVP Studios.
On 12 May 2016, the following announcement appeared on Claire’s Facebook page:
FUN NEWS! Claire’s Little Mermaid music video caught the eye of a casting director early this year. She has officially joined the cast of the upcoming film “A Little Mermaid” which will come out in 2017. Claire plays Shirley MacLaine’s granddaughter, along with the adorable Lexy Kolker.
We weren’t surprised she LOVED acting on set and making lots of new friends in the process. It was an incredible experience for our littlest mermaid to work alongside Shirley MacLaine!
There is no doubt that this adorable little girl will be winning the hearts of people for many years to come. She has a unique aura about her that captivates people. Her sweet smile and charming disposition almost remind you of a young Shirley Temple.
MormonMusic.org looks forward to featuring more news about and music videos by Claire Ryann as her career progresses – and progress it most definitely will.
What an adorable child and awesome family! She, like all children are so pure and innocent and shows how a child’s talent can thrive when there are parents who give their children time, and love to grow. Thanks for sharing
I love this little girl shes so talented at her young age amazing have a nice voice love it
Claire is such a joy. She glows when she sings. She has captured my heart. The Ryann family videos online are well worth watching over and over again.
Claire you are certainly on your way to becoming a huge star. Your voice, acting , all natural i can tell .You are incredible 🙂 Such amazing talent 🙂
yes she is i can agree with you 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 😉 xD
she is so cute i love her
she is so cute 🙂
I just adore her! When I was about 5-6 years old I would go in my bedroom and record myself singing Disney songs, Carol King and Karen Carpenter. When I would come out of my room my Dad would be sitting in the living room and he would say you sound really good and I would be so embarrassed. I know I was good but I never knew what to do about it. I was in school plays and musicals. I had parts in the local playhouse, I never had anyone that would encourage me.As I got older I was asked to sing at parties and karaoke clubs. Keep going Claire as long as you love it!!!