We have had a lot of kid singers on the show over the past 19
seasons.
But who could forget eight-year-old, Tione Johnson.
Here's what happened the first time I met Tione back in 2008
and what she's up to now.
So now you started singing when you were 4, right.
Yes
And you want to be a singer when you--
I want to be a singer, actress, and an artist.
And an artist.
I can really act.
One time, I got my mom with this fake cry.
And she actually fell for it.
Then she said, what's wrong.
And I said, got you!
And anything else that you want to do.
And I like to talk 24/7.
My mom says that I talk a lot.
And she also says that I can have my own talk show.
But my time will come and it hasn't come yet.
Her mom's in the audience.
Your daughter is absolutely.
You know you're just a little special one, don't you.
Yeah Oh yes, Ellen.
[MUSIC - ARETHA FRANKLIN, "RESPECT"]
(SINGING) What you want.
Baby, I got it.
What you need.
Do you know I got it.
All I'm asking is for a little respect when you get home.
Just a little bit.
Hey baby.
Just a little bit.
Bring it home.
Just a little bit.
Mister.
Just a little bit.
I ain't going do you wrong while you're gone.
I ain't going do you wrong because I don't want to.
All I'm asking is for a little respect when you get home.
Just a little bit.
Hey baby.
Just a little bit.
When you get home.
Just a little bit.
Yeah.
Just a little bit.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to me.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Take care, TCB.
Oh.
Sock it to me.
Sock it to me Sock it to me.
Sock it to me.
That's all I want.
All I need.
Just a little bit.
All I want.
Just a little bit.
Need.
Just a little bit.
A little respect.
Just a little bit.
Respect.
Just a little bit.
Just a little respect.
Just a little bit.
A little respect.
[AUDIENCE CLAPPING]
Where do you see yourself in 10 years, or 20 years, or--
I see myself in a very successful college.
Every kid should.
If you want to go to college, you
should be able to go to college.
And Sarah Lee, the makers of "soft and smooth bread"
are giving you a $10,000 towards college education.
So you're on your way there.
Got a big check. $10,000.
[SCREAMING]
Yes!
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Hi, Ellen.
It's me, Tione Johnson.
I'm 21 years old now.
The show gave me a lot of opportunities.
I was able to do movies and perform at different festivals.
Right now, I'm pursuing a computer science degree.
But I will be returning to acting.
Thank you, Ellen.
And congratulations on the final season.
And guess what, Ellen.
I still sing.
[MUSIC - ARETHA FRANKLIN, "RESPECT"]
(SINGING) R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to me.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Take care, TCB.
Oh.
I still got it.
Hi, Tione.
Thank you so much.
We'll be back.