Emmanuel Kelly

Emmanuel Kelly is a singer who has already made significant strides toward becoming the first "differently abled pop star." Abandoned as a baby in a box on a battlefield in Iraq, Kelly's early life was marked by extreme adversity.

He was rescued and taken to the Mother Theresa Orphanage in Baghdad, where he spent over eight years enduring the harsh realities of war. His life took a transformative turn when humanitarian Moira Kelly encountered him and his brother, Ahmed, and made the compassionate decision to bring them to Australia for a series of life-altering surgeries.

Over the years, Kelly underwent six surgeries, which improved his mobility and independence. These physical milestones, coupled with his determination to overcome personal insecurities, fueled his aspiration to inspire others through music and advocacy.

Kelly's career breakthrough came when his performance on the Australian "X-Factor" went viral. His rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine" resonated globally, establishing him as a media sensation and an advocate for diversity. Since then, he has shared stages with celebrated artists like Coldplay and David Foster. His collaborations include performing duets and touring with Coldplay, as well as opening for Snoop Dogg at a sold-out event. In addition to his musical endeavors, Kelly has engaged in significant advocacy work, including performing at the United Nations and headlining the Forbes Impact Summit as a celebrity youth ambassador.

Kelly's future plans are ambitious and include launching his debut album, a Broadway show about his life, a children’s book, a reality TV show, and an interview series. Moreover, together with Chris Martin of Coldplay, he co-founded OUTLYER, a Film & TV entertainment company committed to promoting 'Zero Barrier Casting' and 'Zero Barrier Crewing' in the entertainment industry. Through these initiatives, Kelly not only showcases his artistic talents but also furthers his mission to create a more inclusive world.