Real Name: Kristen Kelly-Ann McGregor

Birth Month: November

STAR: How did you get started in the business?

Kris Kelli: I was actually discovered singing at Karaoke in August of 2002, and then I started singing professionally ever since. I was discovered by Chris Smith, who manages Nelly Furtado, he worked with my producer at the time, Yogi, who did my first single Hideaway.

STAR: What has been your greatest challenge in the business yet?

Kris Kelli: Greatest challenge I would say, basically, to get the respect of the media and the disc jocks. In the music business, it's hard for everybody but definitely more so as a female. It's a challenge but, that's why I make sure I do good music.

STAR: What have you been up to lately?

Kris Kelli: Right now, working hard on my sophomore album Journey which will be released in the second or third quarter of next year. I'm promoting one of my new singles for the album Never Give In on Don Corleon's 'Feminine' rhythm, we're supposed to be doing a medley video for that very soon. I also have another single out featuring Don Corleon, called Moving On. There are other projects, as well, with producers, such as Christopher Birch, and just promoting and watching to see what happens.

STAR: Do you look up to any specific artiste and why?

Kris Kelli: I look up to a lot of artistes, locally, like Diana King who has an amazing voice and who has done so well and continues to do so. Lady Saw and Marcia Griffiths, Beenie Man who I think is an amazing entertainer. Internationally, Beyonce, and I used to love Aailyah. But, especially female artistes, big up to them all.

STAR: Are you happy with the way things are going for your musical career right now?

Kris Kelli: Yes, very happy, I'm in full control of my career and this allows me to learn more about the business and I'm growing as an artiste. I also started my own company Double K Records and we do everything there, from dabbling in video production, graphics, everything.

STAR: Anything you would want to change about it?

Kris Kelli: I wouldn't say anything I would change but, just to grow some more which, I am working on that. Everything has happened for a reason and I've done so much.

STAR: Do you have any advice for young artistes coming up?

Kris Kelli: Definitely, just make sure you do your research, there are a lot of things to be learnt and have a good support team to back you up at all times. Trust in some good people you have who know about the business behind you, 'cause you can't do it all on your own. Understand the business and understand your vision and how you want to be seen.

STAR: Where do you see yourself in the future?

Kris Kelli: I can't tell you but, higher and higher. I see myself doing so many things 'cause I love entertainment, so I want to do acting, endorsing, definitely building the Kris Kelli brand, put out my own clothing line, everything, 'cause on top of everything else, I'm a business woman.

- Krista Henry