With her own Wikipedia page and a huge social-media fan base, Carly Rose Sonenclar isn’t your average high-school student when it comes to career success. The Mamaroneck teen rose to fame after the audition video of her singing Broadway hit “Feelin’ Good” on The X Factor aired four years ago and quickly went viral worldwide. Sonenclar, who was 13 at the time of the competition, went on to place runner-up on the Fox network hit. Nowadays, the 17-year-old high-school junior is carrying a full school schedule (including two AP classes) and taking the SATs, writing and recording her own music for her debut release and performing at functions all over the US and Canada. Sonenclar is already a seasoned actress, having made her Broadway debut at age 7, in the revival of Les Miserables, and appearing as a series regular on the PBS show The Electric Company. What has all this early success taught her? “I have learned so much over the past few years about the music business, about managing my time, and how to find balance, and also about how important it is to give back,” she says. “Being a well-rounded person makes me a better performer and helps my songwriting.”
Wunderfacts:
• Sonenclar uses her musical talents to help sick children and their families. She is the ambassador for EnCourage Kids Foundation (formerly Starlight Children’s Foundation of NY/NJ/CT) and performs regularly at Mt. Sinai Hospital’s KidZone TV. “Some of the most rewarding moments are when I meet with or get a note from a fan who tells me that they felt better after listening to me sing. That is really what matters,” she says.
• Sonenclar performed at the opening ceremonies of The 19th Maccabiah Games at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem
• Sonenclar is currently working on her debut album. “I am so excited for the future. I am finally getting ready to release my original music, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!” (More details at www.carlyrosesonenclar.com)