26: Chrisette Michele – Powerful Women of 2013

Before becoming the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter she is today, Chrisette Michele started her career singing on tracks for a number of big hip-hop artists including The Game's 'Let Us Live,' Jay-Z's 'Lost One' and Ghostface Killah's 'Slow Down.'

She eventually wanted to be the one in the spotlight and released 'I Am,' her debut album, in 2007. The LP did so well that Michele won a Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her song, 'Be OK,' in 2009.

Despite the success she was gaining, she once admitted in an interview that she considered leaving the music industry for good. However, those thoughts were short-lived since Michele released two more albums. Not only did the New York native tour with Keyshia Cole this spring, but she also debuted her fourth album, 'Better.' Her momentum is going strong and the year isn't even over yet.