This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
It's been a bumpy road to stardom for Tori Kelly, but her persistence, optimism and drive landed her on one of the world's biggest stages this year.
The 22-year-old was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2016 Grammy Awards, where she performed a duet with fellow nominee James Bay. While both lost out to Meghan Trainor, the performance was "surreal" for California-native Kelly.
"It was just a dream come true," she said. "First, getting nominated, and then getting to perform. As if being nominated wasn't crazy enough! But it was so much more chill and enjoyable than I thought it would be. I felt this peace all night."
She said she didn't start shaking and getting nervous until after the performance, the opposite of what usually happens. But Kelly said she's looking forward to returning to Utah to perform on May 13, when it won't be as cold as her previous winter visits.
Right now, though, it seems to be all sunshine for Kelly. She released her studio debut album "Unbreakable Smile" last June, and it entered the Billboard 200 at No. 2. She also is working with Amy Grant to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Grant's No. 1 hit "Baby Baby" with a new recording of the song.
That is a very different kind of cover song than the ones Kelly recorded and released on YouTube when she was much younger.
"I know it's cliché of singers to say this, but I've been singing since I was 3 years old," she said. "Both of my parents are music lovers, and I fell in love with music from a really young age."
Initially, Kelly signed with Geffen records at the age of 12, but the deal eventually fell through. She also auditioned for "American Idol," but judge Simon Cowell didn't approve.
However, she kept going, self-releasing an EP in 2012 called "Homemade Songs." That effort got her connected with Scooter Braun (manager of Justin Bieber), and in the Billboard 200 and on the Grammy stage.
She hopes her journey and her music inspires other aspiring musicians and singers.
"You get a lot of people who don't believe in you and you have a lot of doubts," she said. "But it's taking all of those negatives and turning them into a fire for something positive."
She wants her music to open up conversations that aren't being talked about in the mainstream music scene and touch on important topics.
"As an artist, there's an exciting responsibility I feel," she said. "I want to use my voice to make people think outside of the box a little bit." —
Tori Kelly
With THIRDSTORY
When • Friday, May 13, 8 p.m.
Where • The Complex, 536 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $28, $30 day of; Smith's Tix, Graywhale stores and the Complex box office