Grace Kinstler is having an awesome New Year so far. The American Idol 2021 second runner-up dropped her new single, “Leo” today. The big voiced singer debuted the song on live television, singing the song high atop an Illinois themed float at the 134th Rose Bowl Parade. Both ABC and NBC networks aired her performance.
The local KTLA Los Angeles reporter who introduced Grace on the ground during the TV station’s live stream, mentioned that the singer has over 10 million Tik Tok followers. The actual stats: Over 12 million likes, and more than 647K followers. On the platform, Grace excels at singing covers and performing Tik Tok “challenges.”
Grace Kinstler Drops “Pray For You” Inspired by Late Father
American Idol’s Grace Kinstler Drops Personal “Breaking Myself”
Enjoy Illinois, an outfit that promotes tourism in the state, sponsored the float. Grace lives in Los Angeles now, and she attended Berklee school of music in Boston, but she grew up in the Chicago area.
The float, fronted by a likeness of native Abraham Lincoln and festooned with flowers, also features “ILLINOIS” in big letters. As Grace performed at the grandstand, a crew of dancers did their thing. “These dancers look amazing!” she said during a short instrumental interlude. She ended the song addressing the crowd, “Thank you so much for being here! Happy New Year, I’m sending you all my love.”
Watch her performance below from a stream of the entire 2 hour plus parade, which took place in Pasadena, Califormia. Later, Penn State will face off against Utah in the Rose Bowl game.
On social media, Grace announced that the song is available now on all streaming platforms. “I hope y’all are having a cozy holiday season; I’m sending my love to you! Thrilled to be representing Illinois on the @enjoyillinois float!” she wrote in the caption. Grace penned the song with Gray Hawken.
Grace Kinstler’s “Leo” is available on all platforms now
Listen to the studio recording of the upbeat song here.
Grace finished American Idol in third place in 2021 behind runner-up, the late Willie Spence and winner Chayce Beckham.
