Gilbert teen drummer charms crowd on ‘Jimmy Kimmel’ show

PHOENIX – A Gilbert teen whose exuberant drum performance during a halftime show at a high school football game went viral, added to his fame Tuesday with an appearance on late night national TV.

Dallen Johnston, of Highland High School, thumped the crowd into a cheering mass on the “Jimmy Kimmel Live” show. Video of the 15-year-old’s halftime enthusiasm during a recent football game sparked joy on the internet and caught the host’s attention, too.

Once onstage, Kimmel asked Johnston, “Are you aware that you’re the only good thing in America right now?”

The teen said, “I think your show’s pretty good, too!”

After their brief exchange, the 15-year-old got to play the drums alongside Cleo and the Cletones, Kimmel’s house band.

The internet approved.

I needed this today. Someone living their life just happy. Thank you!

— Amber Teresa (@alethridge1) October 2, 2019

Joyful performance! Thanks @jimmykimmel for inviting him on the show!

— NickyBe 🇨🇦 (@NickyCanadian) October 2, 2019

Thank you @jimmykimmel from all of us at Gilbert Public Schools! #connectcreatecare

— The Official Gilbert Public Schools District (@GPS_District) October 2, 2019

Thank you for this, @jimmykimmel. Your kindness shines as brightly as the joy this young man takes in his music.

— jerrifarris (@jerrifarris) October 2, 2019

That was great

— Robert Hernandez (@RobertH24751529) October 2, 2019

We all wish we felt this much joy! Good for him

— Jack (@jackinatx) October 1, 2019

Another simply read: “Wow.”

YouTube comments followed along the same line of appreciation.

“Now that actually put a smile on my face,” said one.

“We need more people like Dallen in this world.”

“That kid is giving me life.”

“He’s inspiring.”

All the accolades probably won’t get him out of doing homework, though.

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