Carly Rose Sonenclar (born April 20, 1999) is an American singer, songwriter and former child actress. She gained national attention as the runner-up on season 2 of The X Factor USA in 2012. Before appearing on television competition shows, Sonenclar began her career on stage and later became known for her powerful vocal performances and versatility across genres.

Early stage career

Sonenclar began performing at a young age. She made early professional appearances on Broadway in 2006, demonstrating an aptitude for musical theatre and live performance. On television she portrayed the character Gilda on the children's series The Electric Company, a role that showcased both acting and singing abilities and introduced her to a wider audience of families and children. Her stage background provided a foundation of discipline and experience that helped her transition into national televised competitions.

The X Factor and national recognition

In 2012, at age 13, Carly Rose Sonenclar auditioned for season 2 of The X Factor USA. Her audition performance of the standard "Feeling Good" earned praise from the judges and marked the beginning of a run through the live shows. Throughout the season she consistently ranked among the most-voted contestants and ultimately finished in second place behind Tate Stevens. The show gave her broad exposure to television audiences and music industry professionals.

Recording and later work

Following the show, Sonenclar pursued recording opportunities and public performances. In 2013 she signed with Syco Music, the label associated with the franchise. Beyond competition and studio work, she continued to perform live, including singing the U.S. national anthem at sporting events and other public gatherings. Her career path reflects a common arc for artists who begin in musical theatre and move into contemporary pop and recording careers.

Musical style and public image

Carly Rose is often noted for a mature, expressive voice that allows her to interpret a range of material. During televised performances she tackled standards, ballads and contemporary pop, demonstrating adaptability in phrasing and tone. As a young artist who debuted in professional theatre and then reached mass-media attention as a teenager, she has frequently been discussed in the context of youth talent development and the pressures faced by child performers entering the recording industry.

Notable facts and context

  • Broadway debut and early theatre work helped build stagecraft and vocal training; see more on stage credits via relevant stage sources.
  • Television role as Gilda is documented in children's programming records; further details can be found at program archives.
  • Her X Factor audition of "Feeling Good" is widely cited as a breakthrough moment; audio and coverage are often referenced at performance clips.

While attention from a major televised competition accelerated her public profile, Sonenclar's combination of theatre experience and televised exposure illustrates a path taken by several contemporary young performers. Observers note her technical skill and presence on stage as distinguishing traits as she moved from child actress to recording artist and live performer.