MANILA, Philippines – The online community celebrated the best among them at the 2016 VidCon, and it was only apt that they honor their fallen comrade, The Voice alumna and YouTuber Christina Grimmie.
The VlogBrothers Hank and John Green introduced a tribute montage (dated June 24), which featured several YouTubers and friends performing her song, "With Love." (WATCH: Christina Grimmie sings 'With Love' in PH)
"Her innovation and her generosity will affect this industry and this community forever, and I’m proud of that," said Hank.
"Her memory will always be with us, but a bunch of her friends reached out to us because they wanted to share a tribute that they were putting together for her memory."
The video had a mix of clips from her YouTube channel, zeldaxlove64, her stellar run on The Voice, and more.
As they mourned the tragic death of Christina, who was shot after her concert in Orlando last June 10, the creators at VidCon gave her a round of applause instead of a moment of silence. (READ: Christina Grimmie laid to rest)
"Traditionally, in moments like these, we take a minute of silence in our culture, and we encourage you to honor Christina's memory in whatever way you wish," said John.
"But she was a talented and innovative performer, and we would like to instead ask for a minute of applause for Christina," said Hank, as John continued, "for who she was and what she did."
"And for all of the gifts that she gave to us."
According to E! News, her brother Marcus Grimmie went up onstage after the montage played to say his own words for his late sister. (READ: Christina Grimmie's brother: 'She was a partner in life')
"I don't have anything to say, I don't have words still and it's a good and bad thing," he said. "All I'm going to say is thank God for the mark that she left on this world. Thanks mom and dad I know it's going to be really tough for us to move forward."
"All the rumors are true that when the gunman came… her arms were open. That’s how she treated everyone she knew, her arms were open for them. So thanks again for coming out you guys, and I love you Christina." – Rappler.com