DeGeneres has become something of a talent scout for young kids, discovering pint-size performers from YouTube and helping their charms go viral by bringing them on her daytime talk show.
The latest was “India’s Got Talent” contestant Akshat Singh, an 8-year-old dancer out to prove that chubby people have moves, too. His first appearance on “Ellen” last Monday had him performing Bollywood choreography in an Indian police outfit and riding a toy motorcycle.
Here are six other cute kids who have gained star status on “Ellen.”
Greyson Chance
Greyson Chance wowed DeGeneres with his cover of Lady Gaga’s “Papaparazzi” back in 2010 — so much so that the host started her own record label just so she could sign him as an artist. His first appearance on the show has nearly 6.9 million views to date on YouTube.
Sophia Grace Brownlee and Rosie McClelland
British kids Sophia Grace, 8, and her cousin Rosie, 5, went viral for their princess-costumed rendition of Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” in 2011 (YouTube views: 22.8 million). The duo have since become regulars on “Ellen,” with precocious red-carpet coverage from events like the Grammys and their celebrity interview segment “Tea Time.” They now have a development deal at NBC for a prime-time comedy, produced by DeGeneres.
Marshall Kimber
Bow-tie-clad solar system expert Marshall Kimber, 5, appeared on the show last September and again in November to show off his adorable planet knowledge.
Heaven King
Heaven King learned to mimic the Beyoncé choreography of her dance-teacher mom at the tender age of 3. She’s appeared on the show three times since last October, with DeGeneres even arranging for the tiny dancer to meet Queen Bey herself.
Elias Phoenix
Elias Phoenix, a 7-year-old piano prodigy who has played Carnegie Hall, appeared on the show last January and may have wowed the audience even more with his larger-than-life personality than his musical skill.