In a world where viral moments come and go faster than a TikTok scroll, the artists who last are the ones who know how to turn a spotlight into a steady flame. They’re the ones evolving with each release, building a loyal audience that follows them from streaming playlists to sold-out shows. And when they step onto a stage, whether it’s a global TV competition or a late-night jam in a packed club, they leave no doubt they belong there.
Celina Graves is one of those artists. You might remember her from America’s Got Talent, where her emotional control and powerhouse vocals stopped the judges in their tracks. Since then, she’s been on a mission to carve out her own lane; blending soulful pop hooks with sleek R&B textures, racking up over 400K TikTok followers, and taking her music from San Diego to stages in the U.K. and Germany.
Her latest single, Feels Like Magic, is a vibrant, soulful pop anthem about leaning into life’s most electrifying moments. A high-energy follow-up to her debut project, Truth, that pushes her vocal boundaries even further. We caught up with Celina to talk AGT memories, Truth, the making of Feels Like Magic, and what’s next in her unstoppable rise.
Let’s go back to the beginning. When did you first know music was the path you were meant to follow?
I was 17 years old. I was an extremely good athlete. Had soccer scholarships to pretty much any college I could’ve wished for. I tore my ACL my senior year in high school. I was crushed. I always knew I had musical talent and was able to sing, but that injury changed the direction of my life, and I turned to music for comfort in a dark time. I used it to express the way that I felt, and I noticed it started to inspire others.
Your sound blends soulful pop with sleek R&B. Was that a deliberate choice or the natural evolution of your style?
I grew up, listening to pretty much everything. As a kid, I found myself mimicking other artists such as Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys. As I have developed as an artist, I began to find my unique sound. I think my versatility has a lot to do with the way that I sound. I would definitely say it’s been a natural evolution.
Looking back on your America’s Got Talent experience, what’s a moment that still feels the most surreal to you?
The moment that felt the most surreal to me was when everyone stood up after my performance. It’s like everything I ever worked for to be seen was finally happening. I always just wanted to be seen. It was a moment of clarity, like I can actually do this thing.
Did AGT teach you anything about performing that you still carry with you today?
To never give up on yourself because you never know who was watching. And don’t be afraid to be yourself.
Your debut project, Truth, introduced you to a whole new audience. What was the story you wanted to tell with it?
Don’t be afraid of your truth. Through all the mistakes, trials and tribulations the truth is what shapes you into who you are. They are all lessons to get you to where you need to be.
“Desire” from Truth has had such staying power. What makes that song resonate with people?
I think people resonate with that song because it’s very relatable. People really vibe with the lyrics.
Feels Like Magic is a huge, uplifting track. What inspired it, and how does it connect to where you are in life right now?
This is a song that was different from any other I’ve ever put out. A lot of my music is about love and emotions. I wanted to do something a bit more fun and show people a different side of my artistry. I feel like I connect with it because that song gives me a reminder of how life is short and to never take it for granted. Just love every day to the fullest and have fun.
Ron Walker has praised how you push your vocal boundaries. What does that process look like for you in the studio?
I’m a perfectionist. And I like challenging myself to hit different notes or different runs. When I go to the studio I come prepared. But recording is like art so I definitely take my voice I never thought I could in the moment to shape what I want the song to sound like. Sometimes I surprise myself. But that’s the beauty of being a vocalist.
Your 2025 tour is coming up. What can fans expect from the live shows, and can you tease anything about what’s next?
I love performing live. I feel like I was born to entertain and inspire others to do what they love. You can definitely expect dancers and a live band. Might also do some meet and greets. Aside from the tour, I’ve definitely been in the studio recording. Let’s just say the songs that I’m about to release are nothing that anyone has ever heard from me before.
