In a delightful revelation, Tori Kelly has shared her joy in featuring her son Zayden on her new album, *God Must Really Love Me*. The artist spoke with PEOPLE about the inspiration behind the album and her new life as a mother, emphasising how Zayden, who is now seven months old, has enriched her music.
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The album, which marries elements of R&B and gospel, is deeply rooted in Kelly’s experiences of motherhood. “It feels so special,” she remarked, highlighting how her son’s presence has influenced her artistic journey. She expressed her delight in watching Zayden respond to her music, saying, “Anytime I put it on, he could be crying or fussing, and he’ll just stop.” This reaction has only reinforced the bond between mother and son, serving as a personal testament to the album’s uplifting themes.
Kelly’s journey into motherhood is reflected in the songs she penned while pregnant. Each track embodies the blissful emotions she experienced during this transformative period. “I was just so overwhelmed with inspiration,” she said, describing how she channelled her feelings into her songwriting. The ability to celebrate this new chapter, alongside her husband André Murillo, has provided Kelly with a renewed sense of purpose and creativity.
While the idea of motherhood had lingered in Kelly’s mind for years, it didn’t become a priority until she met Murillo, whom she wed in 2018. Their relationship blossomed as Kelly’s music career took off, which included appearances on major platforms like *American Idol* and collaborations with high-profile artists such as Ed Sheeran. Despite her rapid ascent in the music industry, the couple has managed to cultivate a strong family foundation.
In a remarkable feat, Kelly even composed music for her album while touring with Sheeran last year, during which she was secretly pregnant. Upon announcing her pregnancy, she felt a newfound sense of freedom, fully embracing this personal joy. “Once I announced it, I just felt so free,” she recounted. The album came together rapidly after Zayden’s birth; she found herself inspired and eager to capture her thoughts in song just days after becoming a mother.
The album also delves into Kelly’s vulnerabilities, particularly highlighted in the track “Bird,” where she reflects on the impact of her parents’ divorce. This experience brought about feelings of anxiety regarding her own marriage, but she now emphasises the healing she has undergone. “We’re a team,” she affirmed, showcasing the strength of her partnership with Murillo as they navigate the challenges of parenthood together.
Balancing her career and motherhood has been a learning curve for Kelly, who credits her husband for his unwavering support. She acknowledges that parenting occupies most of their time but has become an enjoyable ‘new normal’ in their lives. “I wouldn’t be able to do it without him,” Kelly remarked, appreciating Murillo’s role in this shared journey.
Her Christian faith plays a pivotal role in how she approaches both marriage and motherhood. Kelly articulated how her spirituality intertwines with every aspect of her life, particularly evident in her latest album. “God is in my marriage. God is in the way I view motherhood,” she explained, illuminating the significance of faith in her family’s life.
In a heartfelt touch, Kelly included Zayden on her album as a special featured voice. He is the first and last voice listeners will hear, with his birth audio captured in the track “Too Much.” This combination serves to immortalise a precious moment in their lives. “I’m just picturing being 80 — if I get to live that long — and looking back on this album,” she mused, reflecting on the significance of having her son eternally voiced in her music.
For those keen to explore more about Tori Kelly’s inspiring journey as a mother and artist, her insights are detailed in the latest edition of *PEOPLE*, available now on newsstands across the UK.