Emmanuel Kelly is an Australian singer-songwriter and advocate for inclusion, renowned for his inspiring life story and musical achievements. Born in Iraq, he was found as an infant in a box on a battlefield, abandoned and severely affected by chemical warfare.
Emmanuel Kelly was taken to the Mother Teresa Orphanage in Baghdad, where he spent his early years. At age seven, humanitarian Moira Kelly brought him and his brother, Ahmed, to Australia for life-saving surgeries. Emmanuel underwent six surgeries, learning to walk and feed himself, and gradually embraced his identity and abilities.
Emmanuel gained international recognition in 2011 when his performance of John Lennon’s “Imagine” on The X Factor Australia went viral, amassing over 500 million views online. Although he was eliminated before the finals, his audition catapulted him into the public eye. Since then, he has collaborated with artists like Coldplay, Snoop Dogg, David Foster, and Paul Oakenfold, and has performed at significant events, including the United Nations Assembly.
In 2022, Emmanuel co-founded OUTLYER, a film and television production company with Chris Martin of Coldplay, aimed at promoting representation of differently-abled individuals in the entertainment industry. The company advocates for “Zero Barrier Casting” and “Zero Barrier Crewing,” striving to revolutionize inclusivity both in front of and behind the camera.
In July 2025, Emmanuel made history by performing at the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup halftime show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Sharing the stage with Coldplay, Doja Cat, J Balvin, and Tems, he became the first differently-abled artist to headline a halftime show at a FIFA event. His performance of “A Sky Full of Stars” was a significant moment for representation in global entertainment.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Abandonment
Emmanuel Kelly was born in Iraq, where he suffered severe physical impairments due to chemical warfare. At just a few months old, he was found abandoned in a box on a battlefield by two soldiers. Lacking any form of identification, Emmanuel was taken to the Mother Teresa Orphanage in Baghdad, where he spent his early years amidst the devastation of war .
Adoption and Relocation to Australia
At the age of seven, humanitarian Moira Kelly learned about Emmanuel and his brother Ahmed. Moved by their plight, she facilitated their adoption and brought them to Australia for life-saving surgeries. Over the next 14 years, Emmanuel underwent six surgeries, which enabled him to walk and perform daily tasks independently. This period was pivotal in shaping his resilience and determination .
Personal Life and Family
Emmanuel shares a close bond with his brother Ahmed Kelly, a Paralympic swimmer. Together, they have become symbols of perseverance and hope, inspiring many with their stories of overcoming adversity. Emmanuel often speaks about the profound impact of his adoptive mother, Moira Kelly, who provided him with the love and support necessary to navigate the challenges of his early life.
Education and Self-Development
While specific details about Emmanuel’s formal education are limited, his life experiences and the guidance of his adoptive mother played a crucial role in his personal development. The surgeries and rehabilitation he underwent in Australia not only improved his physical abilities but also instilled in him a sense of self-worth and the belief that he could achieve his dreams.
Career and Achievements
Breakthrough on The X Factor Australia
Emmanuel’s career took a significant turn in 2011 when he auditioned for The X Factor Australia. His rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine” went viral, amassing over 500 million views online. Although he was eliminated before the finals, his performance catapulted him into the spotlight and opened doors to numerous opportunities.
Collaborations with Renowned Artists
Following his success on The X Factor, Emmanuel collaborated with several high-profile artists. He toured with Coldplay during their 2024 ‘Music of the Spheres’ World Tour and performed at various international events. Additionally, he has shared the stage with artists like Snoop Dogg, David Foster, and Paul Oakenfold, further establishing his presence in the global music scene.
Advocacy and Entrepreneurship
Beyond his musical endeavors, Emmanuel is a passionate advocate for inclusion and representation in the entertainment industry. In 2022, he co-founded OUTLYER, a film and television production company with Chris Martin of Coldplay. The company aims to promote “Zero Barrier Casting” and “Zero Barrier Crewing,” striving to revolutionize inclusivity both in front of and behind the camera.
Recent Milestones
In July 2025, Emmanuel made history by performing at the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup halftime show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Sharing the stage with Coldplay, Doja Cat, J Balvin, and Tems, he became the first differently-abled artist to headline a halftime show at a FIFA event. His performance of “A Sky Full of Stars” was a significant moment for representation in global entertainment .
Songs and Music Releases
Emmanuel’s musical repertoire includes several notable songs. His debut single, “Never Alone,” produced by Paul Oakenfold and Chris Martin, resonated with audiences worldwide and was accompanied by a music video that emphasized global mental health awareness. In 2024, he released the EP No Zodiac, featuring singles like “My Sky” and “Right From the Very Start,” which received critical acclaim and charted in Australia .
Net Worth
As of 2025, Emmanuel Kelly’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This estimation reflects his earnings from music sales, performances, speaking engagements, and his entrepreneurial ventures. His diverse income streams and growing influence in the entertainment industry contribute to his financial success.
Personal Life and Relationships
Emmanuel is known for his positive outlook on life and his commitment to inspiring others. While details about his personal relationships are kept private, he frequently shares insights into his journey and the lessons he has learned along the way. His experiences have shaped him into a motivational figure who encourages others to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their dreams.
Conclusion
Emmanuel Kelly’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit. From his challenging beginnings in war-torn Iraq to his achievements on the global stage, he has proven that with courage and perseverance, one can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. Through his music, advocacy, and entrepreneurial efforts, Emmanuel continues to inspire and pave the way for greater inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
FAQs
What is Emmanuel Kelly’s background?
Emmanuel Kelly was born in Iraq and abandoned as an infant due to chemical warfare. He was raised in an orphanage before being adopted by Moira Kelly and brought to Australia for life-saving surgeries.
How did Emmanuel Kelly gain fame?
He gained fame through his viral audition on The X Factor Australia in 2011, where his performance of “Imagine” garnered over 500 million views online.
What are some of Emmanuel Kelly’s notable collaborations?
Emmanuel has collaborated with artists such as Coldplay, Snoop Dogg, David Foster, and Paul Oakenfold. He has also performed at significant events, including the United Nations Assembly.
What was Emmanuel Kelly’s performance at the FIFA Club World Cup?
In July 2025, Emmanuel performed at the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup halftime show at MetLife Stadium, becoming the first differently-abled artist to headline a halftime show at a FIFA event.
What is Emmanuel Kelly’s musical style?
Emmanuel’s music blends pop and inspirational genres, often focusing on themes of resilience, hope, and inclusivity.
Has Emmanuel Kelly released any albums?
Yes, Emmanuel released the EP No Zodiac in 2024, featuring singles like “My Sky” and “Right From the Very Start.”
Is Emmanuel Kelly involved in any philanthropic activities?
Yes, Emmanuel is an advocate for inclusion and representation in the entertainment industry. He co-founded OUTLYER to promote these values and has performed at events supporting global causes.
