Stella Cole

Stella Katherine Cole (born 13 January 1999) is an American singer known for her interpretations of jazz standards and songs from the Great American Songbook. Her expanding international audience includes more than 1.7 million social media followers and tens of millions of video views across digital platforms. Citing Judy Garland as a major influence, Cole initially gained significant popularity through social media platforms before establishing herself as a prominent live performer and recording artist in the New York City jazz scene.

Early life and education Cole was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois. Her fascination with music began at the age of three after watching The Wizard of Oz. This sparked a lifelong passion for movie musicals and their iconic stars, particularly Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand, who remain her biggest inspirations. She attended Northwestern University, where she graduated in 2021 with a degree in theatre and international relations. According to Cole, her time at university helped her to hone her vocal skills and deepen her understanding of the music that she loved.

Career During the COVID-19 pandemic, while at home, Cole began posting videos of herself singing on TikTok. An impromptu clip of "Over the Rainbow" went viral, and she quickly amassed a large following. After graduating, Cole moved to New York City and immersed herself in the local jazz community. She began performing at various clubs and restaurants, building her repertoire and reputation. She has since performed at venues like Birdland Jazz Club, Dizzy's Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the Café Carlyle.

On 19 April 2026, Cole performed with Danish conductor Mikkel Rønnow and his orchestra in two concerts at the Glass Hall (Tivoli Gardens) Theatre ("Glassalen"), that featured arrangements by Alan Broadbent and Jesper Riis, with two newly commissioned arrangements of the Judy Garland classics "The Man That Got Away" and "Almost Like Being in Love" by Scottish composer Derek Williams based on those he originally scored for Caroline O'Connor (actress) at the Sydney Opera House. The concerts played to capacity audiences, who gave Cole and Rønnow spontaneous standing ovations, and received favourable reviews, with GAFFA magazine describing Cole as "an absolutely worthy heir to names like Doris Day and Judy Garland."

Artistry Cole performs jazz standards, many of which are from the Great American Songbook.

Discography Albums Stella Cole (2023) Snow! (2024) It's Magic (2025) Live at Café Carlyle (2026)

Singles "Next Christmas" (2022) "Flowers" (with Postmodern Jukebox) (2023) "Uptown Girl" (with Postmodern Jukebox) (2023) "Christmas Dreaming" (2023) "Moon River" (2024) "P.S. I Love You" (2024) "Till There Was You" (2025) "Say It" (2025) "Merry Christmas, Darling" (2025)