If you’ve ever stumbled across one of Esmée Denters’ YouTube videos (she’s sung countless covers over the past couple of years), you know about the doe-eyed, ’round-the-way, beautiful girl from the Netherlands. She’s also got a voice that’s silky smooth and hints at innocence. With a webcam, a dream, and a devotion to tried and true love music—Stevie Wonder in particular—the 20-year-old has built an astounding worldwide fan base, including Justin Timberlake. The pop hybrid discovered Esmée last year, signing her to his label, Tennman Records.

Esmée recently released her first studio single, “Outta Here,” and is preparing to drop her debut album. In between a whirlwind of press, she steps away from her YouTube page to reveal a little bit of her personality to Rap-Up.com.

1. What is your most precious possession?
I would have to say the Internet. That’s how I keep connected to my fans and obviously that got me where I am today.

2. If you could judge any reality show, which would it be?
It would be fun to be on “American Idol.” I think I’d be a more lax judge because I know what it’s like being an artist. There are things that could go wrong, but if you were a great singer, I would definitely tell you that.

3. What do you like to sing about besides love?
I get inspiration from everywhere, whether it’s in my personal life, friends, or family. Love is a thing that I always get back to because it’s so universal and everyone can relate to it.

4. Which two celebrities would you combine to make up your ideal man?
I think Wentworth Miller’s very cute. And I would probably put Jamie Foxx in there since he’s so talented and he’s got a sense of humor.

5. What’s one thing you can’t travel without?
My phone. I’m always updating my Twitter and whenever I do something I can tell my friends. I update it like seven or eight times a day.

6. If you could have a meal with any artist, who would it be?
Beyoncé because she’s such an inspiration. She’s a strong woman and her voice is just incredible. She’s also an amazing performer and actress. That’s what I aspire to be someday.

7. Where would you like to visit that you haven’t already?
I would love to go to Japan. I just think that it’s a whole different world and I’d love to experience it.

8. What was your last thought before bed last night?
Luckily, I had a really big day yesterday with press. So when I go to bed and wind down, I just try to think about everything that happened that day. I try to take it in.

9. How did you start singing?
I can’t remember exactly, but I’ve always loved singing and music. My dad is a big music freak; he has all kinds of different albums from Nirvana to Stevie Wonder to the Beatles. I learned a lot about music from a very young age.

10. Is there any song that makes you cry every time you hear it?
I actually got to see Stevie Wonder perform “As” live when he was in Holland. That’s one of my favorite songs because the lyrics are so beautiful. I got a little bit teary from that. I got to meet him too and it was incredible.

–Rajul Punjabi

Listen to Esmée’s first single, “Outta Here,” produced by Polow Da Don and Justin Timberlake.

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