Cody Simpson on Justin Bieber-like path
Teen heartthrob Cody Simpson's quick rise to fame is prompting comparisons to Justin Beiber.
The 14-year-old Aussie pop sensation started his career by posting videos on YouTube. Before he knew it, Cody had signed a deal with Atlantic Records and moved to the U.S.
He was on his way.
Cody's YouTube channel, active since August 2008, has more than 56 million views.
His first digital single, "iYiYi," was released in May 2010 and was followed quickly by a string of digital musical hits, the EP "4 U", and a series of tours across the U.S.
A winner of the "2010 Breakthrough Internet Sensation" award in Los Angeles, Fresh Aussie Musos Award, and with a nomination for the Hollywood Teen TV Awards, Cody has - in little
more than two years - attracted an enormous fan base.
His debut album will be released at the end of summer, and his new single, "On My Mind," is already a top 10 hit at Radio Disney.
Cody recently wrapped up a national co-headline tour with Greyson Chance.
The rising star was featured in "The Second Cup Cafe" on "The Early Show on Saturday Morning," performing "On My Mind" and "iYiYi."
Cody performed at this year's White House Easter Egg Roll and met President Obama and the first family
As a kid growing up on Australia's sun-drenched Gold Coast, Cody says, he became fascinated with music's power to bring people together. He also loves to surf and swim.
Cody began playing guitar and taking lessons at seven years old and, by age 12, was posting YouTube videos of himself performing covers of songs by artists who inspired him, including Justin Timberlake, Jason Mraz, and Michael Jackson.
For more on Cody, visit his official website.