Iris Lloyd

Based in Hartland, New Brunswick, 13-year-old singer and musician Iris Leeanna Lloyd has quickly become one of the most talked-about emerging young artists in New Brunswick’s live music scene. What began with childhood performances in church and at local community events has evolved into a rapidly growing performance career marked by major festival invitations, sold-out opening slots, and a packed spring and summer concert calendar.

Iris began formal voice lessons at age seven and gained early recognition in 2023 when she received the Adjudicator’s Choice Award at the Carleton County Music Festival for her standout performance of “Naughty” from Matilda. In 2024, she won the KIRA New Brunswick Talent Competition with a powerful rendition of You Say, a performance that helped establish her as a rising young vocalist with exceptional emotional depth and stage presence.

That same year, Iris was invited to audition for Season 4 of Canada’s Got Talent and appeared in promotional material for the show. While her segment was not televised, the experience further strengthened her passion for live performance and confirmed her commitment to pursuing music at a professional level.

Over the past year, Iris’s momentum has accelerated dramatically. Now consistently invited to festivals, showcases, and high-profile community events, she has become known for delivering emotionally powerful performances well beyond her years. In spring and summer 2026 alone, Iris has more than 25 local performance dates scheduled, including appearances at the Hella Blue Music Festival, the New Brunswick Country Showcase, and the Covered Bridge Smoke Show, where she was invited as a last-minute featured replacement performer. She has also opened for sold-out shows and performed extended feature sets at major community and fundraising events across the province.

In April 2026 alone, Iris performed as a featured artist with the New Brunswick Country Showcase, delivered an hour-long featured set at the Woodstock Rotary Club Ballroom Dance, opened for established acts, and continued building strong relationships with musicians and bands throughout the region. Her reputation within the local music community has grown rapidly, with event organizers regularly rebooking her and collaborating musicians consistently inviting her back to perform with them.

Influenced by powerhouse artists including Adele, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, and Andra Day, Iris combines strong vocal control with remarkable emotional connection and authenticity. Her performances of Rise Up have become audience favourites, often earning standing ovations and emotional reactions from crowds. In addition to singing, she plays piano, viola, ukulele, and guitar, and has begun developing and performing original music of her own.

Iris studies at the Knowlesville Art & Nature School and performs with the Carleton County Strings orchestra. She is supported by a close-knit family and a growing network of mentors, musicians, teachers, and supporters who recognize both her talent and her work ethic.

Still only 13, Iris is already building the kind of live performance experience many artists do not reach until their late teens or early twenties. With a rare combination of vocal ability, professionalism, humility, and commanding stage presence, she is emerging as one of Atlantic Canada’s most promising young performers — and the momentum is only beginning.