Kathleen Elle Named Winner of Hard Rock Rising Global Music Competition!

Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 10/20/2026

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City announced Asbury Park resident Kathleen Elle as the winner of Hard Rock Rising Global Music Competition. The Hard Rock team surprised Elle during a scheduled performance at Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City on October 12.

Elle’s prize package includes $10,000 cash, a world-class recording session at Coke Studio L.A. Live, music distribution across all major streaming platforms, performance at Hard Rock Orlando, a two-night stay at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando with passes to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure, and an exclusive assortment of Marshall amplifiers and accessories.

Earlier this year, Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City hosted Hard Rock Rising, the global music competition developed by Hard Rock International and Coca-Cola spanning 34 countries and 64 Hard Rock Cafes, to give emerging artists a careerlaunching stage.

As part of the competition, Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City hosted nine acts across four live rounds where guests voted in real time via a mobile app. Each artist was scored on Musicianship, Fan Support, Vocal Talent, Originality, and Stage Presence.

Kathleen Elle is a New Jersey singer-songwriter blending pop, rock, folk, and soul into emotionally honest songs built around powerful vocals and memorable melodies. Drawing influence from artists like Taylor Swift, Sara Bareilles, Alanis Morissette, Lake Street Dive, and the storytelling tradition of classic singer-songwriters, Elle writes music that feels deeply personal while remaining instantly relatable.

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“Hard Rock has always been committed to celebrating music and providing a platform for emerging artists to share their talent with the world,” said George Goldhoff, President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. “Kathleen Elle’s passion, originality and undeniable talent made her a standout in this year’s Hard Rock Rising competition, and we’re thrilled to see her hard work recognized on a global stage. We’re proud that Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City played a role in her journey and look forward to seeing where her music takes her next.”

With the legendary Atlantic City Boardwalk as its backdrop, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has become Atlantic City’s go-to entertainment destination. The property features an award-winning gaming floor that offers 2,425 slots, 130 table games, and a dedicated Sportsbook. Boasting more than 15 food and beverage offerings, guests are able to enjoy fine dining at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Kuro, and Il Mulino, to casual fare at Hard Rock Cafe, YOUYU Noodle Bar, Sugar Factory and Fresh Harvest Buffet. The music-inspired resort offers guests a glimpse into the world’s most valuable and largest music memorabilia collection, along with services from Rock Spa® & Salon, which offers rhythm and music inspired treatments like the Soul Survivor Massage. With more than 150,000 square feet of meeting and event space, Hard Rock Atlantic City can fit any bill from intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences.

Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 75 countries spanning more than 300 locations including owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity by Hard Rock™ global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide.