Courtesy of EMI

Scottish-born singer and songwriter Emeli Sandé, who recently broke through on the UK music scene with her rich and soulful voice, has announced new North American live dates as part of a series of showcases as she tests the North American music market.

The artist will play two private shows in New York City, NY (2/27) and Los Angeles, CA (3/01) before opening her talent up to the public in San Francisco, CA (3/02), Minneapolis, MN (3/05), and Toronto, Canada (3/07).

Audiences at the shows will be treated to a preview of Sandé’s upcoming debut album, ‘Our Version Of Events’.

Emeli Sandé has been widely recognized in the U.K. as one to watch in 2012. The singer already picked up a Critics Choice Award before going on to be nominated in the Breakthrough British Artist category at the Brit Awards; a prestigious award ceremony aimed at recognizing great British talent.

Due for release in the U.S. June 5, the album features Sandé’s U.K. singles ‘Heaven’, ‘Daddy’, and ‘Next To Me’. The album seamlessly melds Sandé’s powerful pop songcraft with the inspiration she draws from the likes Nina Simone, Joni Mitchell, and Lauren Hill.

Emeli Sandé recently gave Madonna a copy of her debut album after meeting the singer backstage at a BBC talk-show.

Watch the music video for Emeli Sandé’s single ‘Heaven’ below: