Tori Kelly Describes Voiceover Experience on ‘Sing 2’ as ‘Really Awkward and Weird’
Tori Kelly is the award-winning musician behind “Dear No One,” “Should’ve Been Us,” and “Paper Hearts.” She recently starred in Illumination’s animated franchise Sing 2, even if the voiceover experience was “silly” and “really awkward.”
‘Sing 2’ featured cast members Halsey, Bono, and Tori Kelly
In 2021, Illumination’s animated franchise returned with a new story, new musical numbers, and the same loveable characters. The description for this film states that the koala Buster Moon and his all-star cast of performers has to “persuade the world’s most reclusive rock star — played by global music icon Bono, in his animated film debut — to join them.”
In addition to Bono from U2, the Sing 2 cast features several well-known artists. That includes “Without Me” singer Halsey as Porsha Crystal. Black Widow actor Scarlett Johansson portrays Ash. “Dear No One” singer, Tori Kelly, voiced an elephant named Meena.
Tori Kelly described her experience with ‘Sing 2’ as ‘really awkward’
2021 was a significant year for Kelly, with the artist earning two Grammy nominations, as noted by The Ellen DeGeneres Show’s guest host Brad Paisley. The country artist also congratulated Kelly on her very convincing portrayal of an elephant for Sing 2. Kelly said she “tried her hardest” during the voice recording session.
“It’s really fun, and you have to just not be scared to be silly,” Kelly said. “It’s very awkward. This is my first time doing voiceover work, so thankfully, I had our amazing director Garth Jennings who is just like a kid at heart.”
“And so we would just be in there and… it’s similar to being a recording booth, just recording a song so that part felt comfortable,” she continued.
The artist added that without seeing the animation, the movie creators explain a scene before the voice is recorded. That meant just guessing what it would sound like for Kelly’s character to fall down a hole.
Who did Tori Kelly portray in ‘Sing 2’?
As an adorable elephant, Kelly voiced one of the main characters in Sing 2. This character loved to sing. However, when she finally went on stage for an audition, she froze before giving her rendition of “Chandelier” by Sia. Eventually, Meena teamed up with Buster Moon and got over her stage fright.
This production wouldn’t be Kelly’s first involvement with a full-length feature film. The artist recorded her version of “Waving Through a Window” from Dear Evan Hansen for the movie adaptation of the Broadway musical.
Additionally, the performer had a cameo in the television series Disney Fairytale Weddings, now available on Disney+. Previously nominated in the Best New Artist category, this year Kelly earned two Grammy nominations.
That’s for “Never Alone,” which is nominated in the Best Gospel Performance/Song category, and Hiding Place nominated for Best Gospel Album. Music by Kelly is available on most major streaming platforms.
