A graduate from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan. She is signed to Roc Nation. Kelly has regularly filled in for Alicia Keys when performing the song Empire State of Mind with Jay-Z, including performances on the Friday Night with Jonathan Ross as well as Later…with Jools Holland show, the Coldplay, Viva la Vida tour, and the 9/11 memorial service. Kelly also performed with Jay Z during a performance at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2009. Performed at Coachella Arts & Festival with Jay-Z during Empire State of Mind. Kelly also performed Empire State of Mind with Jay-Z on Saturday Night Live on May 8, 2010, as well as Rock am Ring on June 4 and T in the Park on June 12, 2010. She subsequently performed with Jay-Z during “Empire State of Mind” at Peace and Love in Borlänge, Sweden. Also at Summer Sonic 2010 in Chiba, Japan in August 2010 at Chiba Marine Stadium. Also at Yankee Stadium, September 13, 2010.

Kelly made her first magazine cover appearance in the September 2010 issue of Honey Magazine. In the interview to go along with the cover shoot, she describes her music as a fusion of R&B, soul and rock with influences coming from Alicia Keys, Alanis Morissette and Pink.