Who is the Corn Kid?
Tariq, affectionately dubbed “The Corn Kid,” captured the hearts of internet users worldwide with his unwavering adoration for corn. The 7-year-old skyrocketed to fame after his endearing appearance on the YouTube interview series, “Recess Therapy,” hosted by comedian Julian Shapiro-Barnum, where children are interviewed on playgrounds about various topics.
During Tariq’s segment, when asked about his favorite food, he gleefully declared, “For me, I really like corn.” With infectious enthusiasm, he savored a grilled corn on a stick, exclaiming sentiments like, “I can’t imagine a more lovely thing – it’s corn!” and “Ever since I was taught that corn was real, it tasted nice.”
The video swiftly gained viral traction upon its online debut, amassing over 5 million views on YouTube. It even spurred the creation of a song titled “It’s Corn” by the musical duo Gregory Brothers, renowned for crafting viral tunes based on internet phenomena. This catchy anthem has been featured in over 645,000 TikTok videos, further propelling Tariq’s popularity on the platform, where he has garnered a sizable fan base.
How much is the Corn Kid net worth?
Determining the net worth of the Corn Kid proves challenging given his status as a child without formal income sources. Nonetheless, reports suggest he has accrued earnings from his viral fame.
One avenue of income is through Cameo, where Tariq, under the moniker “Corn Kid,” offers personalized video messages to fans for a fee. Reports from Romper indicate his rates range from $145 to $400, as noted by AfroTech, with a starting rate of $200 per video.
Additionally, revenue from the song “It’s Corn,” available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, provides another stream of income. According to NGNews247, proceeds from the song’s streaming are divided, with half allocated to the Gregory Brothers and the remainder to Tariq and his family.
Furthermore, Tariq has earned from appearances such as his stint on The Drew Barrymore Show, where he sampled corn-flavored foods with host Drew Barrymore. While specifics regarding his compensation for this appearance remain undisclosed, reports from Yahoo News mention a gift basket of corn products from Barrymore.
Considering these revenue streams, the estimated net worth of the Corn Kid ranges between $300,000 to $17 million. However, this figure remains speculative and subject to variation.
What is next for the Corn Kid?
The Corn Kid has transcended mere internet stardom to become an official ambassador for corn. During his family’s visit to South Dakota, he met with Governor Kristi Noem, who bestowed upon him the esteemed title of the state’s official “Corn-bassador.” In recognition of his impact, September 3 was proclaimed “Official Corn-bassador Tariq Day” in his honor.
As reported by People magazine, Tariq’s viral fame has opened doors to new opportunities for him and his family. His mother, Jessica, shared that they’ve received offers from various brands and media outlets seeking collaboration. Additionally, they are contemplating launching a YouTube channel dedicated to Tariq’s endeavors.
Expressing his desire to perpetuate his love for corn and spread joy, Tariq revealed aspirations of becoming an actor in adulthood. His dream roles include portraying iconic characters like Spider-Man or Black Panther.
The Corn Kid’s infectious enthusiasm and genuine innocence have endeared him to millions worldwide. Through his journey, he’s illuminated the profound impact corn can have beyond mere sustenance—it serves as a wellspring of joy and inspiration. Tariq’s story underscores the notion that with unwavering passion and perseverance, anyone can realize their dreams. Indeed, he epitomizes the essence of a truly “corntastic” individual.
