Kierra Sheard facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kierra Sheard-Kelly
Sheard-Kelly in 2023
Background information
Birth name	Kierra Valencia Sheard
Also known as	Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, Kierra Sheard-Kelly
Born	(1987-06-20) June 20, 1987 (age 38) Detroit, Michigan
Origin	Detroit, MI
Genres	Urban gospel, R&B, CCM
Occupation(s)	Singer, Evangelist
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1997–present
Labels	Capitol Christian Music Group, EMI Gospel, Motown Gospel, Karew Entertainment. RCA Inspiration
Associated acts	Karen Clark Sheard Mary Mary The Clark Sisters Tasha Cobbs Mali Music

Kierra Valencia "Kiki" Sheard-Kelly is an American gospel singer and evangelist. She was born on June 20, 1987. Kierra comes from a very musical family. Her mother is the famous gospel singer Karen Clark-Sheard. Her father is Bishop J. Drew Sheard. Kierra's grandmother, Mattie Moss Clark, was also a well-known gospel choir director.

Kierra started singing on her mother's and aunts' albums. She released her first album, I Owe You, in 2004. Her popular song "You Don't Know" was inspired by her mother's serious illness in 2001. Kierra also played her mother in the movie The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel.

Early Life and Beginnings

Kierra was born in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up in West Bloomfield, a suburb of Detroit. Her family, their faith, and their music were very important to her. When she was 5 years old, Kierra started singing in the choir. This was at the Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ, where her father was the pastor.

Kierra's Music Journey

Starting Her Career (1997–2003)

Kierra began her professional singing career at age 9. She sang on her mother's first solo album, Finally Karen (1997). The song "The Will Of God" won an award for Best Children's Performance. Later, Kierra sang backup for her mother, her aunt Dorinda Clark-Cole, and the Clark Sisters.

In 2002, Kierra was featured on her aunt Dorinda Clark-Cole's first album. In 2003, she sang on her mother's third album, The Heavens Are Telling. She sang on "You Loved Me" and "Don't Change." That same year, EMI Gospel signed Kierra to a record deal.

First Album: I Owe You (2004–2005)

Kierra's first album, I Owe You, came out on September 7, 2004. Many talented people helped create the album. This included Rodney Jerkins, Warryn Campbell, and the sisters Erica and Tina Campbell from Mary Mary. Kierra's brother, J Drew, also helped produce the album.

I Owe You made history on the Billboard charts. It was the first time a new artist debuted at number one on the Top Gospel Albums chart. In 2005, EMI released a collection of remixes called Just Until.... One remix, "Let Go," became a surprise hit in Japan. It reached the top of the mainstream R&B charts there.

Second Album: This is Me (2006–2007)

After finishing high school, Kierra released her second album, This Is Me. It came out on June 27, 2006. The album went straight to No. 1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart. The song "Why Me?" was the main single. Kierra also made her first music videos for "Yes" and "This Is Me." In 2006, the album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album.

Kierra performed at the 2007 Stellar Awards. She also sang with her mother for a tribute to Aretha Franklin.

Bold Right Life and Big Hits (2008–2009)

In 2008, Kierra was featured on Mary Mary's popular song, "God in Me." This song was a huge success. It reached number 68 on the US Hot 100 chart. "God in Me" also set a Billboard record. It stayed on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for 74 weeks. It reached number 5 on that chart. The song was also number one on the Dance Club and Hot Gospel Songs charts. It won an award for "Outstanding Song" at the 41st NAACP Image Awards.

In October 2008, Kierra released her third album, Bold Right Life. The album was named after her youth organization in Detroit. Billboard magazine described it as a mix of R&B/hip-hop, pop, rock, and traditional gospel music. The main songs from the album were "Praise Him Now" and "Won't Hold Back." "Love Like Crazy" became another hit for Kierra in Japan.

In 2009, Kierra released a collection of songs called KiKi's Mixtape. It included new songs like "Sing to the Lord" and a cover of "This Christmas."

Movies and Reality TV (2010–2013)

Kierra had a role in the movie Preacher's Kid, which came out in 2010.

Her fourth album, Free, was released on October 18, 2011. This was her first album on her family's record label, Karew Records. The album featured Kierra's BRL (Bold Right Life) Choir.

In 2013, Kierra and her family starred in a new BET reality show called The Sheards. The show was about Kierra, her brother J. Drew, and her parents.

Recent Albums and Acting (2013–Present)

Sheard-Kelly in 2019

Kierra released the song "Trumpets Blow" in 2013. Then came "2nd Win" in 2014, which was a top 20 hit on Billboard's Top Gospel Songs chart. Her fifth album, Graceland, was released on June 22, 2014. Graceland became her fourth album to reach number one on the Top Gospel Albums chart. It also earned Kierra a nomination at the 30th Annual Stellar Awards.

In 2020, Kierra played her mother, Karen Clark-Sheard, in a Lifetime movie. The movie was called The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel. It became Lifetime's highest-rated original movie in four years. Kierra also sang on the movie's soundtrack.

After this, Kierra released her sixth album, Kierra. It debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. This was her fifth album to reach the top spot. Kierra helped write all the songs on the album. It included both studio and live recordings from her hometown, Detroit. The album had three top 20 hit songs: "Don't Judge Me," "It Keeps Happening," and "Something Has To Break." "Something Has To Break," which featured Tasha Cobbs Leonard, reached number 5.

In 2021, Kierra was featured on Nick Cannon's version of the gospel song No Weapon. In October 2021, Kierra's song "Something Has to Break," featuring her mother, reached number one on the Hot Gospel Airplay chart. This was her fourth song to top that chart.

Personal Life

Kierra graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She earned a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in psychology. Even with her busy touring schedule, Kierra went on a tour in Japan with her mother in 2006.

In 2013, Kierra began preaching at her father's church and other churches. In 2017, she officially became an evangelist in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC).

In June 2015, Kierra launched her fashion line called Eleven60. The name Eleven60 honors her mother, Karen Clark Sheard, who was born in November 1960. Kierra has traveled the world and used fashion ideas from cities like New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, and Seoul.

On June 20, 2020, her 33rd birthday, Kierra got engaged to Jordan Kelly. They were married in a private ceremony on December 12, 2020.

In April 2021, Kierra released her first book. It is called Big, Bold and Beautiful: Owning the Woman God Made You to Be. This book is for young teens and young adults. In May 2023, Kierra's second book, The Vibes You Feel: What I've Learned About Life and Relationships Through The Holy Spirit, was released.

In May 2023, Kierra and her husband announced they were expecting their first child, a baby girl.

Discography

• I Owe You (2004)
• This Is Me (2006)
• Bold Right Life (2008)
• Free (2011)
• Graceland (2014)
• Kierra (2020)
• All Yours (2023)

Awards and Recognitions

Dove Awards

The Dove Awards are given out every year by the Gospel Music Association. Kierra Sheard has won 3 awards and been nominated 10 times.

Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are given out every year by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Kierra Sheard has received 4 nominations.

NAACP Image Awards

The NAACP Image Awards are presented by the NAACP. Kierra Sheard has received one award from four nominations.

Stellar Awards

The Stellar Awards are given out every year by SAGMA. Kierra Sheard has received 6 awards and been nominated 16 times.

See also

In Spanish: Kierra Sheard para niños