Kendra Chantelle

In a smoky room a singer stands on a long stage, laced in velvet and gripping a dynamic microphone mimicking the hands of Elvis and Billie Holiday. A sultry depth and bluesy aroma that rocks a lot like Chrissie Hynde starts to penetrate the senses. It’s a blend of blues, rock, and soul completely binding the melodic pop pounding our radio waves today. It’s the grit of a lifetime soaking up the musical spices of a singer and drummer for parents and a pocket-playing bluesy drummer for a “nanny.”

This texture of decades has been absorbed into Kendra Chantelle’s 22-year-old voice. The American Idol semi-finalist (Season 10) is no stranger the stage, the studio, or her own voice. At fourteen she began traveling to Nashville regularly to log hours in some of Music Row’s busiest studios singing back up vocals and studying the craft. The singer-songwriter made the move to Tennessee’s capitol in 2008 to start work with a live band and hasn’t looked back since.

In 2010, Kendra began to taste the pay off for her years of hard work. Music supervising mogul, Anastasia Brown took notice of her songs’ craftsmanship and soon after put three original songs on hold for feature film. Meanwhile, she accompanied Big Kenny on the demo for his contribution the upcoming remake of Footloose, starring Julianne Hough. Furthering her success in song-placement, TLC’s Say Yes To the Dress featured her song, “Stranger Things,” in a 2011 episode.

While Kendra continued carving a name for herself in the industry, she auditioned for the groundbreaking television show, American Idol. Under the Hollywood lights, Kendra introduced the world to the sultry sound she’d been cultivating for years. As a semi-finalist, Kendra gained thousands of fans and support from judge Jennifer Lopez saying, “You fought your way in and belong here.”

Kendra recently recorded and released her debut album "UNTHINKABLE" produced by Elvis "Blac Elvis" Williams and Harold Lilly. They created the magic in Atlanta, GA Spin Studios (next to Stankonia & Eclipse) and the album has a throwback R&B feel mixed with a modern day Mariah Carey element. Reviews have been spectacular! Its available for purchase on itunes (where it debuted at #28 on the R&B charts) and www.kendrachantelle.com for hard copy.