[8] She has cited Natalie Cole's album Unforgettable...with Love as the impetus for her desire to become a singer.

Sheléa began her professional career working with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

[10] Sheléa first gained wider prominence in 2012 after she posted a YouTube video singing a medley of Whitney Houston covers after the singer's death, which went viral.

[11][5] Later that year, she was invited to the White House to sing for the Obamas at the Gershwin Prize presentation.

[10] The next year, Sheléa performed a Whitney Houston tribute at the Grammy Museum.