Chrisette Michele Brings More Soul to a New Year

Chrisette Michele may only be 27, but the R&B sensation already has a Grammy and three hit albums under her belt. She forges ahead this New Year, bringing more soul to 2011.

Her most recent album, "Let Freedom Reign," was released last month. It spawned the Ne-Yo penned hit single, "I'm a Star."

"'Let Freedom Reign' is a mandate to the people who are listening, a challenge to the people who are listening to create freedom and truth in their lives," she said.

Michele takes advantage of her creative freedom - she sings, raps, and even writes nine of the 12 songs on this third album. The 12-track offering also includes the single, "Goodbye Game," as well as guest appearances from Talib Kweli, The Roots' Black Thought, and frequent collaborator Rick Ross on "So in Love."

Michele stopped by "The Early Show on Saturday Morning"'s "Second Cup Cafe" New Year's Day holiday show to perform "I'm A Star" and "Goodbye Game."

Dubbbed a "soulful songbird" by Entertainment Weekly, Michele won a Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance category for her single, "Be OK," featuring will.i.am.

"Be OK" first appeared on her soul-tinged 2007 debut album, "I Am," for which she penned all the lyrics.

Her last album, "Epiphany," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 83,000 copies sold in its first week out.

Often compared to music legends Billie Holiday and Jill Scott, the Long Island native's true favorite is Ella Fitzgerald.