In 2017, a then-11-year-old Luke Chacko stepped onstage at Idina Menzels Dallas concert and belted out Frozens Let It Go with fearless charm. What started as a spontaneous invitation quickly became a viral sensation, earning Luke a spot on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and a flood of media attention.Gayety was actually the news outlet that made me go mega viral, Luke remembers. I always knew what I was meant to do in life so when I started going viral I was so excited. It was my confirmation of my dreams.Now 19, Luke is no longer just the kid who wowed a Broadway legend, hes a performer, songwriter, and visionary artist carving out a path on his own terms. In this exclusive Q&A, Luke opens up about that viral night, the lessons of early fame, his Texas roots, and the music that defines who he is today.The Viral Moment That Started It AllWhen asked about the night Menzel pulled him onstage, Luke vividly recalls the chaos and magic.I remember running to the stage as soon as she called the kids up and I found myself sitting in the corner right behind a curtain actually, very hidden away, he says. I didnt think Idina was going to even start talking to me, but as soon she did, thats when everything got sort of blurry. I knew this wasnt just a once in a lifetime opportunity, it was my moment to shine, so I knew I had to do my best high note.The sudden spotlight opened doors everywhere, from Today and GMA to Broadway and Americas Got Talent. But even as a kid, Luke says he knew exactly what he wanted: It was a struggle to choose the correct opportunitybut I knew what I wanted to do.Learning From Early FameAppearing on Ellen came next, though Luke remembers the experience more like a dream.I can only remember taking a Snapchat picture right before running out, looking at Twitch while singing Let It Go, and then the business conversation in the dressing room, he says. The Ellen team wanted to sign me under their company, but my parents vetoed that decision due to the contract negotiation.Looking back now, Luke says hes grateful for that balance between visibility and privacy. I am blessed to have had an opportunity of fame at such a young age, while still being able to be a kid. My young virality taught me the importance of being a good businessman and unique artist. It taught me that I can do anything and everything is possible.Growing Into His Own SoundToday, Luke is shaping a career rooted in bold music and performance. His early ignorance of genres gave way to exploration.At a young age, all I knew was Pop stardom but there are so many ways to be a star, and theres not many ways to be a legend, he says. People dont know they need you until you show them why they do.Fort Worth, Texas has also played an unlikely role in that growth. In the beginning, performing in Fort Worth felt like a curse. I always thought this town wasnt serving my dreams, he says. The more opportunities I got, the more I realized Fort Worth actually has so many niche communities. This is when I discovered the Fort Worth drag scene and was quickly adopted by my drag mother, Sapphire E-laine Tailar. The scene is a community of family that sticks together always.Drag artistry, Luke adds, continues to inspire his stage persona: Drag Queens are some of the greatest performers ever but its also so unserious. I love the irony of this performance style. The stage is my opportunity to show my artistic side in a different way with music. I get to become the most realized version of Luke.The Music: Personal, Raw, and Dance-DrivenLukes recent projects, a manifestation of truth and S of E of X, reveal his evolution as a songwriter.Manifestation was a deep and personal project for me. It was dedicated to my mother, my sister, and my brother after leaving a house of abuse. I was also going through a breakup after being cheated on, he says. S of E of X is a record about every definition of sex. Sex is Gender, Sex is intimate, Sex is Queer, Sex is Personal. It was my chance to be an example of the masculine, while advocating for the feminine.Dance music, he explains, has become both healing and liberating. Unfortunately, last year I was sexually assaulted and while it was a really big moment for me, I did not want my body, freedom, and artistry to become compromised. The best ways for me to cope were going to dance clubs alone, sober. Being in control of my body on the dance floor was the most empowering feeling. Dance music is a savior in my life.Looking AheadLukes recent live performances highlight a renewed focus on presence and vision. In my opinion, my performance is really what influences people the most. I completely flip a switch when I am on stage, and suddenly people feel like theyre witnessing history.As for being remembered for that viral video, Luke embraces it without letting it define him. Every year since 2017, that video has gone viral at least once. I love it! Its not who I am at all anymore, but that kid created who I am today. I am forever proud of the balls I had to perform Idinas song to her sold-out crowd of 5000 people.And if Menzel were to attend one of his shows now? Luke already has the perfect pick: I would love Idina to hear a song I wrote called I Forgive You. Its unreleased, but its so melodically complex and has this beautiful Broadway ballad feel. I think she would be so proud of me.Big things are coming next: an album deal, new music across genres, and the hope of a tour. For Luke, its just the beginning.Little 11-year-old Luke Chacko, thank you for having the integrity and strength to always do what you love, he reflects. I am so proud of you and I am so glad we went on this journey together. Keep your head high and heart big. Always be ready to share your joy with the world.Source