Photos by Andy Argyrakis

In a short but sweet burst, Freya Skye went from representing the United Kingdom in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest to landing a leading role in Disney’s “Zombies” film franchise and signing with Hollywood Records.

The 16-year-old singer/songwriter/guitarist/actress has since become one of the most streamed artists in the world, who after guesting on iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball, is now headlining the completely sold out “Stars Align” Tour.

Chicago’s Salt Shed was one of the more substantial stops, yet after a little over an hour reaching both the young fans packed on the floor and the parents parked in the furthest rafters, Skye seems to have already graduated to the next level of superstardom.

That’s because she possesses instantly relatable lyrics, a dynamite voice, endearing personality and charismatic stage presence that mirrors many of the pop princesses who’ve followed a similar trajectory.

All anyone had to do was take a look or listen to “Can’t Fake It,” “petty,” “Walk Over,” “why’d you have to call?” and “Bad Taste,” which launched an intimate evening of brightly colored beats, split between a debut EP, “stardust,” and several stand-alone singles.

Backed by a three-piece band, Skye focused entirely on originals, including a campfire-styled acoustic segment comprised of “Who I Thought I Knew,” “london” and “maybe tomorrow,” further exhibiting her heartfelt songwriting and sparkling vocals.

On top of those understated examples, the even louder sing-a-longs “golden boy,” “silent treatment” and “Gold’s Gone” are already in the process of becoming signatures, hinting at the promise of what could come on an already flourishing journey that’s only just begun.

The same could be said about opener/labelmate Adrian Lyles, who was initially seen on “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” and is now exploring a path of R&B-infused pop throughout the “Horizons” EP trilogy.

Many of those infectious cuts were on display during an introductory half-hour, in addition to local hero Djo’s “End Of Beginning,” though no matter if it was that sole cover or personally-penned material, his rise is bound to be equally rapid.

For additional information on Freya Skye, visit FreyaSkye.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at The Salt Shed include Wooli (Feb. 20); Crankdat (Feb. 27); Rainbow Kitten Surprise (Feb. 28-Mar. 1); Dropkick Murphys (Mar. 3); Artemas (Mar. 5); Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit (Mar. 6-7); Level Up and Zingara (Mar. 13); Humbe (Mar. 14); Descendents and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls (Mar. 15); bbno$ (Mar. 17); Maddox Batson (Mar. 20); The Hives (Mar. 26); Joyce Manor, Militarie Gun, Teen Mortgage and Combat (Mar. 28). For additional details, visit SaltShedChicago.com.

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