Jessie Hillel
Quick Facts
Biography
Jessie Hillel (born 2001/2002) is a solo performer known for her appearance in Series two of New Zealand's Got Talent in 2012. She was born in New Zealand to her Indian parents.
As a young artist Hillel performed in local shows and contests. She appeared on New Zealand TV2's What Now performing Time to Say Goodbye and on TV1's Find A Star performing O Mio Babbino Caro. She is featured in the album Kids Sing Bob Dylan (UCA music) singing a few of her favourite Bob Dylan songs such as Mr.Tambourine Man.
New Zealand's Got Talent
Hillel auditioned for New Zealand's Got Talent series 2 at the age of 10. Her rendition of Pie Jesu earned the judges praises with Rachel Hunter commenting "You are what this competition is all about. I just think you are ridiculously amazing".
She advanced to the semi-finals and her performance of O Mio Babbino Caro earned her a spot in the grand finals on judges' vote. Hillel performed Schubert's version of Ave Maria in the finals and ultimately placed second through public vote. "You are mesmerizing, you are enchanting, what you do is enduring" said Jason Kerrison of Hillel's performance in the finals.
Solo career
Success at the Got Talent show saw her perform in shows both in New Zealand and overseas.
Hillel was invited to Beijing to appear on International Children's Music Festival. Her performance of Memory was broadcast by CCTV-1 on New Years eve 2012.
She was a guest artist at TEDx Christchurch and performed Non So Piu and Serenade.
Her solo album "With Love" was released by Sony Music NZ in 2013 and is a collection of classical and contemporary songs. "With Love" peaked at #2 on NZ Top 20 album chart and at #3 on NZ Top 40 album chart. One of the singles Pie Jesu also appeared in the NZ Top 20 Singles chart.
She was a principal vocalist of Victorian State School Spectacular 2016.