Ones to Watch in 2012: Lily Elise

    As big a fan I am of Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, Leona Lewis and other winners, oftentimes the contestants that most captivate me aren’t the winners, but rather those that don’t even make it to the final round.  Case in point…Lily Elise.  A contestant on season 1 of The Voice, from the moment Elise stepped out on stage, this 20 year talent just emanated pop star appeal.  When she opened her mouth to sing…DAMN!  No wonder she got Christina Aguilera to turn her chair around! Although she was eliminated in the Quarter Finals Elise made an impression on me, so it’s exciting to see her moving forward with her own burgeoning pop career.


    Lily Elise released her debut single, “Lock & Key” on October 10th, a taste of what’s to come on her forthcoming EP, due for release the first quarter of 2012.  Since finishing up her stint on The Voice Elise has been hitting the studio hard, writing and recording for the as-yet-untitled EP.  “Lock & Key” is a sexy, soulful pop/R&B ballad that shows a more polished pop star than we saw on The Voice.  With her big voice and even bigger personality, Lily Elise is priming herself for a long career in music and I for one am looking forward to seeing where she takes it.  Listen to “Lock & Key” below and download it on U.S. iTunes HERE if you like what you hear.

    Oh…and speaking of The Voice…Season 2 starts February 5th 2012 following the Superbowl on NBC.  Oh and in case you haven’t heard, The Voice is coming to the UK!  The first mentor that’s been officially announced is English singer/songwriter Jessie J.  There are rumors that international superstar Adele, 20 year old chart topping newbie Ed Sheeran and the hairy chested hunk (not to mention Take That member and solo star) Robbie Williams, but I can’t find anything concrete and the BBC 1 website so far only lists Jessie J.  So while I’d love to believe that this is the final panel, until I hear something official I’m going to chalk it up to being a rumor. Still, with another incarnation of The Voice I look forward to watching new talents emerge and shine.


    Check Out Lily Elise on the web: