Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City announced Asbury Park, NJ, resident Kathleen Elle as the winner of Hard Rock Rising Global Music Competition today. The Hard Rock team surprised Elle during a scheduled performance at Hard Rock Cafe Atlantic City on Oct. 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 career‑launching 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.
“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.”
