8-Year-Old Belts Out Ed Sheeran Hit For Ellen, Has No Idea The Singer Is Right Behind Him

Sep 17, 2021 by apost team

"The Ellen DeGeneres Show" has featured a lot of heartwarming and special moments over the years. It's no secret that Ellen DeGeneres especially loves surprising people and guests of her show with gifts or sudden opportunities. On Valentine's Day back in 2017, DeGeneres had a very special guest: then 8-year-old child singer Kai Langer. The adorable youngster was there to showcase his talent by singing one of Ed Sheeran's great hits. Unbeknown to him, the famous pop star himself was on set and ready to surprise little Kai while he was belting out the song.

Kai Langer is an aspiring child star from Woodland, Texas, who first rose to fame after being featured on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" at the age of just four years old. His mother, Michelle Langer, had posted an adorable video on YouTube back in 2013, which showed the little tyke singing along to the Bruno Mars song "Grenade." Langer was seen dancing along to the music while singing along. His over-the-top moves and exaggerated acting during the song garnered him just as many fans as his adorable singing voice. The video quickly captured the hearts of millions, and shortly after that, Ellen DeGeneres asked young Langer to make an appearance on her show.

Once on the big screen, Langer quickly became a favorite with the audience with his cute sing-along acting and his generally adorable behavior. He had brought along a handmade card for DeGeneres, which he had decorated himself in bright colors. According to his own words, he had asked his dad to draw a heart and write down his words - and his father certainly took him literally. The card read:

"I'm excited to go to Ellen. You are the best Ellen in the whole world. I don't want any other Ellen."

Within seconds, the four-year-old had won over the studio audience and viewers worldwide.

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That moment in 2013 was only the first of several times Langer made an appearance on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." In 2014, he had appearances where he covered different pop artists. While Bruno Mars was certainly a favorite for the young singer, he also sang other hits of the time, including cute versions of Miley Cyrus "Wrecking Ball" and Katy Perry's "Roar." All appearances featured his characteristic hand gestures and acting as well as smart clothes, often in eye-catching colors or color combinations or including sparkling embellishments. 

In 2015, at age six, he was asked back for an update and to cover another current pop song. Once again dressed smartly with a matching hat to complete the outfit, Langer also captured hearts with his singing and accompanying acting. Additionally, the young singer met one of his favorite musicians while on the set of the show: Bruno Mars himself. The footage of the two of them singing one of Mars hits together is almost unbearably cute. The star also seemed to have a good time with his small fan. Langer's earnest and adorable nature was capable of capturing the hearts of famous singers as easily as those of the audience at home.

Langer was invited to the show several times over the following years, always appearing for another cover version of a hit or pop song. In 2016, he gave his own rendition of "Cake by the Ocean" by DNCE. Again the young singer was a huge hit with DeGeneres' audience every time he appeared on the show.

In 2017, Langer stopped by the studio to surprise Ellen with a handmade Valentine's Day card. Little did he know he was the one about to get the surprise of a lifetime.

The sweet card Langer made for Ellen was a list of everything he loved about the talk show host. He thought Ellen was beautiful. He called her his first girlfriend and told her he loved her. He also again proclaimed that he thought she was the "best ever!"

Ellen was clearly touched by the gesture, but that's not all the young star had in store for her. Langer also sang the Ed Sheeran hit "Thinking Out Loud." He sang his little heart out, and he even made adorable hand gestures to act out the lyrics. It's clear that this kid is going to be a heartbreaker when he grows up one day!

Near the end of his performance in this video, the audience starts screaming. Langer, who is concentrating so hard on singing that his eyes are closed, doesn't notice the reason for the commotion.

At first, it's unclear why the audience is applauding so wildly. Then Ed Sheeran himself strolls onto the stage from behind young Langer and into the focus of the camera.

The English singer and songwriter calmly takes a seat behind Kai and waits for him to finish singing. Sheeran is obviously delighted to see an 8-year-old sing one of his songs so passionately. He also can't help but grin while listening to Langer's heartfelt performance.

At the end of the song, Ellen tells Langer to turn around. Langer, who is usually incredibly outgoing, is stunned into silence. After the initial shock of seeing his idol standing in front of him, he manages to mumble "hi" to the international pop star. DeGeneres and the audience couldn't help but laugh at his charming reaction.

Ed Sheeran later took the stage again to perform "Shape of You," but not before Ellen surprised little Langer with an all-expense-paid trip to Manchester, England. It turns out music isn't Langer's only love; he's also a huge soccer fan.

Since his last appearance in 2017, Langer has not been back to "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." He has not disappeared from the face of the internet, however. His Instagram account gets regular updates and features candid pictures of his life while he grows up in Texas.

Quite a few feature his second love aside from singing, soccer. From soccer practice to soccer camp and a soccer themed birthday party, the now 12-year-old singer has grown into quite the athlete. Aside from Instagram, fans can keep up with the young Langer via his Facebook fan page.

What did you think of Langer's reaction when he realized Ed Sheeran was watching him perform? Don't forget to pass this along to your friends so they don't miss this adorable video!