It's always a good sign when a US artist can sell out their debut headline show in the UK within one day. It is an especially good sign when the artist isn't even signed to a major label, but that is just what has happened in the case of TORI KELLY.
At only 20 years old, she has already had an interesting career but without the mainstream success of others. Having won TV Talent show 'America's Most Talented Kids' in her early teens, TORI was soon signed to Geffen records but was dropped before and album was even released. She even auditioned for American Idol where she (despite getting a 'no' from SIMON COWELL) she made it through to the final 24 but failed to go any further.
After this she took to posting her music on YouTube and it was there that she was spotted by Scooter Braun, who also serves as manager for a certain JUSTIN BIEBER, who took control of her career. With growing success in America, it was time to take her music International.
And so to London.....
Having announced earlier in the day via Twitter that she would be there for a meet & greet when doors opened at 7pm, it seemed that nearly all of the approximately 350 lucky people that had managed to get their hands on a ticket had arrived early just to have their chance of a moment with the internet singing sensation.
The audience also included many of her peers from the UK music scene. Among those in attendance at this unique event included CONOR MAYNARD, The WANTED's MAX GEORGE, BLUEY ROBINSON & MIKE HOUGH who all made it along to West London's Bush Hall hoping to witnessing something special....and they were not to be disappointed.
With just her guitar awaiting her, she arrived on stage to rapturous applause from the packed house. As she launched into first song 'Celestial' the anticipation was palpable. The applause died down to near silence as TORI began to sing, with the exception of a few 'oohs & ahs' as she immediately hit some incredible notes and riffs.
Further tracks from her most recent EP 'Handmade Songs' followed' with most of the crowd knowing and singing along to almost every word.
She has soulful tone to her voice, reminiscent of R&B divas like MARIAH CAREY & CHRISTINA AGUILERA but with a softer sond. Her guitar playing is (almost) faultless too and this gives her an edge over other vocalists. The lyrical content of her songs is also not just that of throwaway pop, it has depth and personal meaning.
But not only does she handle her own material with style, she also put a great spin on other people's songs too. Both her YouTube covers of FRANK OCEAN's 'Thinkin' Bout You' and her great take on MICHAEL JACKSON's 'P.Y.T' were recreated on stage with the latter bringing the biggest reaction of the night, causing the singer to stop in her tracks to take in the acclaim.
Not since the first time I saw ED SHEERAN perform have I personally witnessed, and heard, an audience react in the way they did to one person simply standing alone on stage with just a guitar, such was the power and quality of her performance.
If this show is an indication of what we can expect from her in future, it will not be long before TORI KELLY is a multi-million selling artist, more than capable of selling out arenas. I for one feel honoured to have been able to seen such a potentially huge star in such an intimate venue.
To watch the full playlist of footage from the show, click below
Check out more on TORI KELLY
http://torikellymusic.com
http://twitter.com/torikelly
http://facebook.com/torikellymusic
http://youtube.com/torikelly
