Newcomer Esmée Denters to tour with Justin Timberlake

This 18-year-old Dutch Diva is making history as the first amateur singer to go from internet video posting, via YouTube, to posting a signed record contract. As a YouTube singing sensation, her videos have over 21 million views and are becoming more popular by the minute.

Esmée Denters has wanted to be a singer her entire life. She was inspired and gathers her soulful sounds from such artists as Alicia Keys, Destiny’s Child and Christina Aguilera. Her talent is self taught. In fact, from a very young age, Esmée thought people wouldn’t like her voice! She made the YouTube videos on a whim—just for fun and her own piece of mind. Little did she know that after making her first post, her life would do a complete 360.

Never doubt the power of YouTube. YouTube launched Esmée’s career. She was first noticed in August of 2006 for her videos- which she posted from an at-home webcam singing cover versions of popular songs.

Esmée continues to make history being the first artist to sign to Tennman Records—Justin Timberlake’s record label.

Why we like her? Her natural raw talent can’t be denied. Esmée’s story is a story that anyone can relate to. Her talent is self-made. The sky’s the limit for Esmée, as she already has a passionate following of supporters.

As her YouTube presence will only be heightened, Esmée plans to document her journey so loyal fans can still tune-in and follow her on what she calls an “out of body experience.” She is committed to keeping her fans in on the action. “…but all of her fans on YouTube should not worry…we will keep you in the loop every step of the way,” announced Justin Timberlake.

What’s next for Esmée? Fans can check her out with tickets to a Justin Timberlake concert where she will be his opening act. She will be on the Justin Timberlake tour all summer while the pair continues feverously writing and recording a debut album to be released late 2007.

What can we learn from Esmée? YouTube blows everything wide-open; any industry becomes fair game to potential newcomers.

“This is why I love the internet,” Esmée Denters.


*Check out Esmée Denters' most popular YouTube submission, "What goes around..." Justin Timberlake cover... wait for the special appearance at the end :)