American Idol judges made a grave mistake when they let go of auditionee Tori Kelly in 2010. Although the singer made it all the way to Hollywood Week, the then-18-year-old Tori did not enter the ‘Top 24’ of the contest. Despite being devastated by the result, the singer continued her musical efforts, and in 2013, she was signed to Capitol Records. Since then, her career has gone from strength to strength. However, the singer couldn’t resist returning to her American Idol roots in 2024.
Despite being let go from the show in her early days, Tori decided to let bygones be bygones. She made a triumphant return to the show, this time to mentor new auditionees. When her album, the self-titled ‘Tori’, was released in April, the singer treated American Idol viewers to a performance of her new song, ‘High Water’. With an atmospheric and moving performance, Tori had arms swaying in the Idol crowd.
At the end of her performance, she shared how it felt like a “full circle moment” and how getting to give back as a mentor was “a really cool feeling”. Viewers of the YouTube video of her performance also appreciated her return, one commenting, “Her being sent home as a contestant on Idol then becoming a mentor is just iconic.” With eight awards won and 28 nominations received for her music since her days on Idol, she would certainly have every right to feel proud of her subsequent success.
Not only has Tori’s solo career gone on to be an enormous success, but she has also had great success collaborating with other popular artists. She has teamed up with the likes of artists such as Chris Lane, Kirk Franklin, and Justin Bieber to perform award-nominated songs. The singer’s most popular collaboration has been with Lecrae for their song ‘I’ll Find You’. The video, which was shot in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, has gone on to gain a whopping 114M video views.
There’s no rest for Tori Kelly in 2024. With a brand new album, a new tour taking place in spring, and a spot on the American Idol mentor team, this artist’s career only seems set to grow. With award wins, charting singles, albums, and various film and TV appearances, it just goes to show that facing a setback doesn’t have to be the be-all and end-all. With talent, dedication, and persistence, Tori Kelly is one such artist who has proven they can’t be held back, no matter what.
If you have been captivated by the evocative voice and inspiring story of Tori Kelly, you can connect with her musical journey on multiple platforms. Subscribe to her YouTube Channel for a regular dose of her soulful music. Connect with her on a personal level by following her on Facebook and Instagram. Want all the updates on her concerts, new releases, and other exciting news? Head over to her website. From the shock of American Idol rejection to the triumph of a successful music career, follow Tori’s incredible journey through her various channels.