Virginia's Newest, Bestest Pop Star Roars: Sing It, Addy, Sing It!

A music video by Virginia's newest pop star is getting rave reviews, and not only for the singing that's showcased but also for the message it roars of hope, and promise and the zest for life brought to the screen by the artist, a pint-sized little girl currently standing 100-feet tall.

The video was released this month by Addy, who suitably has reached the one-name status of the pop star when not attending kindergarten at George Mason Elementary School in Alexandria.

Not bad for a 5-year-old girl.

Addy chose to cover the Katy Perry song, "ROAR," which she listened to while battling cancer and which Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic helped bring to life.

"Because it makes me feel brave," Addy explained in an e-mail to Patch. "Katy sounds really strong and loud when she sings it. She fought a tiger and won!  It's also very fun and bouncy. It makes me dance!"

I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire

'Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar!

Louder, louder than a lion

'Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar!

Addy's wish goes back to January of 2013, when severe stomach pains put her in the emergency room.

When the pains returned even stronger during a family vacation two months later, she was diagnosed, at age 4, with stage IV metastatic cancer. Her primary medical diagnosis was Wilms’ tumor, but the cancer had already spread to her lungs.

Through bouts of chemotherapy, a girl Addy's age did what a girl Addy's age does, dreaming of being a purple-haired rock star. Make-A-Wish got involved.

"This wish gave Addy a focal point throughout her recovery," said her mother, Stacey. "It was a great distraction for her while she was undergoing treatment. One of her last chemotherapy appointments was very rough.  Her first Wish meeting was that week, but chemotherapy was hitting her very hard. Addy tried so hard to stay out of the hospital and healthy for her wish meeting. 

"This wish was something to strive for, to think about and an amazing way to celebrate being healthy."

And healthy she is. As she was belting out her song, Addy's cancer screening showed her clear of the monster disease.

More than 500,000 people have seen Addy roar so far, and her mother hopes that inspires other kids, and adults, face their own challenges.

"Addy would like to tell other kids, still fighting to 'be brave,' her mother says. "Like most kids, she smiled and played through an experience that no child should have to endure.  She wants everyone to know, "wishes do come true. Even if your wish is to just be healthy again.  Pop star or not, cherish every moment."

You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)

Already brushing off the dust

You hear my voice, you hear that sound

Like thunder gonna shake the ground

You held me down, but I got up (HEY!)

Get ready 'cause I’ve had enough

I see it all, I see it now