We are two months into the New Year and it’s time to look at budding new artists who could conquer the music scene in 2015. Our prediction: Tori Kelly. The beautiful 22-year-old singer and songwriter with ridiculously amazing blonde curly hair (seriously, it’s gorgeous) combines her relatable lyrics with her soulful and powerful voice to create music perfection.
Okay, so Kelly isn’t technically a new music artist. Kelly started posting videos on YouTube at age 14 and auditioned for season 9 of American Idol, but she was cut before Top 24. Simon Cowell needs to stop making mistakes: first Jennifer Hudson, and then Tori Kelly? Come on, Simon.
Her career began to take off in 2013 when she signed to Capital Records. I was actually able to see Kelly in concert when she opened for Walk the Moon and The Wanted at the 2012 MTV2 VMA Pre-Party. I wish I would have appreciated that moment more, but I remember immediately buying her songs as soon as I got home. That’s the kind of effect her music has on you.
Some of her most successful songs are “Dear No One” and “Paper Hearts,” both off of her 2013 EP titled Foreword. “Dear No One” is a relatable love song about a girl who wants love, but she decides to let love come to her instead of constantly searching for it. “Paper Hearts” is a heartbreaking ballad about remembering all the good moments of a relationship after the breakup.
On February 8, 2015, Tori Kelly released her brand new song, “Nobody Love” from her upcoming debut album. While this song has more production behind it and more of a pop sound, it still has Kelly’s signature powerful lyric and vocal combination.
To accompany her amazing voice, Tori Kelly also has a super likeable personality. She hosts listening parties on YouTube with her fans, showcasing her down-to-earth personality. Her quirkiness also emerges during her performances (she sometimes raps during her songs!).
If you are not convinced by now how insanely talented Tori Kelly is, then visit her YouTube channel for more music videos featuring covers and original music. Seriously, listen to her! You will not regret it.
*Images from: http://atrl.net/forums/showthread.php?t=748708, https://popzineonline.wordpress.com/tag/walk-the-moon/ and https://twitter.com/ToriKelly