Singer/songwriter Francesca Battistelli sounds warm and optimistic even when she's singing about disappointment. Born in New York City to parents who were involved in musical theatre, Battistelli cut her teeth performing and singing in plays, which led to her picking up the guitar and writing songs. Her 2008 major-label debut My Paper Heart, with its openhearted lyrics and driving pop hooks, immediately stood out in the Christian music world, eventually going gold. As her career unfolded, she added hints of smooth jazz, country and R&B to her inspirational brand of pop.