This is the #TransformationTuesday that your week needs.
Tori Kelly knows better than anyone how much hard work and perseverance it takes to make it as a singer in the music industry. She’s been working towards her dream of being a musician since she was just a kid. She’s seen as one of the best vocalists around now, but things weren’t always so easy for her. Follow her transformation from a little girl with big dreams to performing at the Grammy’s in 5 videos!
Tori made her debut at age 10 as a contestant on the TV show Star Search. She competed in the junior singer division but eventually lost the title of Junior Champion to singer Tiffany Evans.
Two years later, Tori was a contestant on America’s Most Talented Kids. She competed against country singer Hunter Hayes with her rendition of “Keep on Singin’ My Song” by Christina Aguilera.
Tori signed with Geffen Records at age 14, but was later released by the label. Two years later, she auditioned for American Idol with “Gravity” by John Mayer. She made it to Hollywood, but not to the live shows.
After American Idol, Tori became more determined than ever. She learned to play guitar and write her own songs and started posting INCREDIBLE videos on YouTube of her performing several covers and original songs.
Her cover of “Thinking Bout You” by Frank Ocean with fellow YouTuber Angie Girl received millions of views and she released her first EP, Handmade Songs by Tori Kelly, shortly after.
After her EP, she was taken on by manager, Scooter Braun, who introduced her to the heads at Capitol Records.
Tori was reluctant to sign with the major label, but eventually relented and soon released her second EP, Foreward. The next year, MTV named her as one of their Artists to Watch.
2015 was Tori’s breakout year. She performed her hit, “Nobody Love”, at several major award shows, including the Billboard Music Awards, the Radio Disney Music Awards, and VMA’s. Her first album, Unbreakable Smile debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts.
The following February, Tori was recognized for her incredible year with a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. That night she also performed alongside fellow nominee, James Bay. The two performed a mash up of their songs “Let It Go” and “Hollow”.
Tori spent the rest of the 2016 touring the world and performing songs from her album, while also working on her second album which we can’t wait for!
Her story is proof that you should never give up on your dreams because with a lot of hard work, anything is possible!
