Victoria Loren Kelly (born December 14, 1992) was born in Wildomar, California, United States. She is an American singer and songwriter. She is professionally known as Tori Kelly. Her journey to stardom began with the humble yet powerful platform of YouTube, where her soulful performances as a teenager captivated audiences worldwide. It was her raw talent that propelled her to the spotlight, catching the attention of industry insiders and earning her a coveted spot on the ninth season of American Idol in 2010, where she advanced to Hollywood week.
Embracing her independence, Kelly took charge of her musical destiny by self-producing her debut EP, "Handmade Songs," which she released in 2012 to critical acclaim. This marked the inception of her unique sound and authentic storytelling.
The trajectory of her career shifted significantly in 2013 when she inked a deal with Capitol Records, under the management of Scooter Braun. This partnership led to the release of her second EP, "Foreword," signaling her transition into the mainstream music scene. Her debut studio album, "Unbreakable Smile" (2015), soared to number two on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States, propelled by the success of its lead single, "Nobody Love," which made waves on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Kelly's artistic prowess garnered widespread recognition, earning her a nomination for Best New Artist at the prestigious 58th Grammy Awards. Beyond music, she showcased her versatile talents by lending her voice to the character of Meena in the animated blockbuster "Sing" (2016) and its sequel "Sing 2" (2021), enriching her portfolio with multifaceted achievements.
In 2018, Kelly unveiled her second studio album, "Hiding Place," which not only charted at number 35 on the Billboard 200 but also clinched two Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Performance/Song, affirming her versatility across genres.
Transitioning seamlessly between genres, Kelly embarked on a new chapter in her musical odyssey, drawing inspiration from the soulful rhythms of R&B and hip-hop from the '90s and mid-2000s. Her evolution was evident in the release of "Missin U" in March 2023, a nostalgic homage to the iconic sounds of Destiny's Child, Aaliyah, Missy Elliot, and TLC.
Continuing to push artistic boundaries, Kelly unveiled her fourth EP, "Tori," in July 2023, showcasing her dynamic range and lyrical prowess. This was swiftly followed by her fifth full-length project, "Tori." in April 2024, where she embraced the Y2K-inspired soundscape with unabashed creativity. The album's third single, "High Water," released in February 2024, further solidified her status as a trailblazing force in the music industry.
