Tori Kelly

Over 2.2M+ followers on spotify, Popular for pop, post-teen pop music genre.

Tori Kelly, born Victoria Loren Kelly on December 14, 1992, in Wildomar, California, emerged as one of the most distinct voices of her generation. Her multicultural heritage, with a Puerto Rican father and Irish-German mother, influenced her diverse musical tastes. Growing up in Southern California, Tori was imbued with the rich musical diversity of the region, which would later manifest in her eclectic sound. Her love for music began early; she recalls being mesmerized by gospel and R&B influences during her childhood, citing artists like Whitney Houston and Jeff Buckley as major influences. From the outset, Tori exhibited a profound musical talent, participating in various talent shows which honed her vocal and performance skills. Her parents supported her burgeoning musical pursuits, nurturing her ability to play instruments such as the guitar and drums. At age 12, Tori made her initial venture into the world of competitive music with an appearance on America's Most Talented Kids, marking the start of her professional journey. Despite her early burst into the limelight through talent shows, Tori’s rise wasn’t meteoric. Rejections and setbacks at talent competitions like American Idol taught her resilience. Yet, each experience fortified her determination to forge a path in music. While her American Idol journey ended prematurely in 2010, Tori leveraged the rejection as a springboard to explore other avenues, notably through social media, where she began posting covers on YouTube. Her vibrant performances quickly amassed a following, affirming her position as an upcoming star. Through her YouTube channel, she also began sharing original compositions, showcasing her unique voice and songwriting prowess.

Tori Kelly’s official entrance into the music industry was marked by her 2012 independent release, Handmade Songs By Tori Kelly, an EP that captured her soulful voice and storytelling abilities. The EP was not just a collection of songs; it was a declaration of her artistic ethos—authenticity and vocal prowess took center stage. Written, produced, and released solely by Tori, the project served as a testament to her talent and work ethic. Her big break came with the signing by Capitol Records and the release of her debut studio album, Unbreakable Smile, in 2015. The album was a commercial success, debuting at number two on the US Billboard 200. Singles like "Nobody Love" and "Should’ve Been Us" were chart-topping hits that demonstrated her ability to craft pop anthems with universal appeal. The album's success was a pivotal moment, solidifying her as a mainstream artist. Over the years, Tori Kelly’s musical style has evolved substantially. She effortlessly blends genres, including pop, R&B, gospel, and soul, creating a sound that is distinctly hers. Her sophomore album, Hiding Place, released in 2018, was a return to her gospel roots. The project not only showcased her spiritual depth but also her versatile musicality, earning her two Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Performance/Song. Tori's evolution continued with Inspired by True Events in 2019, an intimate collection of songs reflecting personal experiences and emotional narratives. Her ability to infuse personal stories into universally relatable music reveals her growth as a songwriter. Despite the challenges in the music industry, Tori Kelly remains a testament to the power of resilience and artistic authenticity, continuously evolving and exploring new musical landscapes.

Tori Kelly’s discography reflects her journey through various genres and artistic phases. Her first major work, Handmade Songs By Tori Kelly (2012), was a self-released project that laid the foundation for her career. Following the acclaim of this EP, she released several more major works: 1. **Unbreakable Smile (2015)**: This debut studio album marked her transition into mainstream success. Featuring a polished pop sound imbued with R&B influences, the album boasted chart-topping singles like "Nobody Love." The album was both a critical and commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200. 2. **Hiding Place (2018)**: A divergence from her previous pop-centric sound, this gospel album highlighted her roots and vocal prowess. Named after a line from the Bible, the album journeyed through gospel's rich traditions and earned her two Grammy Awards. 3. **Inspired by True Events (2019)**: This album marked a personal turn for Tori, reflecting on her own life and experiences. The songs, imbued with raw emotion and storytelling, further showcased her growth as an artist and a songwriter. 4. **A Tori Kelly Christmas (2020)**: Embracing the festive spirit, Tori released this holiday album which contained classic holiday songs along with original compositions. 5. **Solitude - EP (2020)**: Released during the global pandemic, this EP included covers and original songs, providing solace to listeners through Tori’s soothing voice. Tori Kelly’s ability to navigate different musical genres while maintaining authenticity and vocal excellence is evidenced by her diverse discography, each project offering a unique exploration of her artistry.

Tori Kelly's oeuvre is dotted with hits that have resonated with both the masses and critics. Her breakout single, "Nobody Love," was a chart success that showcased her soulful voice paired with a catchy pop hook. Released in 2015, the single hit the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly became a fan favorite and radio staple, cementing her presence in the pop music landscape. "Should’ve Been Us," another significant hit from her debut album Unbreakable Smile, further propelled her into the limelight. The song, with its emotional depth and catchy refrain, showcased her knack for delivering powerful vocal performances. Both singles contributed to the album's success, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, marking a major milestone in her career. In her gospel album Hiding Place, the track "Never Alone" featuring Kirk Franklin stood out, earning a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance/Song. This success in the gospel genre solidified Tori's versatility as an artist capable of navigating different musical arenas with ease. Further chart performances include her rendition of "Hallelujah," which captivated audiences with its solemnity and emotive power. Tori Kelly's ability to translate precise vocal execution into commercial success is a defining feature of her music career. With continued releases, her songs have achieved significant streaming numbers, reinforcing her position as a powerful force in contemporary music.