CJ Hedgepeth
USAChildhood and Early Life
Cheddick Hedgepeth, known for his striking resemblance to Russian pop star Philipp Kirkorov, was born on December 14, 1998, in Culpeper, Virginia. As the eldest of four sons born to Millisent Renee and Chad Hedgepeth, Chad inherited his artistic flair from both parents. His mother, a talented painter, runs a ceramics studio, while his father, a disc jockey known as C-Plus, instilled in him a passion for music.
Native American Roots and Education
Hedgepeth is a proud member of the Haliwa-Saponi Native American tribe of North Carolina. Despite his American citizenship, he feels a strong connection to his indigenous heritage. After graduating from Germanna Community College, he pursued a Master's degree in Speech Pathology at the University of Virginia.
He actively participates in several initiatives to support the Native American community. In 2023, he joined the Native & Indigenous Relations Community at his university and the National Stuttering Association's Youth Committee. Hedgepeth's childhood experiences with stuttering inspired his interest in the field.
Music
Music has always played an integral role in Hedgepeth's life. He began performing in high school and even designed the cover art for an album he planned to release. His early songs, such as "My Own Cobain" and "My Nightmare," were shared with his followers in 2019.
Over the years, Hedgepeth has released numerous singles, albums, and collaborations. His 2020 EP, "Indigo Red," and albums like "Summer In December," "Kinsley Street," and "Wonderful" have showcased his eclectic musical style. In 2023, he released "It's Alright," which featured 16 original tracks.
Personal Life
Hedgepeth is known for his sense of humor and his ability to playfully poke fun at both his resemblance to Kirkorov and his past modeling aspirations. He does not publicly share details about his personal life on social media.
Current Endeavors
In response to the popularity he gained in Russia through TikTok, Hedgepeth released a cover of Dana International's "Diva" (which Kirkorov also performed in Russian) and a track titled "The Dancer" in February and January 2024, respectively. Both songs have been well-received by his Russian audience.
