As a singer, songwriter, DJ, emcee, bandleader and electric live entertainer, Erika Van Pelt has made her mark on the New England music scene for over two decades. Van Pelt’s sultry, gritty alto voice captured the hearts of millions on the 11th season of American Idol in 2012. Erika soared through to the Top 10, which lead to a 46-city worldwide arena tour. When the Idols LIVE! Tour wrapped in the fall of 2012, EVP went straight to work on her debut album. Van Pelt’s 11-track debut ‘My Independence’ was released in October of 2013. Erika’s critically acclaimed debut album received nominations for “Record of the Year”, and "Indie Artist of the Year” at the New England Music Awards. 

 

Van Pelt has performed on The Tonight Show, and shared the stage and studio with Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Chaka Khan, Rihanna, Demi Lovato, Lana Del Rey, Daughtry, James Taylor, Diana Ross, Kristen Chenoweth, Martin Short, The Staples Singers, Black Eyed Peas, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Holiday, Neil Young, Darren Criss, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Maroon 5, and many more.

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In 2021, Erika co-founded JNE Entertainment LLC, with her music partner Joseph DeNatale. Erika and Joseph's live music and DJ duo has become a staple in the event sphere in Boston and beyond, bringing a unique and dynamic hybrid service to music-lovers and party-goers alike. 

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In 2023, Erika became a voting member of the prestigious Recording Academy.

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Most recently, her voice has been featured on new releases by Sonya Rae Taylor (guitarist for Gigi Perez), Phoebe Katis and Mike "Maz" Maher of Snarky Puppy. 

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