Fans and peers remember slain ‘Voice’ contestant Christina Grimmie

As news spread that Christina Grimmie, a former contestant on NBC’s music competition show “The Voice,” had been shot and killed after a concert in Orlando, Fla., fans, colleagues and “The Voice” judges started posting tributes to the young singer.

Grimmie, who was a finalist on the “The Voice” in 2014 and placed third, had just concluded a concert at the Plaza Live theater and was signing autographs outside when she was shot by an as-yet unnamed assailant. According to authorities, the shooter then turned the gun on himself.

News of the attack spread across social media Friday night, and within hours “The Voice” personalities began offering condolences.

Grimmie, who was 22, appeared on Season 6 of “The Voice,” and so impressed her mentor on the show, Adam Levine, that he signed her to his 222 Records imprint. She had yet to release her debut album but had earned enough praise for her performances that fellow “Voice” mentors Lil Wayne and Justin Bieber also expressed interest in her career.

Speaking on “The Today Show” on Saturday morning, “The Voice” host Carson Daly offered somber, emotional thoughts on Grimmie’s life and death.

“I think we’re all still in shock. We’re all saddened by the news of Christina, who was just an incredible talent, and incredible person,” said Daly. “It’s just so sad. So young.”

The host, whose job put him near Grimmie as she listened to the musical superstars assess her performances, added, “People say the phrase a lot — ‘So-and-so was a nice person.’ Christina really was. She was special. She would walk in a room and have an infectious laugh. She was determined; she was confident. But she was so incredibly sweet.”

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Describing her future as “shining bright,” Carson said, “You would never forget meeting her. I’m shocked she didn’t actually win Season 6.”

Singer and “The Voice” mentor Christina Aguilera wrote on Twitter, “So sad passing of @TheRealGrimmie. Beautiful member of #TheVoice family & true #Fighter. My heart goes out to her family, friends & fans. xo.”

After country star Blake Shelton learned about the shooting, he took to Twitter with a series of tweets expressing confusion, first writing, “Just hearing about this. Is this all true? Anybody know how she’s doing?” As the moments passed, Shelton wrote that he was praying for Grimmie and acknowledged that he “can’t believe this.”

Shelton, upon finally hearing confirmation of Grimmie’s death, then offered condolences. “I’m stunned and disgusted and heartbroken that we lost that sweet little girl... Keeping @therealgrimmie family in my heart and mind.”

randall.roberts@latimes.com