Kelowna has found its rising star in twelve-year-old Layla Gershony, a young singer-songwriter making waves in the classical music scene and beyond. With her heartfelt vocals, impressive songwriting abilities, and growing list of accolades, Layla is steadily building a name for herself and captivating audiences wherever she goes.

Since she was little, Layla has had an innate talent for singing, according to her mother, Haley Gershony. “Pretty much as soon as she could say words, she was singing. She would hum and babble, but it was always on key,” says Haley, fondly remembering Layla’s early musical years. Recognizing her natural gift, Haley encouraged her daughter to pursue music further.

Under the guidance of voice coach Alexandra Babbel, host of the Voices Unleashed series, Layla has refined her vocal technique and style. Alexandra, a strong advocate for the classical genre, had initially steered Layla toward classical training, even setting aside her love for pop and musical theatre to ensure a strong vocal foundation. Layla’s commitment paid off, leading to multiple wins in local and regional competitions.

“It was clear early on that Layla had a voice suited for the stage,” says Alexandra. “We started with classical training, and she quickly excelled. She even won the Kiwanis Festival during COVID through a virtual submission, a testament to her talent and dedication.”

Despite the virtual constraints of the pandemic, Layla continued to thrive. From winning Kelowna’s Classical Voice category to representing her city at larger competitions, Layla’s accolades have piled up. Earlier this year, she participated in the Provincial competitions, where she excelled once again, moving up to represent British Columbia in Fort St. John. She then travelled to Victoria for the Canada West competition, where young singers from B.C., Alberta, and Saskatchewan competed. Layla’s outstanding performance won her yet another prestigious title, making her one of the most recognized young voices in the province.

Layla’s accomplishments extend beyond classical music competitions. Not only does she sing, but she’s also a budding songwriter. She recently collaborated with The Voice finalist Jordan Chase, who recorded a song she composed. Layla is also working on an EP, with plans to release her original music this winter or early spring. Her YouTube channel, managed by her parents, allows fans to hear her work, including her self-penned track, They're Never True, where she plays piano and sings with a maturity beyond her years.

Haley Gershony, Layla’s mother, describes the family’s approach to her daughter’s music career. “We’re careful to balance her talent with the normal experiences of being a kid,” says Haley. “Layla has her YouTube channel where fans can follow her, but we oversee it to keep things age-appropriate.”

With a supportive family, dedicated mentors, and a growing fan base, Layla is focused on pursuing music and writing more songs. “I would love to keep going,” Layla shares. Her enthusiasm and natural talent continue to drive her forward, and her presence in the Canadian music scene is a source of pride for Kelowna.

From her impressive achievements to her vibrant personality, Layla Gershony is undoubtedly a name to watch. As she prepares for her EP release, Layla is set to inspire young artists and remind Kelowna that even the smallest voices can make the biggest impact.