The Internet has long shouldered more than its fair share of the blame for the less-than-ideal state of the music industry today. Its days as a scapegoat, however, look to be coming to an end, as the top dogs become more aware of its endless potential for the discovery and promotion of up-and-coming talent. A prime example of the web’s ability to bring a rising star into the consciousness of the masses, and ultimately to the attention of savvy label bosses is the YouTube success story of Dondria Nicole.
From her beginnings as a 19-year-old with a $15 webcam, a YouTube account and a metric ton of untapped potential, the singer has grown into a bona fide online phenomenon. By the time Island Urban Music executive Jermaine Dupri caught wind of her talent two years later, she had 25,000 subscribers to her channel and upwards of a million video views. Today, Dondria is making moves on the mainstream spotlight with the single “Can’t Stop,” and is preparing a debut al
