VELLA: The 22-Year-Old Pop Powerhouse Taking Authentic Soul and Global Sound to New Heights

Gabriella Valdes, known professionally as VELLA, is carving out her own space in the pop world with powerhouse vocals and authenticity. VELLA first gained attention through her viral TikTok performances that showcased her striking vocal range and unfiltered passion. Her covers and original songs have earned nearly 100 million streams across platforms, marking her as one of pop's most promising young voices.

When you see VELLA perform on stage, you see an artist completely in her element. She captivates audiences with a presence that feels both magnetic and deeply human. Every note carries purpose and emotion. Her energy is infectious, her charisma undeniable, and her voice is rich, powerful, and full of life.

VELLA's love for music began early. Her father, a talented pianist, encouraged her to sing from a young age. "As a kid I would sit down with him while he played piano and sing," she says. By six, she was performing for anyone who would listen. "The stage is my home," she explains, recalling nine formative years spent performing with the Tampa-based group Entertainment Revue, where she learned how to command an audience with confidence and heart.

VELLA's self-titled debut album, released in 2023, was her introduction to the mainstream. It led to her first radio hit, Happiness, which reached №41 on the Mediabase Top 40 chart. Yet for VELLA, the project was only the beginning.

Her new album, All My Love, released through Universal Music, represents what she calls "a night-and-day difference" in sound and confidence. It's a project she co-wrote with Grammy-winning producers and songwriters across the globe, offering a deeply personal reflection on love, growth, and resilience. "This album feels like me for the first time," she says.

Each song on All My Love reveals another side of VELLA's emotional landscape. "Settle Down" explores the pull of forbidden love with cinematic intensity, while "Dead Roses" confronts heartbreak and emotional healing. "Recording 'Dead Roses' was emotional," she says. "I cried in the studio, but it was freeing. It felt like closure." VELLA views the songs as chapters of one larger story. "Each one is a different font of the same feeling," she explains. "They all come from real experiences and emotions I've lived through."

More than anything, VELLA's artistry is about connection. She uses her social media platforms to speak openly about vulnerability, self-love, and empowerment. Her transparency has earned her a devoted following, especially among young women who see her as both relatable and inspiring. "I want my music to feel like a safe space," she says. "I want people to know they can be fully themselves."

Her career milestones already include opening for Ed Sheeran at the NFL Kickoff Celebration and collaborating with legendary soul singer Macy Gray, who she credits with teaching her to trust her instincts. "Working with Macy changed how I approach songwriting," VELLA says. "She creates from the heart, and that reminded me to always do the same."

With All My Love out now, VELLA is preparing for an international run of performances, including shows in Los Angeles and Europe. She's also in the early stages of developing her next project. "I'm constantly evolving," she says. "Music changes with me."

Outside of music, she enjoys video games, especially Legend of Zelda , and has a passion for dancing and horror films. "I recently got into Hereditary and Supernatural," she adds with a smile. When asked how she wants new fans to see her, VELLA's answer is simple and powerful: "I want people to see someone who's real, who feels deeply, and who isn't afraid to show it."

Follow VELLA

Instagram: @vellasings