Nikki Yanofsky facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nikki Yanofsky
Yanofsky performs in Vienna in 2010
Background information
Birth name	Nicole Rachel Yanofsky
Born	(1994-02-08) February 8, 1994 (age 31) Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Genres	Jazz, pop, Soul
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2006–present
Labels	A440 Entertainment, Universal Music Canada

Nicole Rachel "Nikki" Yanofsky (born February 8, 1994) is a talented Canadian singer from Montreal, Quebec. She is known for her amazing jazz and pop music. Nikki became famous when she sang "I Believe", the official theme song for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. She also performed at the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympics and the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games. So far, she has released four studio albums, including Nikki (2010), Little Secret (2014), Turn Down the Sound (2020), and Nikki By Starlight (2022).

Early Life of Nikki Yanofsky

Nikki Yanofsky grew up in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in a loving Jewish family. Her parents are Elyssa and Richard Yanofsky. She also has two older brothers, Michael and Andrew. Nikki went to St. George's School of Montreal for her education.

Nikki Yanofsky's Music Journey

First Recordings and Big Breaks

Nikki started her recording career early. In 2007, she recorded the Ella Fitzgerald song "Air Mail Special" for Verve Records. This made her the youngest singer ever to record for the famous Verve label! She also sang "Gotta Go My Own Way" in both English and French for the movie High School Musical 2.

Nikki worked with famous musicians like Herbie Hancock and will.i.am. They created a cool version of the classic song "Stompin' at the Savoy". This song was featured in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's audiobook, On the Shoulders of Giants.

First Album and Awards

In September 2008, Nikki released her first full album, Ella...Of Thee I Swing. It was a live CD/DVD from a concert. This album earned her two nominations at the Juno Awards in 2009. She also won the Favourite Jazz Artist award at the 2009 Canadian Independent Music Awards.

Singing for the Olympics

Nikki was chosen to sing "I Believe" for the 2010 Winter Olympics. This song became super popular and reached number one on the Canadian Hot 100 chart in February 2010. This was a huge achievement, as she was the first Canadian artist to have a number one song on that chart! The song was certified "Quadruple Platinum", meaning it was downloaded millions of times.

Studio Albums and Collaborations

In 2010, Nikki released her first studio album, Nikki. She worked with famous producer Phil Ramone on this album. It included "I Believe" and some of Nikki's own original songs. She even wrote songs with artists like Jesse Harris, Ron Sexsmith, and Feist. Nikki was released in April 2010 and led to an international tour. It was nominated for a Juno Award and won Nikki the WAVE Smooth Jazz Award for "Female Vocalist of the Year".

Nikki also sang "I Dream in Pink" for Ganz's Webkinz Pet of the Month in October 2010. In 2011, she sang "It's a Small World" for a jazz album of popular Disney songs. Other jazz stars like Esperanza Spalding were also on that album.

Her second studio album, Little Secret, came out in Canada in May 2014. This album was produced by the legendary Quincy Jones.

In 2015, Nikki started working with Wyclef Jean on new music. Her Solid Gold EP was released in Canada in September 2016. In August 2018, she released a new song called "Big Mouth". On July 10, 2020, Nikki released her third studio album, Turn Down the Sound. Her fourth album, Nikki By Starlight, came out on October 21, 2022.

Nikki Yanofsky's Live Performances

Yanofsky autographing a wall at KPLU-FM in October 2010

Nikki's professional singing career began at the 2006 Montreal International Jazz Festival. She was only 12 years old, making her the youngest performer ever to headline the festival! She has performed there every year since, including a special show for the festival's 30th Anniversary in 2009.

She has also performed at many other festivals across Canada and internationally. These include the North Sea Jazz Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival in Europe, and the Ginza International Jazz Festival in Japan.

On her 14th birthday, February 8, 2008, Nikki started a tour with Marvin Hamlisch at Carnegie Hall. She has also sung with several Canadian orchestras, including the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

In 2011, Nikki sang "On A Clear Day You Can See Forever" with Herbie Hancock on piano. This was at an event honoring Barbra Streisand. On April 13, 2013, Nikki sang "Let the Good Times Roll" with Stevie Wonder in Las Vegas. This special event celebrated the 80th birthdays of Quincy Jones and Sir Michael Caine.

Nikki also went on "The Little Secret Tour" starting in June 2013, to promote her album Little Secret.

Nikki Yanofsky's Charitable Work

Nikki Yanofsky is also known for her big heart and helping others. In 2008, she received an award for Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy in Quebec. Throughout her career, she has helped raise over $10 million for different charities!

She works with The Montreal Children's Hospital, The Children's Wish Foundation, and MusiCounts. She has also supported oneXone, Leave Out Violence Everywhere (L.O.V.E.), and ORT.

Nikki sang a solo part in the remake of K'naan's song "Wavin' Flag" with a group called Young Artists for Haiti. All the money from this song went to help charities.

In October 2010, Nikki received the first-ever Allan Slaight Award from Canada's Walk of Fame. This award celebrates young Canadians who are making a positive difference in music, arts, sports, or charity.

Discography

Albums

EPs

• Solid Gold EP (September 2016)

Singles

Videography

DVDs

Awards and Nominations