R&B Newcomer, Serena Smart is exactly what the industry has been missing. The Queens native grew up surrounded by music. By the age of three, she began developing her voice, which was encouraged by her father. Immediately seeing her talent, she was enrolled in singing lessons, attended musical theater camp, and participated in church choirs. As she got older, Serena took on piano like her older brother but added guitar and ukulele lessons. Serena gravitated towards everyone from Ariana Grande and Katy Perry to Jessie J. Serena’s father brought her to audition for the infamous “Amateur Night” at the Apollo. She belted out “Listen” by Beyoncé, incited widespread applause, and even placed second. From that moment, Serena knew it was what she was meant to do. She began posting videos on social media and building a fan base. Serena released her first independent single “Nervous” and immediately got attention. That attention caught the eye of Legendary Director Benny Boom's son, who of course showed his dad. And the rest as they say is history!