EXCLUSIVE VID: #WayBackWednesdayWisdom with Johnny Orlando

“You don’t need a pound of makeup to be beautiful”

It’s crazy to see how far Johnny has come since he first met him back in 2016. Let’s take a look back at our exclusive cover story, which first went live in June of 2016. Check it out!

He’s only 13 years old, but Toronto native Johnny Orlando has been making music since he was just eight. And back when he posted his first YouTube video, he had no idea that it would eventually become a professional career.

“People ask me, ‘What were you going for when you started?’” he says. “I wasn’t really going for anything. I’ve just always loved listening to music and I did it as a hobby.” 

Johnny credits his family, particularly his older sister, Darian, for being so supportive and helping him with his music. “She was always super nice to me,” he says. “I was eight and she was 13. She did the filming, editing, and uploading. What 13-year-old sister helps their 8-year-old brother with their hobby?” 

It didn’t take long for it to become way more than a hobby. Johnny amassed a huge following: He’s got over 800,000 subscribers and his videos have racked up close to 200 million views. And in addition to being an incredibly talented singer and dancer, he’s one of the kindest and most humble guys in the world. When he talks about his fans, Johnny’s face fills with joy. “Supporters will always have a large piece of my heart,” he says. “Whenever I meet a fan, it turns my whole day around because it’s the coolest thing ever.”

On June 17, Johnny will release his new single, “Let Go,” which he describes as his favorite song he’s ever recorded. “We’re just doing what we love and having fun while doing it,” he smiles.

Next month, he’ll hit the road on the Boys of Summer tour, and share his inspirational message with fans. “You are what makes you beautiful,” he says. “It doesn’t take a pound of makeup to be beautiful, it doesn’t take fancy clothes to be beautiful. Just remember that you’re so beautiful right now.”

Photos by Joe Magnani

Story & Video by Colleen Broomall

Styling by Robiat Balogun