September 13th, 2009 - Kelly Hope

But her achievements as a singer/songwriter began many years ago. After some success in various talent quests culminating in a win at Echuca Moama’s Country Music Festival in 2003, where she won a trip for two, to entertain on the Tamworth Country Music Train.

She released her debut ep SUMMER TRAIN in 2003, containing four covers and two originals titled WAIT FOR TOMORROW and SUMMER TRAIN. In 2005, Kelly was named a Top 20 Toyota Starmaker Finalist, and onstage she’s been the main attraction of both International and Australian crowds ever since.

With powerful vocals and strong lyrics, Kelly’s originality and stage presence is like no other in the country music industry. Late 2005, Kelly completed her first US tour including studio time with one of Nashville’s most prestigious producers Bill Warner (Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Jewel, Natalie Imbruglia). It was here that she was introduced to legendary country songwriter Jim Owens who has written songs for many of Country’s greats including Hank Williams, George Jones, and Loretta Lyn. Jim was so impressed by Kelly’s talent that he insisted that she record one of his songs YOU MAKE ME WANNA CHEAT. This track, along with nine originals, is included on Kelly’s debut album.

Early 2007 Kelly graduated from the Australian College of Country Music, and 2008 was accepted into the exclusive School Of Music based in Nashville, USA.

Kelly’s current single YOU’RE NOT MY UTE hit the mark gracing the Top 25 on the Top 100 Country Hits chart, and can be seen on CMC.

Kelly has been shortlisted in four categories at the 2008 Australian Songwriting Association Awards for – Australia / Country / Open / Spiritual.

Named a finalist in the 2008 Australian Independent CM Awards for Rising Female Star in Mildura.

Also a finalist in the 2008 1233 ABC Music Awards, Newcastle for TIMELESS YOU and HEARTBREAK ROAD.

Kelly\\\'s just returned from Nashville, where after graduating from the School of Music, she took out \\\"Best in Show\\\" at the 2008 Nashville Star Search Competition in Nashville, Tennessee