Michelle Tumes was born in Adelaide, Australia. She began playing piano at age four, and as a teenager was enrolled into a classical piano course. Michelle first signed with an Australian publisher, but soon after moved to the United States to write songs for CCM musicians such as Jaci Velasquez. Signing with Sparrow Records, her debut album, Listen, was released in 1998. She has released four other studio albums: Center Of My Universe (2000), Dream (2001), Michelle Tumes (2006) and Christmas Is Here (2007).

Her music has become popular worldwide, frequently being played on radio stations for the genre. Her style is a blend of soft acoustic pop with an ethereal element. She appeared on Thomas Kinkade's 2000 album Music Of Light with Rob Mathes and Bill Miller. She also composed and performed songs in the movie No Greater Love.