Back in sixth grade, I was a huge Avril Lavigne fan. Ever since she sang "Sk8er Boi" and "Complicated," I was on board (... but not a skateboard, because I'm not that cool or coordinated). I couldn't pull off wearing ties and backwards caps either, but I admired Lavigne's bold attitude anyway. And guess what? Years later, she is still just as brave. Last April, Lavigne went through quite a health scare when she was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. But in typical Lavigne fashion, she's handling it like a champ. She's still recovering, but channeling that courage into her music. On Saturday, Avril Lavigne performed at the Special Olympics Opening Ceremony and the song's message resonated on multiple levels — with the athletes and Lavigne herself.
This performance was Lavigne's first time hitting the stage in more than a year, which in itself is impressive. In an Instagram afterward, the singer reflected on the experience:
Honored to have performed my song Fly at the opening ceremony for the Special Olympics tonight ... This was a very beautiful night for me. Congratulations to all the athletes ... It has been a difficult year fighting through Lyme Disease for me and I am so happy to have made it on stage tonight for the first performance in a year ... I wrote this song to encourage people who are facing challenges, to encourage strength and to empower. Xoxo
All proceeds from the song "Fly" will benefit the Special Olympics, and it's amazing to see the singer turn a negative situation into a positive. She not only highlights her own strength, but the strength of others. The song's music video features clips of Special Olympics athletes competing and it's incredibly uplifting.
During an appearance on Good Morning America, Lavigne spoke about "Fly" and the message behind it. She said,
I wanted the athletes to be the stars of the video and, just like the message of the song, to show the world that they can overcome the challenges and that everyone is meant to shine.
Props to Lavigne for fighting through her own struggle, but also not making it just about her. She's come a long way since her "Sk8er Boi" days, and while that music was awesome in its own right, this new anthem is beyond inspiring. Just a look at the lyrics ("If you ever feel like giving up / Remember we were all meant to fly") proves that. Even Demi Lovato applauded the singer's strength.
Watch Lavigne's full Special Olympics performance below:
Wishing Lavigne all the best on her continued road to recovery. Without a doubt, she will continue to shine, no matter what life throws her way.
