Rising R&B talent Rai-Elle is set to release her latest single at the end of the month, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
Known for her distinctive old-school vocals layered over contemporary beats, the 23-year-old South London artist is ready to unveil a fresh sound that promises to captivate both UK and international audiences.
Rai-Elle first burst onto the scene in 2017 as a standout contestant on The X Factor, where she made history as the youngest performer to open the live shows. Her moving performances earned millions of viewers following praise from Simon Cowell, naming her ‘a powerhouse’ – propelling her to the quarter-finals.
Rai-Elle faced the intense pressures of fame and industry expectations. With little post-show support, the grind of fitting into a box led her to step back from the spotlight. “The pressure was immense. You’re thrown into this whirlwind, and when the cameras stop, it’s just you,” she reflects. Rai-Elle used those years to rebuild, discovering who she truly was outside of the industry machine.
After stepping away from the limelight to rediscover her artistic identity, Rai-Elle has returned a three-year hiatus stronger than ever, blending her gospel roots with a modern R&B edge.
“I had to remind myself of my gift. Seeing people moved to tears during a performance reignited my passion. My voice has the power to connect, and I can’t sit on that.”
With over 10 million streams on her hit track KSB and a co-sign from Stormzy, Rai-Elle’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. After parting ways with Marathon Records, where her music was featured in the US TV series The Bold Type, she has embraced independence, focusing on building a loyal fanbase organically. Her recent single, Stone Cold, explored themes of vulnerability and emotional growth, setting the stage for what’s to come.
The new single introduces a sound that Rai-Elle describes as the “new R&B,” a fusion of soulful melodies and innovative beats. “This track is about the excitement and uncertainty of meeting someone new,” she explains. The single serves as a preview of her upcoming EP, which will take listeners on a journey through the experiences and challenges of Gen Z.
Rai-Elle’s upcoming release comes at a time when the UK R&B scene is flourishing. “There’s a movement happening right now,” she says. “R&B is being championed like never before, and it’s an exciting time to be part of it.”
The single will be available on all major streaming platforms by the end of the month.
Follow Rai-Elle on Instagram: @raielle_official.
ENDS
