Last year, my favorite “new” musical artist was Keaton Simons and this year it is hands down Francesca Battistelli. Her debut, My Paper Heart is available now and it is a must have!!! My favorites on the album include “Free To Be Me,” “It’s Your Life,” and my ultimate favorite, “Forever Love.”

I first heard her music on Extreme Makeover Home Edition and you may have heard her music on The Hills, Jon And Kate Plus 8, The Biggest Loser, and the film Julie & Julia. Best of all, earlier this month, Francesca received her first Grammy nomination for “Free To Be Me,” in the Best Gospel Performance category so be sure to watch the 52nd Grammy Awards this January 31, 2010! If Francesca thought 2009 was a good year…this is only the beginning!

Watch Francesca perform “It’s Your Life” here.