She first gained recognition on YouTube before making it through to Hollywood week on the ninth season of American Idol in 2010 and eventually releasing her debut EP, Handmade Songs (2012).

She followed with her debut studio album Unbreakable Smile (2015), which peaked at number two and garnered the singles "Nobody Love", "Should've Been Us" and "Hollow" which marked her first three appearances on the Billboard Hot 100.

Victoria Loren Kelly was born in Wildomar, California to her father, Allwyn, who is of Jamaican and Puerto Rican ancestry, and her mother, Laura, who is of Irish and German descent.

In 2004, she participated on America's Most Talented Kids, singing Christina Aguilera's "Keep on Singin' My Song" and won, beating out musician Hunter Hayes.

Kelly gained recognition for her acoustic cover, with a fellow YouTuber named Angie Girl, of Frank Ocean's "Thinkin Bout You".

[7][8] Despite failing to reach the top 24 on American Idol, she took a new tack in her music, learning how to play the guitar, composing original song pieces, and recording them herself on her computer.

[9] In 2010, Tori auditioned for Season 9 of American Idol in Denver, Colorado and made it through to Hollywood Week but did not reach the "Top 24" of the artists.

[12] In February 2013, Kelly released a single called "Fill a Heart", which she wrote for the "Child Hunger Ends Here" campaign by ConAgra Foods and Feeding America.

Starting in April 2013, Kelly performed at eight venues across continental U.S. for her "Fill a Heart" tour, helping out at the cities' food banks during the day.

[13] She has performed in venues such as the Troubador and the Roxy in Los Angeles, the Gramercy Theater in New York and Bush Hall in London.

[12] In September 2013, she was picked as Elvis Duran's Artist of the Month and was featured on NBC's Today show hosted by Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb, where she performed her single "Dear No One".

Kelly announced on The Today Show that her major label debut, a second EP, titled Foreword, would be released on October 22, 2013, on Capitol Records.

[17] On August 7, 2014, Kelly posted a live acoustic version of the song on her YouTube channel; which has over 2.6 million views as of October 2015.

[20] Kelly was featured on the medley "Winter Wonderland"/"Don't Worry Be Happy" on Pentatonix's album That's Christmas to Me that was released in October 2014.

Throughout 2014, Kelly worked with Braun on her debut album in which she had contributions from Toby Gad, Max Martin, and Ed Sheeran.

[33] On July 10, 2016, Kelly released an original song "Blink of an Eye" to honor her friend Christina Grimmie, on the one-month anniversary of her murder.

[34] On May 7, 2017, Kelly played the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, Tennessee opening for Soundgarden at what would be one of their final performances before frontman Chris Cornell died by suicide on May 17.

[43][44] On March 18, 2020, Kelly canceled her remaining tour stops in Europe, Australia, and Asia due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The show was hosted from her home where she sang fan-requested songs, answered fans' questions, and featured several celebrity guests to interview and duet with (remotely).

The guests included AJ Rafael, Alessia Cara, David Archuleta, Demi Lovato, H.E.R., Jessie J, JoJo, Jordin Sparks, Kirk Franklin, Natasha Bedingfield, and many more.

[50][51] Two extra songs, including an original and a cover of "All I Want for Christmas Is You", were released as bonus tracks exclusively at Target.

Kelly made it to the semi-finals of the competition, before being unmasked in a triple elimination alongside Chloe Kim as "Jellyfish" and Taylor Dayne as "Popcorn".

[53] In 2021, Kelly recorded a cover of "Waving Through a Window" for the soundtrack album of the 2021 film adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen, produced by Justin Goldner.

[58] On July 28, 2023, Kelly released her fourth EP, Tori under Epic and singer-songwriter Jon Bellion's record label Beautiful Mind.

[74][75] Kelly has frequently cited R&B and soul artists for her music influences, including girl groups Destiny's Child and Mary Mary, also cited "power vocalists" such as Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Jazmine Sullivan, Brandy, Kelly Clarkson, and Christina Aguilera.