Christina Grimmie, a rising singing star who gained fame as a YouTube sensation and a contestant on television's The Voice, was shot dead while signing autographs for fans after a concert in Orlando, police said on Saturday.

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The suspected attacker died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police believe he travelled to the Florida city specifically to carry out the shooting, authorities said.

Investigators are still trying to determine a motive for Friday night's shooting, Orlando Police Chief John Mine said at a news conference.

Grimmie, 22, was signing autographs for fans inside the Plaza Live music venue just before 10.30 p.m. on Friday after performing as the opening act for the band Before You Exit, police said.

A man, whom police have not yet identified, approached Grimmie with two guns and opened fire before Grimmie's brother Marcus tackled him, an act that Mine said probably saved lives.

The suspect shot himself and died after being tackled, police said. Grimmie was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and died from her injuries early on Saturday morning.

A New Jersey native, Grimmie first drew attention several years ago for her YouTube videos featuring covers of pop songs. In 2014, she placed third on the The Voice, a singing competition on NBC, with Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine as her coach.