Tori Kelly
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Biography
Tori Kelly is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who gained recognition on YouTube before appearing on American Idol in 2010.
After independently releasing her debut EP, Handmade Songs (2012), she signed with Capitol Records and released Foreword (2013), which reached the Billboard 200’s top 20.
Her breakthrough came with Unbreakable Smile (2015), which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and featured hits like "Nobody Love" and "Should've Been Us." In 2018, she released Hiding Place, winning two Grammy Awards for Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Performance/Song. She followed with Inspired by True Events (2019), A Tori Kelly Christmas (2020), and Tori (2024) under Epic Records.
Beyond music, Kelly voices Meena in the Sing franchise and competed on The Masked Singer. She has won multiple awards, including three Grammys, a BET Award, and two Billboard Music Awards.
Born in Wildomar, California, Kelly was raised on diverse musical influences and identifies as a Christian, though she does not categorize herself within Christian music. Before her breakthrough, she appeared on Star Search, won America’s Most Talented Kids, and signed a brief deal with Geffen Records before parting ways.
Despite falling short on American Idol, she built a strong YouTube following, mastering guitar and songwriting, which set the stage for her successful career.