(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Approximately 90 artists entered the Atlantic City competition for of Hard Rock Rising, a new global music competition presented by Hard Rock Cafe and Coca-Cola. Only nine were selected to perform across the local competition rounds. East Brunswick singer-songwriter Kathleen Elle advanced through two nights of live competition before being named the Atlantic City winner on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
For Kathleen, the victory carries special meaning because she has been writing and performing music since she was just 16 years old.
“It’s such an incredible feeling to win a competition where I was able to perform my own original music,” said Elle. “I’ve spent so many years writing songs and building my career around my own music, so having those songs recognized on a stage like Hard Rock is really special.”
Throughout the competition, Kathleen performed primarily original songs from her latest album, Memory Lane. The 11-song album was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, at the iconic Blackbird Studio and showcases her blend of pop, singer-songwriter, folk and rock influences.
Hard Rock Rising is a truly global competition, with 64 participating Hard Rock Cafe locations across 34 countries. Kathleen will now represent Atlantic City alongside winners from 63 other locations around the world, including Hard Rock Cafes in Italy, London and numerous other international markets.
The next stage of the competition will take place globally, with the winning artists' performances submitted for review by the Coke Studio team. One grand prize winner will ultimately be selected.
The grand prize includes $10,000, the opportunity to open for a major artist at Hard Rock Live Orlando, and a professional recording session at Coke Studio L.A., along with music distribution support.
For a musician who has spent more than half her life pursuing songwriting and performing, Kathleen says simply making it to this stage is something she is incredibly proud of.
“I started doing this when I was 16, and I never could have imagined that years later I’d be representing my hometown on a global stage like this,” Elle said. “I’m so grateful to everyone from East Brunswick and New Jersey who came out, voted and supported me throughout this entire experience.”
Follow her journey here: https://www.instagram.com/kathleen_e11e
And listen to Memory Lane here.
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