Rising R&B artist Rai-Elle is set to release her latest single at the end of the month, signifying a major step forward in her musical evolution.

The 23-year-old South London singer, known for her distinctive mix of soulful vocals and contemporary rhythms, is unveiling a fresh sound designed to captivate listeners both in the UK and abroad.

Rai-Elle’s journey began in 2017 when she made history on The X Factor as the youngest performer to open the live shows. Her standout performances earned praise from Simon Cowell, who described her as “a powerhouse,” propelling her to the quarter-finals and into the national spotlight.

However, the sudden rise to fame brought intense pressure. Rai-Elle candidly reflects, “The pressure was immense. You’re thrown into this whirlwind, and when the cameras stop, it’s just you.” She took a step back from the public eye to rediscover her artistic identity, emerging with a renewed sense of purpose.

After a three-year break, Rai-Elle has returned, combining her gospel roots with modern R&B to create a sound that’s uniquely her own. “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,” she says.

Her journey so far has been remarkable, with over 10 million streams of her hit KSB and a co-sign from Stormzy. Having parted ways with Marathon Records — where her music featured in the US TV series The Bold Type — Rai-Elle has embraced her independence, focusing on building a loyal fanbase. Her recent single, Stone Cold, explored themes of emotional growth and vulnerability, paving the way for her next chapter.

The new single offers a taste of Rai-Elle’s upcoming EP and introduces her take on the “new R&B.” “This track is about the excitement and uncertainty of meeting someone new,” she explains. The EP will explore the challenges faced by Gen Z, blending soulful melodies with cutting-edge production.

With the UK R&B scene experiencing a resurgence, Rai-Elle feels energised by the genre’s growing recognition. “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.”

Rai-Elle’s new single will be available across all streaming platforms by the end of the month.

Follow her on Instagram: @raielle_official.