California-raised recording artist Tori Kelly will make her way to the Benson Auditorium stage on Nov. 7. Her popular single “Should’ve Been Us” has attracted attention from radio stations around the U.S.
When choosing to bring Kelly to Harding, Director of Campus Life Logan Light wanted a recognizable and up-and-coming artist that would perform well and that students could recognize.
“One of the things I consider is how well an artist does in their live shows,” Light said. “Tori Kelly is an amazing talent that I immediately pegged as a perfect fit. Her live shows are really well done and she is known as a performer that loves to interact with her fans. I think people will love Tori. She has an amazing voice. I always try to book shows that ‘you won’t want to miss,’ but I think this is one of those shows that we will talk about in five years.”
According to a Capitol Music Group press release, Kelly released her album “Unbreakable Smile” in June of this year. Featured artists in her album include Ed Sheeran, LL Cool J and Daye Jack. Before touring by herself, Kelly supported Sheeran and Sam Smith on tour. Kelly has performed in many locations including St. Louis, Missouri, Memphis, Tennessee, and will be performing her last scheduled performance of her tour in Searcy.
Her second single “Unbreakable Smile” debuted at No. 2 on Billboard 200. Soon after it’s release the album reached No. 1 on iTunes. According to the aforementioned press release, Kelly first gained fame by her YouTube cover of Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You.” She reached more than 22 million viewers on the video and has since been labeled by Rolling Stone magazine as an “Artist to Watch.”
Growing up, Kelly created an image in her head of a certain style of music for herself.
“In my head, this is the style of music I always envisioned myself doing: urban pop with a hip-hop type of Lauryn Hill twist on it,” Kelly said in an interview with MTV. “I was always a singer first, then the guitar made its way in on its own.”
According to Light, more than 1,000 seats are still available in the Benson Auditorium for the performance. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Floor price for students is $15 and $25 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased in the CAB office or online. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hardingcab.com.
