Karen Lee Batten’s first distinctive musical memory came at the age of 4, when she memorized her father’s vocals as she watched him in concert. Inspired to develop her own voice, the British Columbia native of Abbotsford sang in choirs at the elementary and high school levels, and entered vocal competitions using Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” as her reliable favourite. These experiences marked the early foundation for the passionate vocal delivery and dynamic range that would later come to define her.

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Empowered by clearer ambitions, Karen Lee broke through as a Top 10 finalist on Canadian Idol, giving her immediate national recognition and an exciting industry entry point. Drawn to the country genre for its close-knit community and stylistic openness towards rock and soul elements, Karen Lee’s new pursuits led to her first album Every Moment and her first music video on Canadian Country Music Television.

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With a commanding stage energy, which has since sent her to Rockin’ River, Merritt Mountain Festival, Gone Country, Sunfest, Williams Lake Stampede, a showcase during Canadian Country Music Week, and has made her an anthem favourite at NHL, CFL, and MLS games.

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Karen Lee Batten’s voice remains as timeless as it is relevant – commanding an adoring spotlight wherever a song might take her.