What Is Tori Kelly’s Net Worth?
As of March 13, 2025, Tori Kelly, the accomplished American singer and songwriter, has an estimated net worth of $3 million. This valuation reflects her successful career in the music industry, which began with gaining recognition on YouTube and further solidified through her independent releases and major label recordings. Her primary source of income is her music career, which includes album sales, streaming revenue, YouTube ad revenue, touring, and potentially songwriting royalties. She has had other roles that have contributed to her net worth, but music is the primary driver.
Tori Kelly’s Early Career and Rise to Fame
Victoria Loren Kelly was born on December 14, 1992, in Wildomar, California. Growing up in a diverse household, with her father of Afro-Jamaican and Puerto Rican descent and her mother of Irish and German descent, Tori was exposed to a wide range of musical genres. This exposure greatly influenced her musical style and career. At the age of 10, she appeared on the TV talent competition Star Search. In 2004, she participated in America’s Most Talented Kids, where she won in her first appearance, progressing to the championship tournament. The recognition from these early appearances, although not directly quantifiable in terms of immediate financial gain, helped lay the foundation for her future career. These were important steps in a journey that would result in her current net worth.
In 2010, Kelly auditioned for the ninth season of American Idol, making it to Hollywood week before being eliminated prior to the top 24. Her elimination from American Idol proved to be a turning point. She began posting videos on YouTube, covering popular songs and showcasing her vocal talent. These videos quickly went viral, attracting a substantial online following. As of 2025, some of her most popular songs on YouTube, including “Roar,” “Unbreakable Smile,” “Nobody Loves Me,” “Dear No One,” “Should’ve Been Us,” “Paper Hearts,” “Missin’ U,” “Love Like That,” “I Was Made for Loving You,” and “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing,” have collectively garnered over 3 billion views. While the exact ad revenue generated from these views is not publicly available, YouTube channels can generate significant income based on views, subscriber count, and engagement. In 2023, the average CPM (cost per thousand views) for YouTube was between $3 to $10. Assuming an average CPM of $5, the estimated revenue from 3 billion views would be approximately $15 million, although Tori Kelly’s share of this revenue would be considerably less after accounting for YouTube’s share, production costs, and management fees. The revenue from her youtube channel has been a factor in increasing her net worth.
In 2012, Kelly independently released her self-produced debut EP, “Handmade Songs by Tori Kelly.” Although sales figures for this EP are not readily available, its success played a crucial role in launching her career. In 2013, she signed with Capitol Records, a significant milestone that provided her with greater resources and exposure. This allowed her to reach a broader audience, resulting in more revenue and an increase to her net worth. The details of her contract with Capitol Records are confidential. In the music industry, a typical recording contract involves an advance payment to the artist, which they must then earn back through royalties from album sales, streaming, and other sources. Artists can earn between 10-20% of royalties from album sales.
Discography, Acting Career, and Awards
Kelly’s discography includes the following EPs and studio albums:
- “Handmade Songs by Tori Kelly” (2012)
- “Foreword” (2013)
- “Unbreakable Smile” (2015)
- “Hiding Place” (2017)
- “Inspired by True Events” (2020)
Her debut studio album, “Unbreakable Smile,” released in 2015, was a critical and commercial success, earning a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album. The album spawned hit singles, including “Roar,” “Unbreakable Smile,” and “Nobody Loves Me.” While specific sales and streaming numbers for each album and single vary, “Unbreakable Smile” alone sold over 75,000 equivalent album units in its first week, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 chart. In 2015, Kelly’s “Unbreakable Smile” was number 2 on the Billboard 200, sold 75,000 units in the first week, and was certified gold by the RIAA. According to RIAA, Gold certification means 500,000 equivalent units have been sold. The success of “Unbreakable Smile” led to more revenue and contributed positively to her net worth.
Her album “Hiding Place” won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album and a BET Award for Best Gospel/Inspirational Artist. Although gospel albums typically do not generate the same level of sales as pop albums, this award would have increased her reputation. In addition to her music career, Kelly has also ventured into acting. She appeared in the films “Sing” (2016) and “Sing 2” (2021), providing voice acting for the character Meena the Elephant. She also had a recurring role on the TV show “The Mayor” (2017-2018). While the specific details of her earnings from these acting roles are not publicly available, they would have contributed to her overall income and net worth. Voice actors for major animated films can earn between $150,000 to $1 million. Recurring television roles can also generate significant income, depending on the length and popularity of the show. These roles can generate an estimated $10,000 to $100,000 per episode for the actors involved.
Touring is a significant source of income for musicians. While the specific details of Kelly’s tour earnings are not publicly available, successful tours can generate substantial revenue through ticket sales, merchandise sales, and VIP packages. As of 2019, the average concert ticket in the US costs $91.86. From 2015 to 2019, the concert industry generated $9.4 billion in revenue. A successful tour could significantly contribute to a performer’s net worth, although costs associated with touring, such as travel, venue rental, and staffing, would need to be factored in.
Tori Kelly’s Personal Life and Health
Kelly is married to André Murillo, and they have one son, Caleb. In July 2023, Tori collapsed while dining at a restaurant in Los Angeles. She was hospitalized and treated for blood clots around her vital organs. Details regarding the costs associated with her medical treatment are not publicly available. However, healthcare expenses in the United States can be substantial, and even with insurance, significant out-of-pocket costs may be incurred.
Throughout her career, Tori Kelly has collaborated with various artists and brands. Specific details regarding these collaborations and partnerships are not publicly available. However, endorsements can significantly contribute to an artist’s income. The financial terms of partnerships and collaborations are usually confidential. It is reasonable to assume that Kelly has earned a substantial amount through endorsements, brand partnerships, and collaborations throughout her career.
Net worth estimations are based on publicly available information and industry knowledge, and are subject to change.