Tori Kelly

Early Life

Victoria Loren "Tori" Kelly was born on December 14, 1992, in Wildomar, California. She grew up in a musically diverse household, influenced by her parents' eclectic tastes, which included various genres of music. Tori's early exposure to music led her to participate in talent shows, where she showcased her vocal abilities. At just 12 years old, she signed a record deal with Geffen Records, but the partnership ended due to creative differences. Tori gained significant recognition after posting her first YouTube video at age 14, which featured her cover of "Go Tell It on the Mountain." Her acoustic cover of Frank Ocean's "Thinkin Bout You" further solidified her presence on the platform.

Career

Tori's career took a pivotal turn when she auditioned for Season 9 of American Idol in 2010, making it to Hollywood Week but not reaching the Top 24. Despite this setback, she released her debut EP, "Handmade Songs by Tori Kelly," in 2012, which she produced and recorded herself. The EP quickly gained popularity, reaching the Top 10 Pop Albums list on iTunes. Tori continued to build her career with singles like "Fill a Heart" and embarked on a tour to support food banks across the U.S. Her artistry is characterized by a blend of R&B, pop, and soul, drawing inspiration from a wide range of artists, including Lauryn Hill and Mariah Carey.

Personal Life

In 2018, Tori married André Murillo, a professional basketball player, and they welcomed their first child, a son named Zayden Michael Murillo, in November 2025. Tori's faith plays a significant role in her life and songwriting, although she does not identify strictly with the Christian music genre. In July 2023, she faced health challenges when she was hospitalized due to blood clots but has since recovered and continues to pursue her music career.