April 10, 2025 – New York, NY – SRG-ILS Group/Virgin Music/UMG has announced the latest addition to its roster: singer-songwriter, producer, and media personality Elijah Connor. A dynamic force in modern R&B, Connor captivates audiences with his smooth vocals, undeniable presence, and star power that cannot be ignored. With millions of fans already familiar with his face, Elijah Connor is now geared up to release new music that has everyone eagerly anticipating what's next. His viral fame propelled him into the spotlight, establishing him as one of the genre’s most exciting rising stars. Elijah Connor is proving that he’s more than just a viral sensation—he’s a name you're going to remember.
Connor first gained national attention through his appearance on The Four: Battle for Stardom and is now poised to make an even greater impact through his collaboration with SRG-ILS Group/Virgin Music Group (Universal Music Group). With his label imprint, Purple Rain Entertainment, Connor is ready to take the global stage by storm, showcasing his unique sound and undeniable star power.
"The entire team at SRG/ILS is excited to be working with Elijah and the Purple Rain Entertainment team," said Claude Villani, the head of SRG-ILS. "Elijah is a uniquely gifted, multifaceted singer who is about to break through in a major way. We look forward to introducing him to the world via our partnership with Virgin Music Group (UMG)."
Connor himself expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, "It has been a lifelong goal of mine to share my gifts with the world, and partnering with SRG through my imprint, Purple Rain Entertainment, is an incredible honor," he shared. "Claude Villani is not only a visionary leader but also a musician, which makes his passion for artistry unmatched. His dedication, and unwavering commitment to preserving the essence of music while elevating it to new heights has solidified SRG as the powerhouse label it is today. This partnership is more than just a milestone—it marks the beginning of something extraordinary."
In addition to new music, Elijah Connor is set to release his debut memoir, Behind The Stare—a compelling and unexpected revelation. In this electrifying tell-all, Connor pulls back the curtain on the unforgettable viral moment with Sean "Diddy" Combs that catapulted him into the spotlight. Offering an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at his journey through fame, music, and personal growth, Behind The Stare is a raw, unfiltered read that promises to captivate, inspire, and expose the untold truths behind the stare. With shocking revelations and personal insights that will leave readers breathless and eagerly anticipating more, the memoir will be available for pre-order starting May 6, 2025, and officially released via Penguin Light Publishing.
In addition to the memoir, Elijah Connor is set to release his highly anticipated debut EP, The Book of Eli, on July 18, 2025. In collaboration with Purple Rain Entertainment and SRG-ILS Group/Virgin Music/UMG, this nine-track project promises to offer a powerful and transformative R&B experience. The Book of Eli takes listeners on an intimate journey through love, passion, vulnerability, and raw emotion, all delivered with Connor's signature smooth vocals. Redefining modern R&B, this EP is bold, introspective, and sonically refined—each track drawing you deeper into his world. With undeniable charm and magnetic presence, Connor has quickly become one of the genre’s most exciting rising stars. From sultry slow jams and heartfelt love ballads to high-energy tracks, this EP solidifies Elijah Connor as a groundbreaking new force in R&B—an artist set to leave a lasting impact and keep fans coming back for more.
Elijah Connor is also expanding his philanthropic efforts, as he has recently joined St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a brand ambassador and partner for their “Love Music Stop Cancer” campaign. Through this partnership, he aims to raise awareness and funds to help save lives via the #MusicGives initiative.
Connor’s roots are deeply entrenched in music. As the son of a preacher and the younger cousin of legendary musician Prince, Elijah’s musical heritage is rich with soul and R&B influences. His journey as an artist began in Detroit, where his early exposure to gospel and R&B laid the foundation for his rise. Though often compared to his iconic family members, Connor has carved out his own identity in the music world. His sound is a unique blend of timeless soul, pop, and the modern R&B elements that resonate with today’s listeners.
Before gaining viral fame, Connor made waves on The Four: Battle for Stardom, a nationally broadcasted talent competition. His captivating performance of Musiq Soulchild’s “Love” left an indelible impression on both the judges and the audience. However, it was his infamous stare-down with Sean “Diddy” Combs during the show that would go on to define his rise in popular culture, amassing more than 900 million impressions and securing him a place in the spotlight.
His independently released single “Worth It” further solidified his growing prominence in the music industry. The song climbed the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart to #23, remaining there for an impressive ten weeks. Produced by Grammy Award-winning producers Romano and OG Parker, “Worth It” is an anthem for self-worth and resilience. The song’s music video garnered significant attention, premiering on BET Soul, BET Jams, and MTV Networks, and quickly became a global radio hit.
Elijah Connor is poised for even greater success, with a dedicated fanbase and a vision that goes beyond viral fame. His upcoming music projects and memoir are just the beginning of what promises to be a long and impactful career. As Connor continues to make his mark across multiple creative fields, it’s clear that his journey from viral sensation to music icon is only just beginning.
For more information on Elijah Connor, visit his official social media channels:
Stay tuned for updates on the release of his memoir and upcoming music projects.
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