Tori Kelly is a singer and songwriter with a big voice and an even bigger heart. But she wasn’t born a star. She worked hard, honed her talent, and found creative ways to share her music with the world.
Her journey to fame is a cool story about believing in yourself, using the internet to your advantage, and never giving up on your dreams. Let’s find out how Tori Kelly became the amazing artist she is today!
How Did Tori Kelly Get Famous: The YouTube Years
Tori Kelly’s journey started early. As a kid, she loved singing and appeared on “Star Search,” a popular talent show. Even though she didn’t win, Tori didn’t quit. Instead, she started posting videos of herself singing on YouTube. This was a smart move! YouTube was becoming a place where people could share their talents with the world, and Tori was one of the first artists to use it in this way.
Early Covers and Original Songs
At first, Tori mostly posted covers of popular songs. People loved her voice and her unique style. Her videos started getting tons of views, and she quickly gained a lot of subscribers. But Tori wasn’t just singing other people’s songs. She was also writing her own! She shared these original songs on YouTube, and fans really connected with her honest lyrics and catchy melodies.
“Thinkin’ ‘Bout You” Goes Viral
In 2011, Tori wrote and recorded a song called “Thinkin’ ‘Bout You.” She made a really cool music video to go with it, and it went viral! This was a big moment for Tori. “Thinkin’ ‘Bout You” showed everyone that she was more than just a girl with a guitar; she was a serious artist with the talent to write hit songs.
American Idol and Finding Her Way
In 2010, Tori Kelly auditioned for American Idol, a huge singing competition. She made it to Hollywood week but was eliminated before the top 24. This could have been a setback, but Tori kept going. She believed in herself and her music.
Independent Artist and EP Releases
After “American Idol,” Tori decided to take control of her own music. She became an independent artist, which meant she wasn’t signed to a big record label. She released two EPs (short albums) called “Handmade Songs By Tori Kelly” and “Foreword.” These albums showed how much she had grown as a songwriter and performer.
Signing with Capitol Records and Mainstream Success
Tori’s hard work and growing fanbase finally caught the attention of a major record label. In 2013, she signed with Capitol Records. This was a huge step towards becoming a mainstream star!
“Unbreakable Smile” and Grammy Nominations
In 2015, Tori released her first full-length album, “Unbreakable Smile.” The album was a hit! People loved her powerful vocals and the album’s mix of pop, R&B, and gospel influences. “Unbreakable Smile” reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart and earned Tori her first two Grammy nominations! She was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album.
Collaborations and Continued Growth
Since her breakout with “Unbreakable Smile,” Tori has continued to make amazing music. She has collaborated with other popular artists, like Ed Sheeran and Chris Lane. She has also released more albums, like “Hiding Place” (a gospel album) and “Inspired by True Events.” Tori has shown that she is a versatile artist who isn’t afraid to try new things.
Tori Kelly’s Musical Style and Influences
What makes Tori Kelly’s music so special? Here are some of the things that make her stand out:
- Powerful Vocals: Tori has an amazing vocal range and control. She can sing really high notes and soulful melodies with ease.
- Honest Songwriting: Tori’s songs often come from her own experiences. She writes about love, faith, and life’s challenges in a way that is relatable and real.
- Genre-Blending: Tori’s music is a mix of pop, R&B, and gospel. She isn’t afraid to experiment with different sounds and styles.
Artists Who Inspired Tori Kelly
Tori has mentioned several artists who have influenced her music, including:
| Artist | Influence |
|---|---|
| Lauryn Hill | Soulful vocals and honest songwriting |
| Jill Scott | Jazz and R&B influences |
| Maxwell | Smooth vocals and sophisticated melodies |
| Kirk Franklin | Gospel music and vocal arrangements |
Tori Kelly’s Impact and Legacy
Tori Kelly is more than just a talented singer; she is a role model for young artists. She has shown that with hard work, dedication, and a belief in yourself, you can achieve your dreams. She has also used her platform to support causes she cares about, like fighting against human trafficking.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Musicians
Tori Kelly’s journey has inspired many young people to pursue their own musical dreams. She has shown that you don’t have to follow a traditional path to success. By using social media and creating her own opportunities, she paved her own way.
Summary: How Tori Kelly Became a Music Star
Tori Kelly’s rise to fame is a story of talent, perseverance, and the power of the internet. From posting covers on YouTube to winning Grammys, she has shown that hard work and dedication can pay off.
Her unique blend of pop, R&B, and gospel, combined with her powerful vocals and honest songwriting, has earned her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. Tori Kelly’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring artists and a reminder that with passion and perseverance, you can achieve your goals.
FAQs
How old was Tori Kelly when she started singing?
Tori Kelly started singing at a very young age. She appeared on the television show “Star Search” when she was just 10 years old.
What was Tori Kelly’s first album?
Tori Kelly’s first full-length album was “Unbreakable Smile,” released in 2015. Before that, she released two EPs, “Handmade Songs By Tori Kelly” and “Foreword.”
Is Tori Kelly married?
Yes, Tori Kelly is married to André Murillo, a German-American basketball player. They were married in 2018.
Did Tori Kelly win a Grammy?
Yes, Tori Kelly has won two Grammy Awards. In 2019, she won Best Gospel Album for “Hiding Place” and Best Gospel Performance/Song for “Never Alone.”
What is Tori Kelly’s most popular song?
Tori Kelly has many popular songs, but some of her most well-known include “Nobody Love,” “Should’ve Been Us,” and “Hollow.” Her song “Thinkin’ ‘Bout You” was also very popular and helped her gain recognition early in her career.